2009 Kia Picanto: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Kia Picanto?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Kia Picanto than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Rigid brake pipes2.7× usual
  Kia Picanto

  19.9% All 2009 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.2% of all 2009 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.

• Exhaust system2× usual
  Kia Picanto

  16.8% All 2009 cars

  8.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 2.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Braking performance2.1× usual
  Kia Picanto

  13.7% All 2009 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 2.4% of all 2009 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.

• Ball joint dust cover2.4× usual
  Kia Picanto

  10.4% All 2009 cars

  4.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.8% of all 2009 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.

Common 2009 Kia Picanto MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Kia Picanto MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  41% 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.

• Brakes
  40% 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.

• Tyres
  34% 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
  29% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Exhaust and emissions
  18% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  15% 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 2009 Kia Picanto

Parkers says it hasn't heard of any major problems since launch. What Car? says there isn't enough data to rate it, so check the service history and the DVSA recall check.

Source: Parkers: Kia Picanto (2004-2011) running costs and reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Kia Picanto

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

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2009 Kia Picanto as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2009 Kia Picanto as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2009 Kia Picanto as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?