2013 Kia Picanto: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2013 Kia Picantos, from 12,590 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2013 Kia Picantos than on all cars registered in 2013.
- Rigid brake pipes3.6× usualKia Picanto17.1% All 2013 cars4.7%Rough price £100–£400
At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.
- Braking performance2× usualKia Picanto8.8% All 2013 cars4.4%Rough price £100–£350
At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
- Seat belts4.8× usualKia Picanto5.3% All 2013 cars1.1%Rough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock and retract smoothly.
- Position lamp1.9× usualKia Picanto7.6% All 2013 cars4%Rough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
Coil springs: 2.8% here, against 8.7% of all 2013 cars. Shock absorbers: 1% here, against 6% of all 2013 cars.
By area
The share of 2013 Kia Picanto MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes40% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Tyres31% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Lights and electrics26% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension25% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors9% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Exhaust and emissions6% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 6,657 | Tyres 25% |
| 2021 | 8,414 | Tyres 25% |
| 2020 | 7,883 | Tyres 29% |
| 2019 | 16,297 | Tyres 29% |
| 2018 | 16,345 | Tyres 29% |
| 2017 | 13,261 | Tyres 29% |
| 2016 | 12,541 | Brakes 31% |
| 2015 | 13,596 | Brakes 34% |
| 2014 | 14,407 | Brakes 37% |
| 2012 | 12,875 | Brakes 43% |
| 2011 | 10,186 | Brakes 43% |
| 2010 | 12,280 | Brakes 39% |
| 2009 | 11,801 | Suspension 41% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2013 Kia Picantos registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score