2020 Kia Optima diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Kia Optima first registered in 2020 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 290 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 290 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2020 Kia Optima diesel?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2020 Kia Optima diesel than on all cars registered in 2020.
- Brake pads2.2× usualKia Optima16.9% All 2020 cars7.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.4% of all 2020 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.
Common 2020 Kia Optima diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2020 Kia Optima diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres30% 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.
- Brakes21% 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 mirrors9% 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.
- Suspension3% 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.
- Driveshafts and joints2% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2020 Kia Optima diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2020 Kia Optima diesel as on other cars the same age.)
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 5,021 | Tyres 30% |
| 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 2020. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score