2003 Kia Carens diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Kia Carens first registered in 2003 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 101 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 101 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2003 Kia Carens diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2003 Kia Carens diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes55% 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.
- Suspension46% 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.
- Tyres43% 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 electrics38% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Driveshafts and joints30% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors18% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Kia Carens diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Kia Carens?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Kia Carens compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 269 | Tyres 32% |
| 2018 | 4,844 | Tyres 33% |
| 2017 | 5,533 | Tyres 32% |
| 2016 | 5,331 | Brakes 35% |
| 2015 | 6,361 | Brakes 38% |
| 2014 | 6,477 | Brakes 38% |
| 2013 | 4,112 | Brakes 40% |
| 2012 | 272 | Brakes 42% |
| 2011 | 1,008 | Suspension 49% |
| 2010 | 969 | Suspension 47% |
| 2009 | 3,208 | Suspension 54% |
| 2008 | 2,865 | Suspension 58% |
| 2007 | 1,285 | Suspension 60% |
| 2006 | 809 | Brakes 54% |
| 2005 | 434 | Brakes 55% |
| 2004 | 294 | Brakes 55% |
| 2002 | – | Too few tests |
| 2001 | – | Too few tests |
| 2000 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Kia Carens cars first registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score