2016 Kia Picanto: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Rigid brake pipes3.9× usual
  Kia Picanto

  5.9% All 2016 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.2% of all 2016 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.

• Ball joint2.5× usual
  Kia Picanto

  5.7% All 2016 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.2% of all 2016 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.

• Braking performance2.1× usual
  Kia Picanto

  4.8% All 2016 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.8% of all 2016 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.

• Handbrake performance12× usual
  Kia Picanto

  2.4% All 2016 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.2% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull the handbrake on a slope. It should hold the car within a few clicks.

Common 2016 Kia Picanto MOT failures and advisories

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

• Tyres
  31% 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
  13% 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
  7% 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
  1% 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 2016 Kia Picanto

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.

• Hard starting from cold

  All engines

  The engine can be reluctant to start in cold weather. Kia released a software update, but some owners say it didn’t cure it.

  At the viewing: See it started from cold, and ask whether the dealer software update was done.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Kia Picanto buying guide (2011-2017, Mk2)

• Bluetooth that won’t connect

  All engines

  The Bluetooth can fail to connect, and the standard stereo sounds poor.

  At the viewing: Pair your phone and play some audio.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Kia Picanto buying guide (2011-2017, Mk2)

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 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 3.9× as often on the 2016 Kia Picanto as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2016 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 2016 Kia Picanto as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?