Common problems by part
Chevrolet Kalos exhaust, emissions and leaks problems
DVSA MOT tests 2022–2025 · 2,752 MOT tests · Updated
At 17 years, 8.4 in 100 MOT tests of the Chevrolet Kalos failed on exhaust, emissions and leaks, against 6.5 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 2,752 MOT tests) [1].
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- Against all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years), 232 MOT tests with a fail
- By age: seen at 4 ages from 15 to 18 years, 9,354 MOT tests
- Most common fail: Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction, 5.0 per 100 MOT tests
Figures are for the model as a whole, not for one car.
What the MOT tests show
What we know
8.4 fails per 100 MOT tests at 17 years, against 6.5 for all class 4 vehicles tested at 17 (all test years). That is about average.
Why it matters
An exhaust, emissions and leaks fail stops the car passing until it is fixed; the most common one is rated major by DVSA.
What to check
Start the car from cold and look for smoke at the exhaust, listen for blowing joints, and look under the engine and gearbox for fresh oil or fluid drips.
Chevrolet Kalos exhaust, emissions and leaks fails by age
| Age | MOT tests | Fails per 100 | All class 4 vehicles the same age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 2,219 | 6.0 | 5.7 |
| 16 | 2,600 | 8.0 | 6.2 |
| 17 | 2,752 | 8.4 | 6.5 |
| 18 | 1,783 | 8.7 | 6.8 |
All first-use years of the Chevrolet Kalos pooled at each age, against all class 4 vehicles at that age over all 2022–2025 test years.
What fails in the exhaust, emissions and leaks at 17 years
Fails
- Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction: 5.0 fails per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 2.2. Diagnose engine warning light: estimated £39–£78 (0.5–1 h at £78/h (ONS local-garage repair quotes, 1,058 quotes from 65 garages, Sep 2025 to Aug 2026) + parts) Malfunction indicator lamp inoperative or indicates a malfunction MOT fail
Advisories (not fails)
- Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive: 17.4 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 11.7. Oil leak, but not excessive MOT advisory
Diagnose engine warning light cost
Repair figures are estimates, not quotes: how we estimate repair costs.
Buying a Chevrolet Kalos? Check that exact car before the viewing.
Buying Report £14.99 incl. VAT · one car · no subscription · Not a mechanical inspection.
- Model risks for this year and fuel
- What similar cars did at their next MOT
- Repairs ahead
- Viewing checklist
How to check on a test drive
Start the car from cold and look for smoke at the exhaust, listen for blowing joints, and look under the engine and gearbox for fresh oil or fluid drips.
The most common advisory here in MOT records: Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive.
Check one Chevrolet Kalos, not the average
The figures here describe Chevrolet Kalos cars as a group. These free tools answer for one car. Each line says what the tool reads.
- Check a Chevrolet Kalos's MOT history Every MOT test, fail item, advisory and mileage reading DVSA holds for that registration.
- MOT advisory checker Paste an advisory or defect to read DVSA's wording, its grade and what tends to happen at the next MOT.
Other Chevrolet Kalos problems
- Chevrolet Kalos suspension problems
- Chevrolet Kalos brakes problems
- Chevrolet Kalos lights and electrics problems
- Chevrolet Kalos steering problems
- Chevrolet Kalos body and structure problems
- Chevrolet Kalos seat belts and airbags problems
- Chevrolet Kalos windscreen, wipers and mirrors problems
- Chevrolet Kalos tyres problems
Exhaust, emissions and leaks on rival models
- Ford Fiesta exhaust, emissions and leaks problems: 6.4 per 100 MOT tests at 17 years, against 8.4 for the Chevrolet Kalos (185,757 MOT tests)
- Vauxhall Corsa exhaust, emissions and leaks problems: 8.6 per 100 MOT tests at 17 years, against 8.4 for the Chevrolet Kalos (111,979 MOT tests)
- MINI Cooper and One exhaust, emissions and leaks problems: 11.6 per 100 MOT tests at 17 years, against 8.4 for the Chevrolet Kalos (105,097 MOT tests)
Questions people ask
Does the Chevrolet Kalos have more exhaust, emissions and leaks problems than other cars?
8.4 in 100 MOT tests at 17 years, against 6.5 for all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average by our test (all test years; 2,752 MOT tests).
How common are Chevrolet Kalos exhaust, emissions and leaks problems?
8.4 in 100 MOT tests at 17 years failed on exhaust, emissions and leaks, against 6.5 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 2,752 MOT tests).
What is the most common Chevrolet Kalos exhaust, emissions and leaks fail?
5.0 in 100 MOT tests at 17 years: Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction (137 MOT tests with it).
Sources
- Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2022 to 2025. DVSA MOT data, Open Government Licence v3.0, 9,354 MOT tests. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
- Office for National Statistics, Consumer price inflation, local price quotes (car repair items). ONS price quotes, series 610236. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
Parts: against all class 4 vehicles at the same age, all 2022–2025 test years pooled, not adjusted for mileage. Breakdowns and non-MOT faults are not in this data. How we compare