2016 Kia Optima: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Kia Optima?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Kia Optima than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Number plates2.1× usual
  Kia Optima

  4.5% All 2016 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.3% of all 2016 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.

Common 2016 Kia Optima MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Kia Optima MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  30% 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
  28% 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
  9% 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
  7% 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
  5% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 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 number plates? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2016 Kia Optima as on other cars the same age.)
2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?