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Kia Ceed ED (1st gen, cee'd) (2007-2011) reliability

At a glance

Kia Ceed ED (1st gen, cee'd) built around 2011: fails its MOT more often than average

Kia Ceed ED (1st gen, cee'd) models built around 2011 fail their MOT more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the suspension on any car you view.

Looking at a Kia Ceed ED (1st gen, cee'd) right now?

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Key figure

34% of MOT tests on Kia Ceed ED (1st gen, cee'd) models built around 2011 ended in a fail (retests included), against 28% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Kia Ceed ED (1st gen, cee'd) models built around 2011 involves the suspension.

Kia Ceed ED (1st gen, cee'd)
poor reliability2007-2011HatchbackDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 36,747 tests of Ceed models registered 2007-2011.

About 1 in 12 Ceed ED (1st gen, cee'd) MOTs (8.6%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2011 (14 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 9,372 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 10 Ceed ED (1st gen, cee'd) MOTs (10%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2011 (14 years old).

Based on 9,372 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

ED (1st gen, cee'd) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
4,35234.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
9,37233.8%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
10,31234.2%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
6,77934.2%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
4,48934.6%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,44334.1%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 13 years old.

How the Ceed ED (1st gen, cee'd) compares

At each age below, see how the Ceed ED (1st gen, cee'd) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 53,049 tests across 10 Kia models, built around 2011 (14 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateKia average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
4,35234.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
9,37233.8%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
10,31234.2%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
6,77934.2%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
4,48934.6%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,44334.1%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Ceed ED (1st gen, cee'd).

  1. 1

    Lexus CT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.5%
    Dangerous
    5.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.2%

    Lower fail rate: 19.9%, against 33.8% for the Kia Ceed ED (1st gen, cee'd), both built around 2011.

    2,401 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  2. 2

    Toyota Prius

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    24.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.7%
    Dangerous
    5.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    Lower fail rate: 24.8%, against 33.8% for the Kia Ceed ED (1st gen, cee'd), both built around 2011.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    9,652 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  3. 3

    Toyota Yaris

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    26.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.4%
    Dangerous
    4.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.4%

    Lower fail rate: 26.5%, against 33.8% for the Kia Ceed ED (1st gen, cee'd), both built around 2011.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    21,999 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  4. 4

    Smart ForTwo

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    25.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.5%
    Dangerous
    4.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    89.4%

    Lower fail rate: 25.6%, against 33.8% for the Kia Ceed ED (1st gen, cee'd), both built around 2011.

    5,542 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

93%of all Kia Ceed cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

12 recalls in all

No recall notices match this build period.

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How Ceed ED (1st gen, cee'd) cars have aged

How Ceed ED (1st gen, cee'd) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%1012141618Age at MOTBuilt around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (6,988 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 31.8% (6,709 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 32.8% (6,389 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 33.6% (5,923 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 33.1% (5,272 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (8,896 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 32.4% (8,422 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 33.2% (7,750 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 34.2% (7,022 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 33.9% (5,967 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 31.3% (7,134 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 31.8% (6,491 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 33.2% (5,899 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (5,110 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.1% (4,390 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 33.2% (5,867 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 33.7% (5,230 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 34.1% (4,492 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 34.4% (3,740 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 34.4% (3,070 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 33.4% (3,000 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 33.5% (2,586 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 35.9% (2,261 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 35.3% (1,814 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 34.1% (1,443 tests, 2025 data)2007
First registered around 2011First registered around 2010First registered around 2009First registered around 2008
ED (1st gen, cee'd) variants compared

Ceed ED (1st gen, cee'd) variants built around 2011

The fail rate for each Ceed ED (1st gen, cee'd) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • CEED34.1%6,230 tests

Petrol

  • CEED33.0%3,135 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Kia Ceeds of this age

This list covers every Kia Ceed built around 2011, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the ED (1st gen, cee'd) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    32.6%
    Advisory: 4,576Fail: 860 (16% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    26.6%
    Advisory: 3,393Fail: 352 (9% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    14.7%
    Advisory: 1,827Fail: 44 (2% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    14.7%
    Advisory: 2,362Fail: 122 (5% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    13.0%
    Advisory: 1,297Fail: 411 (24% of the times it was found)

Based on 9,372 tests

Looking at a Kia Ceed ED (1st gen, cee'd) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2011 (14 years old), the Kia Ceed ED (1st gen, cee'd) (2007-2011) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 9,372 14-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 36,747 MOT tests on Kia Ceeds first registered between 2007-2011. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.