2013 Kia Optima: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Braking performance2.6× usual
  Kia Optima

  11% All 2013 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, 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.

• Track rod ends2.1× usual
  Kia Optima

  9.2% All 2013 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, 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.

• Suspension arm4.4× usual
  Kia Optima

  5.7% All 2013 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, 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.

• Link ball joint covers3.9× usual
  Kia Optima

  5.8% All 2013 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 0.9% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Rigid brake pipes2× usual
  Kia Optima

  8% All 2013 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.6% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  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.

Common 2013 Kia Optima MOT failures and advisories

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

• Brakes
  38% 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.

• Suspension
  34% 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
  32% 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 electrics
  18% 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
  6% 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
  6% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 Kia Optima

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

1. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2013 Kia Optima as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2013 Kia Optima as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 4.4× as often on the 2013 Kia Optima as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?