2002 Kia RIO: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Kia RIO?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Kia RIO than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Wheel bearings6.5× usual
  Kia RIO

  25.4% All 2002 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.7%, against 1.2% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Rigid brake pipes1.8× usual
  Kia RIO

  32.9% All 2002 cars

  18.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 2.9% of all 2002 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.

• Headlights2.1× usual
  Kia RIO

  22.1% All 2002 cars

  10.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 4.3% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.6× usual
  Kia RIO

  17.1% All 2002 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.4%, against 3.5% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Braking performance2.2× usual
  Kia RIO

  17.5% All 2002 cars

  7.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.2%, against 3.4% of all 2002 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.

Common 2002 Kia RIO MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Kia RIO MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  57% 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
  47% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  45% 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.

• Tyres
  30% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  27% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  17% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 Kia RIO

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 6.5× as often on the 2002 Kia RIO as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2002 Kia RIO as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2002 Kia RIO as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?