KIA RIO (2018)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 9,260 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
90%
Total Tests (2024)
9,260
Avg Mileage
40,153 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,582
Is the 2018 KIA RIO reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the KIA brand average of 86%.
At 6 years old, 90% of KIA RIOs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 9,260 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 40,153 miles.
How does the 2018 KIA RIO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2018 KIA RIO has 40,153 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-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 2018 sits between the two at 90%.
How much does a 2018 KIA RIO cost to run?
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 2018 KIA RIO
The 2018 KIA RIO is a small family car with a 1368cc petrol engine. 9,260 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 40,153 miles at 6 years old, KIA RIO owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2018 KIA RIO Fuel Costs
The 1368cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2018 KIA RIO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,582 (£132/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2018 KIA RIO
At 6 years old, the KIA RIO offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. With 9,260 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2018 KIA RIO
The KIA RIO is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol small family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2016) 81% pass rate (-9%) from 205,128 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2016) 81% pass rate (-9%) from 133,045 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2016) 87% pass rate (-3%) from 109,880 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2017) 86% pass rate (-4%) from 100,176 tests