2019 Kia Optima petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Kia Optima first registered in 2019 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 125 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 125 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2019 Kia Optima petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2019 Kia Optima petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres31% 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.
- Brakes18% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions4% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors4% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Lights and electrics3% 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 seatbelts2% 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 2019 Kia Optima petrol
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 Optima?
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 Optima compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 420 | Tyres 29% |
| 2018 | 7,986 | Tyres 31% |
| 2017 | 9,790 | Tyres 32% |
| 2016 | 3,734 | Tyres 31% |
| 2015 | 1,807 | Tyres 31% |
| 2014 | 1,735 | Tyres 33% |
| 2013 | 971 | Brakes 38% |
| 2012 | 1,919 | Brakes 43% |
| 2011 | – | 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 Optima cars first registered in 2019. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score