Kia Stonic common problems and MOT failures
What goes wrong on a used Kia Stonic, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 75,689 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.
The 2026 Kia Stonic
Cars registered in 2026 haven’t had their first MOT yet (it’s due at 3 years old), so there are no MOT results to show. There are no known faults on record for this year in the UK buying guides we use, so the rest of this page covers the Kia Stonic as a whole.
What to check on a 2026 car
- Warranty left
Ask for the date it was first registered and check how much of the maker’s warranty is left, and that it transfers to you. Electric and hybrid batteries usually have a longer, separate warranty.
- Servicing
Servicing on time with the maker’s schedule keeps the warranty valid. Ask for the service book or the dealer’s digital record.
- Finance
Nearly new cars are often still on finance. A history check shows outstanding finance, and whether it has been written off or stolen.
- Recalls
Ask whether any recall work has been done, and check the reg on GOV.UK’s free recall checker.
- Logbook (V5C)
The name and address should match the seller, and the VIN on the V5C should match the car.
Other years
Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).
What usually goes wrong with a Kia Stonic?
Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.
- Cars registered 2017–2025 · Diesel
Particulate filter warning (diesel)
A DPF light that stays on can mean a blocked filter or a faulty sensor. No major issues are reported otherwise.
At the viewing: Make sure no DPF warning shows.
Common Kia Stonic MOT failures to check
Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, for each fuel on its own. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.
Petrol
Braking performance
up to 2.4× usualStands out on cars registered in 2018 and 2019.
Rough price £100–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
Brake pads
up to 2.1× usualStands out on cars registered in 2021 and 2022.
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.
Diesel
Braking performance
up to 3.9× usualStands out on cars registered in 2018 and 2019.
Rough price £100–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
Kia Stonic MOT pass rate by year
Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2017 Kia Stonic did best (85% passed first time, 5 points above all 2017 cars) and the 2022 did worst (91%, 2 points above all 2022 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a Kia Stonic
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the Kia Stonic as on other cars the same age.)
- Any recent work on the wipers? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the Kia Stonic as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Kia Stonic?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score