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Kia Ceed JD (2nd gen) (2012-2017) reliability

At a glance

Kia Ceed JD (2nd gen) built around 2017: about average at the MOT

Kia Ceed JD (2nd gen) models built around 2017 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Kia Ceed JD (2nd gen) right now?

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

Key figure

19% of MOT tests on Kia Ceed JD (2nd gen) models built around 2017 ended in a fail (retests included), against 18% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Kia Ceed JD (2nd gen) models built around 2017 involves the tyres.

Kia Ceed JD (2nd gen)
average reliability2012-2017HatchbackDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 82,442 tests of Ceed models registered 2012-2017.

About 1 in 40 Ceed JD (2nd gen) MOTs (2.8%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2017 (8 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 11,014 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 15 Ceed JD (2nd gen) MOTs (6.3%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2017 (8 years old).

Based on 11,014 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

JD (2nd gen) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
4,04718.2%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
11,01419.3%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
13,05622.0%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
14,76524.4%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
15,04427.6%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
15,86829.8%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
8,64831.3%

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 JD (2nd gen) compares

At each age below, see how the Ceed JD (2nd gen) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 105,945 tests across 12 Kia models, built around 2017 (8 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateKia average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
4,04718.2%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
11,01419.3%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
13,05622.0%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
14,76524.4%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
15,04427.6%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
15,86829.8%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
8,64831.3%

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.

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.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

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

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 JD (2nd gen).

  1. 1

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    Lower fail rate: 13.7%, against 19.3% for the Kia Ceed JD (2nd gen), both built around 2017.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    54,388 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  2. 2

    Suzuki SX4

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.8%

    Lower fail rate: 15.8%, against 19.3% for the Kia Ceed JD (2nd gen), both built around 2017.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    3,903 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  3. 3

    Toyota Prius

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    Lower fail rate: 12.6%, against 19.3% for the Kia Ceed JD (2nd gen), both built around 2017.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    18,269 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  4. 4

    Lexus CT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.2%

    Lower fail rate: 12.8%, against 19.3% for the Kia Ceed JD (2nd gen), both built around 2017.

    3,414 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

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 JD (2nd gen) cars have aged

How Ceed JD (2nd gen) 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%4681012Age at MOTBuilt around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 12.9% (6,957 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 14.8% (6,778 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.4% (6,584 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 18.6% (6,499 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.9% (6,446 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 16.0% (8,001 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 17.6% (7,888 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 18.9% (7,717 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.1% (7,443 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.2% (7,497 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 17.2% (9,147 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 18.5% (8,983 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 20.6% (8,960 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.9% (8,883 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 22.4% (8,772 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 20.4% (9,362 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 23.0% (9,292 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 25.0% (9,308 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 26.2% (9,085 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.8% (8,892 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 24.3% (9,486 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 26.6% (9,512 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 27.6% (9,367 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.2% (9,026 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.3% (8,640 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (10,438 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 29.3% (10,229 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 30.1% (9,870 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (9,336 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 31.3% (8,648 tests, 2025 data)2012
First registered around 2017First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014
JD (2nd gen) variants compared

Ceed JD (2nd gen) variants built around 2017

The fail rate for each Ceed JD (2nd gen) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • CEED20.1%8,375 tests

Petrol

  • CEED16.9%2,636 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 2017, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the JD (2nd gen) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

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

    20.4%
    Advisory: 3,115Fail: 309 (9% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    13.1%
    Advisory: 1,736Fail: 496 (22% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    12.2%
    Advisory: 1,396Fail: 238 (15% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    11.8%
    Advisory: 1,560Fail: 296 (16% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    10.7%
    Advisory: 1,623Fail: 18 (1% of the times it was found)

Based on 11,014 tests

Looking at a Kia Ceed JD (2nd gen) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2017 (8 years old), the Kia Ceed JD (2nd gen) (2012-2017) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 11,014 8-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 82,442 MOT tests on Kia Ceeds first registered between 2012-2017. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.