Common problems by part
Kia Niro steering problems
DVSA MOT tests 2022–2025 · 84,396 MOT tests · Updated
At 3 years, 0.1 in 100 MOT tests of the Kia Niro failed on steering, against 0.1 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 84,396 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), 70 MOT tests with a fail
- By age: seen at 7 ages from 3 to 9 years, 237,586 MOT tests
- MOT tests at 3 years: 84,396 for the Kia Niro
Figures are for the model as a whole, not for one car.
What the MOT tests show
What we know
0.1 fails per 100 MOT tests at 3 years, against 0.1 for all class 4 vehicles tested at 3 (all test years). That is about average.
Why it matters
A steering fail stops the car passing until it is fixed.
What to check
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
Kia Niro steering fails by age
| Age | MOT tests | Fails per 100 | All class 4 vehicles the same age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 84,396 | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| 4 | 65,791 | 0.1 | 0.2 |
| 5 | 42,883 | 0.2 | 0.3 |
| 6 | 24,006 | 0.2 | 0.5 |
| 7 | 13,373 | 0.2 | 0.8 |
| 8 | 5,852 | 0.1 | 1.2 |
| 9 | 1,285 | 0.2 | 1.8 |
All first-use years of the Kia Niro pooled at each age, against all class 4 vehicles at that age over all 2022–2025 test years.
What fails in the steering at 3 years
Advisories (not fails)
- Track rod end: ball joint has slight play: 0.2 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 0.1. Track rod end ball joint has slight play MOT advisory
Buying a Kia Niro? Check that exact car before the viewing.
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- Model risks for this year and fuel
- What similar cars did at their next MOT
- Repairs ahead
- Viewing checklist
By engine and fuel
- 1.6 hybrid: 0.1 per 100 at 3 years, about average for hybrid class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 47,547 MOT tests)
- 0.0 electric: 0.1 per 100 at 3 years, about average for electric class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 36,654 MOT tests)
How to check on a test drive
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
The most common advisory here in MOT records: Track rod end: ball joint has slight play.
Check one Kia Niro, not the average
The figures here describe Kia Niro cars as a group. These free tools answer for one car. Each line says what the tool reads.
- Check a Kia Niro'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 Kia Niro problems
Steering on rival models
- Ford Puma steering problems: 0.1 per 100 MOT tests at 3 years, against 0.1 for the Kia Niro (90,734 MOT tests)
- Volkswagen T-Roc steering problems: 0.0 per 100 MOT tests at 3 years, against 0.1 for the Kia Niro (78,552 MOT tests)
- Nissan Juke steering problems: 0.0 per 100 MOT tests at 3 years, against 0.1 for the Kia Niro (75,703 MOT tests)
Questions people ask
Does the Kia Niro have more steering problems than other cars?
0.1 in 100 MOT tests at 3 years, against 0.1 for all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average by our test (all test years; 84,396 MOT tests).
How common are Kia Niro steering problems?
0.1 in 100 MOT tests at 3 years failed on steering, against 0.1 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 84,396 MOT tests).
Sources
- Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2022 to 2025. DVSA MOT data, Open Government Licence v3.0, 237,586 MOT tests. 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