Kia Picanto Common Faults & Problems (UK Buyer's Guide)
Mk2 (2011–2017) & Mk3 (2017–) · City car
This is an independent guide to the Kia Picanto, written for used car buyers rather than sellers. The faults below come from owner reports, UK garage patterns and MOT history for this generation — not manufacturer marketing, and we take no commission from any dealer. Use it to spot the expensive problems before you hand over money.
The 7-year warranty is a genuine used-buyer superpower.
Common Faults
Each fault below is drawn from real owner reports and UK garage patterns for this generation — not generic used-car advice.
1.0 MPI timing chain rattle
moderateNon-turbo 1.0 can develop chain rattle above 80k.
Check for: Rattle on cold start.
Typical cost: £700–£1,100 timing chain
Rear wiper motor
minorRear wiper motors can seize.
Check for: Test rear wiper.
Typical cost: £120–£180
What to Check Before Buying
Take this list to the viewing. Every point comes straight from the faults above.
- 1.0 MPI timing chain rattle: Rattle on cold start.
- Rear wiper motor: Test rear wiper.
MOT history red flags
If any of these appear on the last two MOTs, negotiate hard or walk away.
- None model-specific — check MOT like any car
Sharp questions to ask the seller
- Is the original Kia 7-year warranty still valid?
- Serviced within Kia's schedule?
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