2016 Kia Carens diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Kia Carens diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Kia Carens diesel than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Brake pads1.8× usual
  Kia Carens

  18.6% All 2016 cars

  10.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 2.2% of all 2016 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.

• Brake discs1.6× usual
  Kia Carens

  19.1% All 2016 cars

  11.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.8% of all 2016 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.

• Braking performance2.4× usual
  Kia Carens

  5.6% All 2016 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.8% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Shock absorbers1.9× usual
  Kia Carens

  7% All 2016 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 0.8% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

Common 2016 Kia Carens diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Kia Carens diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  35% 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
  33% 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.

• Suspension
  17% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  12% 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
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  5% of testsRough price £80–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 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 pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2016 Kia Carens diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2016 Kia Carens diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2016 Kia Carens diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?