2013 Kia Venga: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2013 Kia Vengas, from 5,515 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 Vengas than on all cars registered in 2013.
- Track rod ends4× usualKia Venga19.3% All 2013 cars4.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 11.9%, against 2.4% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Ball joint dust cover4.7× usualKia Venga12.3% All 2013 cars2.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 1.1% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Number plate lights2.1× usualKia Venga12.8% All 2013 cars6.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.8% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £5–£40 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
- Sidelights2.2× usualKia Venga8.8% All 2013 cars4%
Failed outright at MOT: 8.4%, against 3.5% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Flexible brake hoses2.8× usualKia Venga3.3% All 2013 cars1.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.2% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £50–£200 our estimateAt the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.
Suspension arm bushes and joints: 1.8% here, against 8.7% of all 2013 cars. Engine oil leaks: 2.7% here, against 5.8% of all 2013 cars.
By area
The share of 2013 Kia Venga MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension43% 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.
- Brakes32% 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.
- Tyres30% 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 electrics28% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- 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.
- Steering4% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2,636 | Tyres 27% |
| 2018 | 3,666 | Tyres 29% |
| 2017 | 5,902 | Tyres 28% |
| 2016 | 5,657 | Tyres 29% |
| 2015 | 6,135 | Tyres 30% |
| 2014 | 5,339 | Suspension 38% |
| 2012 | 4,813 | Suspension 48% |
| 2011 | 4,094 | Suspension 52% |
| 2010 | 2,673 | Suspension 53% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2013 Kia Vengas registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score