2013 Kia Ceed: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Kia Ceed?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Kia Ceed than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Track rod ends4.3× usual
  Kia Ceed

  18.4% All 2013 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.4%, against 2.2% 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) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Number plate lights1.8× usual
  Kia Ceed

  10.3% All 2013 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 1.7% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Braking performance1.9× usual
  Kia Ceed

  8.2% All 2013 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.6% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Suspension arm2.4× usual
  Kia Ceed

  3.3% All 2013 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.1% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

Common 2013 Kia Ceed MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Kia Ceed MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  40% 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.

• Tyres
  33% 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.

• Brakes
  32% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  23% 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 mirrors
  9% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  3% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Known faults on the 2013 Kia Ceed

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Slow stop-start and weak battery

  Cars with stop-start

  The stop-start system can be slow to respond, usually because the battery is low on charge.

  At the viewing: Watch the engine stop and restart at junctions, and ask how old the battery is.

  Source: Auto Express: used Kia Cee’d (Mk2, 2012-2018) review

• Daytime running lights failing

  All engines

  The LED daytime running lights sometimes fail. The fix is a new unit.

  At the viewing: Check both daytime running lights work.

  Source: Auto Express: used Kia Cee’d (Mk2, 2012-2018) review

• Flickering headlights

  All engines

  The headlights can flicker, usually in automatic mode.

  At the viewing: Try the lights in auto and manual mode.

  Source: Auto Express: used Kia Cee’d (Mk2, 2012-2018) review

• Misting windows

  All engines

  In cold weather, moisture forms inside the windows and the demisting is slow.

  At the viewing: Check how quickly the screen clears from cold.

  Source: Auto Express: used Kia Cee’d (Mk2, 2012-2018) review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 Kia Ceed

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 4.3× as often on the 2013 Kia Ceed as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2013 Kia Ceed as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2013 Kia Ceed as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?