2015 KIA Ceed 1.6L Diesel · RJ15 HDV

The KIA Ceed’s most recent MOT tests reveal a concerning pattern of repeated failures despite no recorded defects, with the vehicle failing twice in quick succession—first on 2025-08-15 and then passing on 2025-08-16 at the same mileage of 101,492. This suggests either a technical oversight in the testing process or a last-minute rectification of an undocumented issue, as no defects were logged. The previous cycle in December 2024 also saw identical failures at 96,708 miles, reinforcing the possibility of a recurring, yet unnoticed, mechanical concern. While the December 2023 test at 87,234 miles passed without issue, the absence of advisories or defects in any entry makes it impossible to pinpoint a specific failing component. The trend does not clearly indicate worsening or improving conditions, but the repeated failures at identical mileages warrant scrutiny beyond the MOT record. The vehicle’s mileage progression of roughly 9,227 miles annually aligns with typical usage for its age, though the abrupt jump from 87,234 miles in December 2023 to 96,708 miles by December 2024—an increase of 9,574 miles in just over a year—suggests either a period of heavier use or a lapse in mileage tracking. The gap between the 2024 and 2025 tests is unusually short, with only four months separating the December 2024 failure and the August 2025 retest, which could imply either rushed maintenance or an attempt to avoid a longer out-of-service period. There are no advisories to indicate preventative work was undertaken between tests, leaving critical components like suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers unaddressed for extended periods. Given the lack of documented defects, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension system, particularly the rear axle, as binding or uneven wear is often undetectable without a dynamic road test. The repeated failures at identical mileages hint at a potential issue with rear-wheel bearing preload, brake drag, or even a misaligned subframe, all of which can cause intermittent failures during MOT testing. Structural integrity should also be assessed, especially around the wheel arches and sills, where corrosion could compromise the body’s rigidity without leaving visible surface rust. Brake discs and pads, while not explicitly flagged, may exhibit uneven wear if the vehicle was driven between tests, so a visual and functional check is essential. Finally, the exhaust system should be inspected for leaks or excessive corrosion, as catalytic converter failures often go unnoticed until they trigger a failure.