Kia Rio

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 22 model years from 167,541 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

77%

Total Tests

167,541

Highest Pass Rate

2021 (95%)

Years Covered

About the Kia Rio

The Kia Rio was MOT tested 167,541 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 22 model years (2001 to 2022), with an average pass rate of 77%. That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list petrol and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 95% from 3,310 tests. The 2004 model has the lowest at 64%. With a 31 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Kia Rios pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 17 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2001) averages 59,195 miles, while the newest (2022) averages 24,400 miles.

Compared to the Kia brand average of 86%, the Rio is 9 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Kia models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 998cc)

£1,175

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£1,630

Per month£136/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2022 details

How reliable is the Kia Rio?

vs average of all models-5% (82% avg)

vs Kia brand average-9% (86% avg)

Best to worst year spread31 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Kia Rio by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	95%	233	24,400 mi
2021	95%	3,310	21,750 mi
2020	91%	5,121	26,035 mi
2019	89%	7,841	32,113 mi
2018	90%	9,260	40,153 mi
2017	88%	13,147	49,022 mi
2016	85%	14,178	52,518 mi
2015	84%	18,619	60,725 mi
2014	78%	19,328	70,276 mi
2013	76%	17,756	77,717 mi
2012	74%	16,466	85,239 mi
2011	72%	12,394	82,872 mi
2010	72%	11,025	87,460 mi
2009	71%	8,764	85,404 mi
2008	68%	3,800	92,973 mi
2007	67%	2,363	93,975 mi
2006	69%	1,766	94,045 mi
2005	69%	1,019	84,192 mi
2004	64%	625	68,036 mi
2003	65%	300	72,062 mi
2002	68%	184	68,384 mi
2001	67%	42	59,195 mi

Questions about the Kia Rio

Is the Kia Rio reliable?

Across its 22 model years in our data (2001 to 2022), the Kia Rio averages a 77% MOT pass rate, from 167,541 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2021 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 95%.

Which year Kia Rio has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Kia Rio has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 64%, a 31 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.