2014 Kia Optima: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2014 Kia Optima?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2014 Kia Optima than on all cars registered in 2014.

• Track rod ends2.6× usual
  Kia Optima

  10.3% All 2014 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.5%, against 2% of all 2014 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.

• Braking performance2× usual
  Kia Optima

  7.5% All 2014 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.4% of all 2014 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.

• Rigid brake pipes1.8× usual
  Kia Optima

  5.7% All 2014 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.4% of all 2014 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 2014 Kia Optima MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2014 Kia Optima MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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
  31% 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
  26% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  17% 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
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  3% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2014 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 track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2014 Kia Optima as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2014 Kia Optima as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2014 Kia Optima as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?