2011 Kia Proceed diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Kia Proceed diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Kia Proceed diesel than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.2× usual
  Kia Proceed

  21.3% All 2011 cars

  9.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 2.1% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Braking performance2.6× usual
  Kia Proceed

  14.2% All 2011 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 2.1% of all 2011 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.7× usual
  Kia Proceed

  10.9% All 2011 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Ball joint dust cover3.3× usual
  Kia Proceed

  8.8% All 2011 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 1.2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2011 Kia Proceed diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Kia Proceed diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  53% 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.

• Brakes
  42% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  40% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  39% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Driveshafts and joints
  11% 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 2011 Kia Proceed 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 suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2011 Kia Proceed diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2011 Kia Proceed diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2011 Kia Proceed diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?