2013 Kia Carens diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Kia Carens diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Kia Carens diesel than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Brake discs1.8× usual
  Kia Carens

  24.6% All 2013 cars

  13.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 1.1% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Brake pads2× usual
  Kia Carens

  19.7% All 2013 cars

  9.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 2.3% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Number plate lights2.1× usual
  Kia Carens

  11.8% All 2013 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.7% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Steering rack inner joints2.8× usual
  Kia Carens

  5.1% All 2013 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Brake lights2× usual
  Kia Carens

  6.7% All 2013 cars

  3.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.5%, against 2.7% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2013 Kia Carens diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Kia Carens diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  41% 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
  36% 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
  27% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  26% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  9% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Steering
  7% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 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 brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2013 Kia Carens diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2013 Kia Carens diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2013 Kia Carens diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?