KIA RIO (2012)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 16,466 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Total Tests (2024)
16,466
Avg Mileage
85,239 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,490
Is the 2012 KIA RIO reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the KIA brand average of 86%.
At 12 years old, 74% of KIA RIOs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 16,466 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 85,239 miles.
How does the 2012 KIA RIO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2012 KIA RIO has 85,239 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a KIA RIO?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 64%. The 2012 sits between the two at 74%.
How much does a 2012 KIA RIO cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
KIA RIO by Year
| 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 |
Checking a specific KIA RIO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2012 KIA RIO
The 2012 KIA RIO is a city car with a 1120cc diesel engine. 16,466 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 83% of 2012 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 85,239 miles at 12 years old, KIA RIO owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2012 KIA RIO Fuel Costs
The modest 1120cc diesel engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2012 KIA RIO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,490 (£124/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
KIA RIO Reliability Trend
Newer KIA RIOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 17 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 KIA RIO
At 12 years old, the KIA RIO is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. With 16,466 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2012 KIA RIO
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2013) 77% pass rate (+3%) from 211,536 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2014) 87% pass rate (+13%) from 120,417 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2012) 78% pass rate (+4%) from 91,949 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2014) 80% pass rate (+6%) from 81,831 tests