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Kia Picanto Mk2 (TA) (2011-2016) reliability

At a glance

Kia Picanto Mk2 (TA) built around 2016: about average at the MOT

Kia Picanto Mk2 (TA) models built around 2016 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Kia Picanto Mk2 (TA) right now?

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

Key figure

20% of MOT tests on Kia Picanto Mk2 (TA) models built around 2016 ended in a fail (retests included), against 23% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Kia Picanto Mk2 (TA) models built around 2016 involves the tyres.

Kia Picanto Mk2 (TA)
average reliability2011-2016HatchbackPETROL

Based on 100,113 tests of Picanto models registered 2011-2016.

About 1 in 30 Picanto Mk2 (TA) MOTs (3.2%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2016 (9 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 15,999 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 Picanto Mk2 (TA) MOTs (5.9%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2016 (9 years old).

Based on 15,999 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk2 (TA) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
5,92519.8%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
15,99920.5%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
18,01122.0%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
18,13125.1%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
17,24727.9%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
16,55729.9%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
8,24331.1%

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 14 years old.

How the Picanto Mk2 (TA) compares

At each age below, see how the Picanto Mk2 (TA) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 97,749 tests across 10 Kia models, built around 2016 (9 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateKia average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
5,92519.8%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
15,99920.5%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
18,01122.0%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
18,13125.1%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
17,24727.9%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
16,55729.9%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
8,24331.1%

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.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

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

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.

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 Picanto Mk2 (TA).

  1. 1

    Suzuki Celerio

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2%
    Dangerous
    3.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93.5%

    Lower fail rate: 15.9%, against 20.5% for the Kia Picanto Mk2 (TA), both built around 2016.

    9,155 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  2. 2

    Toyota Aygo

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.9%
    Dangerous
    4.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96%

    Lower fail rate: 15.6%, against 20.5% for the Kia Picanto Mk2 (TA), both built around 2016.

    27,136 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  3. 3

    Volkswagen up!

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96.7%

    No clear edge over the Kia Picanto Mk2 (TA) on these figures.

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

    17,273 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  4. 4

    DS 4

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.1%

    No clear edge over the Kia Picanto Mk2 (TA) on these figures.

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

    2,659 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

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

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 Mk2 (TA) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 1 more

Top concerns

  • Kia HECU fuse replacement
  • Fuel filler neck rubber hoses may crack over time

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

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2016 (9 years old)

Engine sizes across all petrol Picanto tests (not specific to Mk2 (TA)).

Under 1.0 litre21.0%9,934 tests1.0 to 1.4 litres19.7%6,064 tests
How Picanto Mk2 (TA) cars have aged

How Picanto Mk2 (TA) 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%5791113Age at MOTBuilt around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 15.2% (10,099 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 17.2% (9,959 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 18.2% (9,765 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.9% (9,856 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.6% (9,711 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.4% (11,262 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.1% (11,039 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.2% (10,789 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.1% (11,021 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.4% (10,776 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 18.9% (11,696 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 20.0% (11,630 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 22.0% (11,662 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 22.7% (11,478 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 24.1% (11,358 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 22.2% (10,579 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 24.0% (10,495 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 24.8% (10,336 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.0% (10,432 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.2% (10,081 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 25.3% (11,126 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 26.1% (11,010 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (10,996 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.4% (10,746 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.7% (10,550 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 28.4% (9,593 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 29.3% (9,351 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (9,055 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 31.6% (8,797 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (8,243 tests, 2025 data)2011
First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014First registered around 2013
Mk2 (TA) 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 2016, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 (TA) 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

    15.0%
    Advisory: 3,176Fail: 314 (9% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    14.8%
    Advisory: 3,183Fail: 432 (12% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    10.5%
    Advisory: 2,211Fail: 47 (2% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    10.4%
    Advisory: 1,773Fail: 492 (22% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    9.8%
    Advisory: 1,751Fail: 277 (14% of the times it was found)

Based on 15,999 tests

Looking at a Kia Picanto Mk2 (TA) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2016 (9 years old), the Kia Picanto Mk2 (TA) (2011-2016) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 15,999 9-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 100,113 MOT tests on Kia Picantos first registered between 2011-2016. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.