2011 Kia Carens diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Kia Carens diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Kia Carens diesel than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Anti-roll bar link joints4.2× usual
  Kia Carens

  15.1% All 2011 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 1.4% of all 2011 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2× usual
  Kia Carens

  19.2% All 2011 cars

  9.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 2.1% of all 2011 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.

• Ball joint2.5× usual
  Kia Carens

  14.3% All 2011 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 3.1% of all 2011 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.

• Rigid brake pipes2.1× usual
  Kia Carens

  12.2% All 2011 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 1% of all 2011 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.

Common 2011 Kia Carens diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Kia Carens diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  50% 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
  45% 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
  42% 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
  36% 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
  12% 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
  8% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 Kia Carens diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 2011 Kia Carens diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2011 Kia Carens diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2011 Kia Carens diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?