2020 Kia Picanto: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2020 Kia Picanto?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2020 Kia Picanto than on all cars registered in 2020.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints3.8× usual
  Kia Picanto

  4.6% All 2020 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.2% of all 2020 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.

• Wipers1.7× usual
  Kia Picanto

  5.2% All 2020 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 2% of all 2020 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

Common 2020 Kia Picanto MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2020 Kia Picanto MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  23% 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.

• 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.

• Suspension
  6% 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
  5% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  4% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  1% of testsRough price £80–£250

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

Known faults on the 2020 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.

• Gearbox and clutch faults

  All engines

  The only area of concern in What Car?'s survey: 6% of cars up to five years old had a gearbox or clutch fault.

  At the viewing: Change through every gear and check the clutch bites cleanly without slipping.

  Source: What Car?: used Kia Picanto (2017 on) reliability

• Air con niggles and door rattles

  All engines

  Some owners report minor air con problems, and early cars can rattle from the doors.

  At the viewing: Check the air con blows cold and listen for rattles.

  Source: What Car?: used Kia Picanto (2017 on) reliability

• Warning chime recall

  Some cars

  On some cars the warning chime didn't sound when the rear fog light was left on and the driver's door was opened.

  At the viewing: Ask a Kia dealer whether the recall was done.

  Source: What Car?: used Kia Picanto (2017 on) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2020 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 suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the 2020 Kia Picanto as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wipers? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2020 Kia Picanto as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?