Kia Picanto Mk2: best and worst years, and what goes wrong
How each year of the Kia Picanto Mk2 did at the MOTs done during 2023–2025, compared with other cars the same age, the weak spots that keep coming up, and what to check before you buy one. From 268,463 MOT tests.
Which Kia Picanto Mk2 years are best and worst at their MOT?
First-time MOT pass rate for each year of the Kia Picanto Mk2, against all cars registered the same year. Older cars fail more, so the comparison with cars the same age is what matters.
| Year | Pass first time | All cars that year | Stands out | MOT tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011* | 58% | 62% -4 | Rigid brake pipes 3× usual | 31,296 |
| 2012 | 62% | 64% -2 | Rigid brake pipes 3.7× usual | 39,157 |
| 2013 | 66% | 67% -1 | Rigid brake pipes 3.8× usual | 37,914 |
| 2014 | 72% | 70% +2 | Rigid brake pipes 3.6× usual | 43,094 |
| 2015 | 75% | 74% +1 | Rigid brake pipes 3.9× usual | 40,441 |
| 2016 | 76% | 77% -1 | Rigid brake pipes 3.9× usual | 37,220 |
| 2017* | 81% | 80% +1 | Wipers 1.6× usual | 39,341 |
Common Kia Picanto Mk2 MOT failures, year after year
Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year of this generation. Repeat findings like these are much less likely to be chance.
- Rigid brake pipesup to 3.9× usual
Stands out in 5 years: 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012.
Rough price £100–£400 our estimateAt 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.
- Braking performanceup to 2.1× usual
Stands out in 5 years: 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012.
Rough price £100–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
- Seat beltsup to 6× usual
Stands out in 4 years: 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012.
Rough price £80–£250 our estimateAt the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock and retract smoothly.
- Handbrake performanceup to 12× usual
Stands out in 3 years: 2016, 2015, 2014.
Rough price £80–£300 our estimateAt the viewing: Pull the handbrake on a slope. It should hold the car within a few clicks.
What usually goes wrong with the Kia Picanto Mk2?
From owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Not every car will have them.
Hard starting from cold
The engine can be reluctant to start in cold weather. Kia released a software update, but some owners say it didn’t cure it.
Check: See it started from cold, and ask whether the dealer software update was done.
Source: Carbuyer: used Kia Picanto buying guide (2011-2017, Mk2)
Handbrake recall (built March 2011 to March 2012)
The handbrake mechanism on early cars could corrode and fail to hold the car. Kia fitted new calipers and seals under a recall.
Check: Test the handbrake on a slope and ask for proof the recall was done.
Source: Carbuyer: used Kia Picanto buying guide (2011-2017, Mk2)
Bluetooth that won’t connect
The Bluetooth can fail to connect, and the standard stereo sounds poor.
Check: Pair your phone and play some audio.
Source: Carbuyer: used Kia Picanto buying guide (2011-2017, Mk2)
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting each car's main test of the year (not retests). A weak spot needs at least 30 cars flagged and must stay 1.5× the usual rate even at the cautious end of a 95% confidence range. Generation years are approximate: cars registered in a changeover year (*) can be either generation. How we score
Looking at a Kia Picanto?
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