2016 Kia Niro: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Kia Niro first registered in 2016: we looked at the 1,283 MOTs these cars had during 2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2016 Kia Niro MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2016 Kia Niro MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- 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.
- Brakes17% 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.
- Suspension6% 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 mirrors5% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Lights and electrics5% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Seats and seatbelts3% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
Known faults on the 2016 Kia Niro
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.
- Built Nov 2016 to Sept 2017
Gearbox actuator and battery relay recalls (built Nov 2016 to Sept 2017)
About 5,000 cars built November 2016 to September 2017 were recalled for a faulty clutch actuator that could cause leaks and short circuits, and again for a battery relay in hybrids and plug-ins that could overheat.
At the viewing: Ask a Kia dealer to confirm both recalls were done.
- All versions
Flat 12-volt battery
The small 12-volt battery can be drained by the fuel pump, audio system, boot light or door locks.
At the viewing: Ask whether it has ever failed to start after standing.
- Cars with halogen lights
Weak halogen headlights
The halogen headlights are a common complaint for being dim.
At the viewing: Check the lights on dipped and main beam.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 Kia Niro
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Have the actuator and battery relay recalls been done?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Kia Niro?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Kia Niro compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 3,587 | Tyres 16% |
| 2022 | 26,880 | Tyres 24% |
| 2021 | 27,294 | Tyres 27% |
| 2020 | 20,344 | Tyres 29% |
| 2019 | 10,629 | Tyres 29% |
| 2018 | 7,452 | Tyres 27% |
| 2017 | 4,531 | Tyres 29% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2025, counting the MOTs of Kia Niro cars first registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score