2017 Kia Optima diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2017 Kia Optima diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2017 Kia Optima diesel than on all cars registered in 2017.

• Braking performance2.5× usual
  Kia Optima

  4.2% All 2017 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.5% of all 2017 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.

• Number plates2.2× usual
  Kia Optima

  3.3% All 2017 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.2% of all 2017 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.

• Rigid brake pipes2× usual
  Kia Optima

  2% All 2017 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2017 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.

• Exhaust system1.9× usual
  Kia Optima

  2.3% All 2017 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.3% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

Common 2017 Kia Optima diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 Kia Optima diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  32% 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.

• Brakes
  29% 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.

• 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.

• Lights and electrics
  6% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  4% of testsRough price £80–£250

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

• Suspension
  4% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2017 Kia Optima 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 braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2017 Kia Optima diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the number plates? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2017 Kia Optima diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2017 Kia Optima diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?