Kia Carens (2014)
2014 Kia Carens
CarHunch analysed 2,386 real MOT records for the 2014 Kia Carens. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2014 Kia Carens hits the UK average at 79.1% first-time pass rate, so reliability is broadly in line with expectations—but the alarming part is that 55% of these vehicles have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, which is well above normal and a genuine red flag for buyers. Petrol and diesel variants perform nearly identically (79.7% and 79.0% respectively), so fuel choice won't move the needle here.
These Carenss are running at 62,297 miles on average, which is sensible for a decade-old family MPV, yet owners are averaging 2.47 failures per test and 15.7 advisories—suggesting wear is catching up even at moderate mileage. Before committing to one, get a full pre-purchase inspection that specifically targets brake systems and suspension, as the high dangerous-defect rate points to these areas being chronic weak spots on this generation.
What to check before buying a 2014 Kia Carens
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 55% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Kia Carens
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (83%) | 1,977 | 79% | 2.48 |
| Petrol (17%) | 409 | 79.7% | 2.4 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2014 Kia Carens vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2014 Kia Carens vehicles fall between 48,331 and 76,084 miles.
2014 Kia Carens — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 2,000 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 87% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2014 Kia Carens
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
60%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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55.9%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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52.5%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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43.6%
Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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32%
Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
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32%
Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt ()
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30.6%
Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
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27.8%
Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2014. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Kia Carens?
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