2021 Kia Rio 3 Mhev — MOT failures & pass rate

Across 1,089 MOT tests analysed for the 2021 Kia Rio 3 Mhev, the most common recorded failure areas were visibility, tyres and brakes. Its pass rate of 92.6% was above the average for cars of a similar age (91.2%). Higher-mileage examples failed more often — 14.9% in the 60-90k group versus 4.9% in the 0-30k group.

Pass rate

1,089

MOT tests analysed

7.4%

Fail rate

better than

vs cars of similar age

3.5

Avg age at test (yrs)

How it compares

Fail rate for this model-year against the segment and national averages for cars of a similar age.

Top failure categories

Most common MOT failure areas — 2021 Kia Rio 3 Mhev
#	Category	% of tests affected	Tests
1	Visibility	4.7%	51
2	Tyres	2.4%	26
3	Brakes	1.5%	16
4	Lighting & signalling	1.2%	13
5	Steering	0.8%	9
6	Suspension	0.5%	5

Percentage of tests with at least one failure recorded in each category.

Most common specific failures

The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.

Most frequently recorded failure items — 2021 Kia Rio 3 Mhev
#	Failure item	Times recorded
1	Wipers	50
2	Brake pads	15
3	Washers	14
4	Track rod end	8
5	Headlamp	7
6	Side repeaters	4

Top advisory categories

Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.

Most common MOT advisories — 2021 Kia Rio 3 Mhev
#	Category	% of tests with advisory	Tests
1	Tyres	13.1%	143
2	Brakes	9.2%	100
3	Other defects	6.6%	72
4	Steering	3.8%	41
5	Visibility	2.9%	31
6	Road wheels	1.2%	13

Failure rate by mileage

Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.

MOT fail rate by recorded mileage band.

Fail rate by recorded mileage — 2021 Rio 3 Mhev
Mileage band	Tests	Fail rate
0-30k	738	4.9%
30-60k	280	12.1%
60-90k	67	14.9%

Failure rate by age

How this model-year's MOT fail rate climbs as the cars get older.

Trend over time

Fail rate by dataset year — 2021 Rio 3 Mhev
Dataset year	Tests	Fail rate
2024	511	6.1%
2025	568	8.8%

What to check before buying a 2021 Rio 3 Mhev

Before buying a 2021 Kia Rio 3 Mhev, focus on the areas it most often fails on. Visibility accounted for 4.7% of tests for this year.

Visibility (4.7% of tests): Wipers, washers, mirrors and screen damage — usually inexpensive, but check for chips in the driver's line of sight. Typical repair: £15–£150.
Tyres (2.4% of tests): Usually a quick, known-cost fix, but check tread, age and uneven wear (which can hint at alignment or suspension issues). Typical repair: £50–£120 per tyre.
Brakes (1.5% of tests): Pads/discs are routine wear; binding, imbalance or corroded pipes are more serious — test for pulling under braking. Typical repair: £100–£350 per axle.

Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.

Frequently asked questions

How many 2021 Kia Rio 3 Mhevs pass their MOT?

92.6% of the 1,089 2021 Kia Rio 3 Mhev MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 7.4% fail rate.

What is the most common MOT failure on a 2021 Kia Rio 3 Mhev?

Visibility, recorded in 4.7% of tests, followed by tyres (2.4%).

Does the 2021 Rio 3 Mhev get worse with mileage?

Its MOT fail rate rises from 4.9% in the 0-30k band to 14.9% in the 60-90k band.

Methodology & source. Based on 1,089 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-01. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.