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Kia Picanto 3 vs Kia Rio: reliability comparison

MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.

Kia Picanto 3
88%
MOT pass rate · 2,038 vehicles
More reliable
Kia Rio
76%
MOT pass rate · 141,350 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate, the Kia Picanto 3 is the more reliable of the two — 88% pass first time versus 76%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.

Head to head

Measure Kia Picanto 3 Kia Rio
MOT pass rate 88% ✓ 76%
MOT failure rate 12% ✓ 24%
Faults & advisories per test 0.1 ✓ 1.8
Dangerous-fault share 10% 3% ✓
Average mileage 48,054 mi 76,214 mi
Sample size (vehicles) 2,038 141,350

Most common faults

Kia Picanto 3

  1. Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)
  2. Nearside Front Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (4.1.D.1b)
  3. EXHAUST MIDDLE BRACKET IS BROKEN
  4. REAR DEMISTER SWITCH TELL-TALE NOT WORKING ?
  5. AIRCON COMPRESSOR IS LEAKING OIL
  6. Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt SPLIT (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Kia Rio

  1. Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
  2. Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
  3. Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  4. Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  5. Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
  6. Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Reliability FAQ

On MOT pass rate, the Kia Picanto 3 is the more reliable of the two — 88% pass first time versus 76%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.

Full Kia Picanto 3 report Full Kia Rio report Most reliable cars

Pass rates are computed over completed (pass/fail) MOT tests. Reliability also depends on age, mileage and upkeep — see each model's page for the full picture.