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Kia Rio Mk3 (UB) (2011-2016) reliability

At a glance

Kia Rio Mk3 (UB) built around 2016: about average at the MOT

Kia Rio Mk3 (UB) models built around 2016 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Kia Rio Mk3 (UB) 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 Rio Mk3 (UB) models built around 2016 ended in a fail (retests included), against 18% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Kia Rio Mk3 (UB) models built around 2016 involves the tyres.

Kia Rio Mk3 (UB)
average reliability2011-2016HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 73,344 tests of Rio models registered 2011-2016.

About 1 in 30 Rio Mk3 (UB) 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 12,151 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 Rio Mk3 (UB) MOTs (6.3%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2016 (9 years old).

Based on 12,151 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk3 (UB) 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
4,03418.7%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
12,15120.0%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
14,35722.6%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
14,07827.0%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
12,67129.0%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
10,84930.2%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
5,20432.0%

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 Rio Mk3 (UB) compares

At each age below, see how the Rio Mk3 (UB) 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
4,03418.7%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
12,15120.0%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
14,35722.6%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
14,07827.0%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
12,67129.0%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
10,84930.2%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
5,20432.0%

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 Rio Mk3 (UB).

  1. 1

    Honda Jazz

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.1%
    Dangerous
    4.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    98%

    Lower fail rate: 12.7%, against 20.0% for the Kia Rio Mk3 (UB), both built around 2016.

    6 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    20,242 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  2. 2

    Nissan Note

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.1%
    Dangerous
    3.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96.6%

    Lower fail rate: 16.2%, against 20.0% for the Kia Rio Mk3 (UB), both built around 2016.

    14,407 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  3. 3

    Honda Civic

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.2%
    Dangerous
    5.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96%

    Lower fail rate: 16.5%, against 20.0% for the Kia Rio Mk3 (UB), both built around 2016.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    18,927 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  4. 4

    Ford Ka

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    24%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.1%
    Dangerous
    5.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.3%

    Fewer dangerous faults: 5.7%, against 6.3% for the Kia Rio Mk3 (UB).

    13,237 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

94%of all Kia Rio 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

6 recalls in all

1 of the 6 Rio Mk3 (UB) recalls covers cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical

Top concerns

  • Kia HECU fuse replacement

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

How Rio Mk3 (UB) cars have aged

How Rio Mk3 (UB) 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: 15.5% (7,182 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.4% (7,050 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.3% (6,980 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.6% (6,876 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.5% (6,804 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.6% (9,447 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.7% (9,258 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.8% (9,096 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.8% (8,901 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.6% (8,815 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 21.4% (9,399 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 22.7% (9,348 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 24.1% (9,283 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 25.6% (9,135 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.1% (8,806 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 23.9% (8,696 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 26.0% (8,638 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 27.3% (8,531 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.7% (8,236 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.3% (7,812 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (8,155 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (8,007 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 29.0% (7,752 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (7,512 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.4% (6,988 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 28.7% (6,687 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (6,476 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 30.8% (6,116 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (5,768 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 32.0% (5,204 tests, 2025 data)2011
First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014First registered around 2013
Mk3 (UB) variants compared

Rio Mk3 (UB) variants built around 2016

The fail rate for each Rio Mk3 (UB) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • RIO19.1%9,815 tests

Diesel

  • RIO24.1%2,335 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Kia Rios of this age

This list covers every Kia Rio built around 2016, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk3 (UB) 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

    20.5%
    Advisory: 3,438Fail: 387 (10% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    13.1%
    Advisory: 2,065Fail: 54 (3% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    11.2%
    Advisory: 1,877Fail: 264 (12% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    11.0%
    Advisory: 1,417Fail: 271 (16% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    8.9%
    Advisory: 1,269Fail: 193 (13% of the times it was found)

Based on 12,151 tests

Looking at a Kia Rio Mk3 (UB) 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 Rio Mk3 (UB) (2011-2016) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 12,151 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 73,344 MOT tests on Kia Rios first registered between 2011-2016. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.