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Kia Picanto Mk1 (SA) (2004-2010) reliability

At a glance

Kia Picanto Mk1 (SA) built around 2010: about average at the MOT

Kia Picanto Mk1 (SA) models built around 2010 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Kia Picanto Mk1 (SA) right now?

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

Key figure

32% of MOT tests on Kia Picanto Mk1 (SA) models built around 2010 ended in a fail (retests included), against 32% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Kia Picanto Mk1 (SA) models built around 2010 involves the brakes.

Kia Picanto Mk1 (SA)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2004-2010HatchbackPETROL

Based on 51,639 tests of Picanto models registered 2004-2010.

About 1 in 15 Picanto Mk1 (SA) MOTs (7.4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2010 (15 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 19,959 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 12 Picanto Mk1 (SA) MOTs (7.7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2010 (15 years old).

Based on 19,959 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 (SA) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
5,75231.7%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
19,95932.0%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
10,17332.3%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
3,74634.2%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
3,72236.1%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
4,41135.8%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
3,27435.9%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
60232.7%

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 18 years old.

How the Picanto Mk1 (SA) compares

At each age below, see how the Picanto Mk1 (SA) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 51,067 tests across 11 Kia models, built around 2010 (15 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateKia average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
5,75231.7%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
19,95932.0%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
10,17332.3%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
3,74634.2%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
3,72236.1%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
4,41135.8%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
3,27435.9%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
60232.7%

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 pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

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.

Exhaust

Worth checking

Listen for blow noises from a cold start; check for rust and leaks at the manifold and cat connections.

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 Picanto Mk1 (SA).

  1. 1

    Toyota IQ

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.7%
    Dangerous
    4.4%

    Lower fail rate: 22.3%, against 32.0% for the Kia Picanto Mk1 (SA), both built around 2010.

    6,492 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  2. 2

    Nissan Pixo

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.3%
    Dangerous
    6.1%

    Lower fail rate: 28.3%, against 32.0% for the Kia Picanto Mk1 (SA), both built around 2010.

    5,341 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  3. 3

    Honda Insight

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    26.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6%
    Dangerous
    7.1%

    Lower fail rate: 26.4%, against 32.0% for the Kia Picanto Mk1 (SA), both built around 2010.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    3,277 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  4. 4

    Renault Modus

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    32.4%

    No clear edge over the Kia Picanto Mk1 (SA) on these figures.

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

    1,603 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

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.

How many are still registered

96%of all Kia Picanto 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

2 of the 12 Picanto Mk1 (SA) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 1 more

Top concerns

  • Kia HECU fuse replacement
  • Fuel may leak

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

What has gone wrong on Picanto Mk1 (SA) cars built around 2010

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 910 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
52%
Emissions
43%
Drivetrain
11%
Bodywork
8%
Steering
4%

Wear items

Brakes
79%
Lighting
66%
Tyres
62%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 20% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2010 (15 years old)

Engine sizes across all petrol Picanto tests (not specific to Mk1 (SA)).

Under 1.0 litre32.6%9,453 tests1.0 to 1.4 litres31.4%10,500 tests
How Picanto Mk1 (SA) cars have aged

How Picanto Mk1 (SA) 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%111315171921Age at MOTBuilt around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 29.2% (13,583 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.3% (13,191 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.4% (12,802 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (12,313 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.3% (11,604 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (11,092 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (10,441 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.9% (9,938 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.3% (9,145 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.0% (8,445 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (3,302 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.1% (3,063 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.2% (2,898 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.2% (2,656 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (2,310 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 33.9% (3,341 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (2,865 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.7% (2,513 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.9% (2,087 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 34.7% (1,731 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 33.8% (5,311 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 34.8% (4,523 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 34.7% (3,818 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 35.9% (3,185 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 35.9% (2,448 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 34.3% (4,463 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 34.0% (3,691 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.6% (3,073 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 35.0% (2,473 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 35.3% (1,985 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.8% (1,529 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 34.7% (1,278 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.8% (1,002 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 31.6% (786 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (602 tests, 2025 data)2004
First registered around 2010First registered around 2009First registered around 2008First registered around 2007
How each part holds up as Mk1 (SA) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk1 (SA) cars age

The share of petrol cars built 2005-2008 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car17 years18 years19 years20 years
Suspension54%52%52%49%
Brakes71%75%79%77%
Emissions53%46%43%33%
Tyres58%57%62%63%
Lighting56%55%66%68%
Drivetrain10%11%11%15%
Bodywork7%11%8%8%
Steering5%3%4%3%
Corrosion15%24%20%17%

Based on petrol cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 363 to 910 cars at each age.

Mk1 (SA) variants compared
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Kia Picantos of this age

This list covers every Kia Picanto built around 2010, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (SA) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    19.9%
    Advisory: 6,279Fail: 687 (10% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    19.5%
    Advisory: 4,990Fail: 613 (11% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    17.9%
    Advisory: 4,755Fail: 688 (13% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    15.7%
    Advisory: 3,031Fail: 122 (4% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Exhaust has a minor leak

    15.4%
    Advisory: 2,711Fail: 656 (19% of the times it was found)

Based on 19,959 tests

Looking at a Kia Picanto Mk1 (SA) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2010 (15 years old), the Kia Picanto Mk1 (SA) (2004-2010) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 19,959 15-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 51,639 MOT tests on Kia Picantos first registered between 2004-2010. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.