Kia Carens reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Kia Carens is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 83 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 377 of 442, and 36.4% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is stop lamp (5.1% of tests).
Ranked 377 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 14,724 Kia Carenses aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 36.4% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Kia Carens is 20% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
36.4%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
8,500
Typical age at test: 9 years
Kia Carens MOT failure rate by age
Most common Kia Carens MOT faults
- Stop lamp: not working5.1% of tests
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick4.9% of tests
- Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.7% of tests
- Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.5% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.7% of tests
- Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.7% of tests
What the Kia Carens fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 14.5% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Brakes | 13.9% | ▲ 2.0× as often |
| Suspension | 9.6% | About average |
| Tyres | 8.9% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Visibility | 5.4% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 3.3% | About average |
| Body and structure | 2.6% | ▼ 25% less often |
| Steering | 1.8% | ▼ 16% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.8% | ▲ 2.0× as often |
| Wheels | 0.4% | About average |
What MPG does the Kia Carens do?
Official economy for the Kia Carens ranges from 31 to 67.2mpg across the 54 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2018). A typical petrol version manages 44.1mpg and a typical diesel 58.9mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Kia Carens?
Any Kia Carens first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Kia Carens registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £445 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carKia Carens specs and running costs
Official figures for 54 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2018.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol
Official economy
31.0–67.2 mpg
CO2
109–215 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carens '2' 1.7 CRDi 114bhp ISG 7-seatM6 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 67.2 mpg | 109g | £200 |
| Carens '2' 1.7 CRDi 139bhp DCT ISG 7-seatDCT7 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 58.9 mpg | 127g | £200 |
| Carens '3' 1.7 CRDi 139bhp ISG 7-seatM6 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 62.8 mpg | 118g | £200 |
| Carens 3' 1.7 CRDi 139 bhp DCT ISG 7-seatDCT7 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 58.9 mpg | 127g | £200 |
| Carens '4' 1.7 CRDi 139bhp DCT ISG 7 seatDCT7 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 58.9 mpg | 127g | £200 |
| Carens '4' 1.7 CRDi 139bhp ISG 7-seatM6 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 62.8 mpg | 118g | £200 |
| Carens '1' 1.6 GDi 133bhp ISG 7-seatM6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 45.6 mpg | 143g | £200 |
| Carens '2' 1.6 GDi 133bhp ISG 7-seatM6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 45.6 mpg | 143g | £200 |
| Carens 4' 1.7 CRDi 139bhp ISG 7-seatM6 · listed 2017 | Diesel | 62.8 mpg | 118g | £200 |
| Carens '4' 1.7 CRDi 139bhp ISGM6 · listed 2016 | Diesel | 62.8 mpg | 118g | £35 |
| Carens 'SR7' 1.7 CRDi 114bhp ISGM6 · listed 2016 | Diesel | 62.8 mpg | 117g | £35 |
| Carens 'SR7' 1.6 GDi 133bhp ISGM6 · listed 2016 | Petrol | 45.6 mpg | 143g | £225 |
| Carens '1' 1.7 CRDi 114bhp ISG 7 seatM6 · listed 2015 | Diesel | 60.1 mpg | 124g | £170 |
| Carens '2' 1.7 CRDi 114bhp ISG 7 seatM6 · listed 2015 | Diesel | 60.1 mpg | 124g | £170 |
| Carens '2' 1.7 CRDi 134bhp 7 seatA6 · listed 2015 | Diesel | 46.3 mpg | 159g | £275 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Showing the 15 most recent of 54 versions.
What a Kia Carens costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 44.1mpg…
- diesel, typical official 58.9mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Kia CarensBuying a used Kia Carens?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Kia models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Kia Carens reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the Kia Carens is 20% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 83 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Kia Carens?
The most common MOT fault is “Stop lamp: not working”, found in 5.1% of tests. It fails on seat belts and airbags and brakes more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Kia Carens do?
Official economy for the Kia Carens ranges from 31 to 67.2mpg across the 54 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2018). A typical petrol version manages 44.1mpg and a typical diesel 58.9mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Kia Carens?
Any Kia Carens first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Kia Carens registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £445 a year.
›How many Kia Carenses fail their MOT?
36.4% of Kia Carenses aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Kia Carens combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.