2011 KIA RIO 1.5L Diesel · SM11 YKC
2011 KIA RIO (1.5L, diesel). First registered 01/07/2011. Recorded mileage 126,786 miles. MOT valid until 07/04/2027. Taxed until 01/05/2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- KIA RIO
- Year / Origin
- 2011 · Edinburgh
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 07/04/2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/05/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 126,786 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 1.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
- Fuel Type
- DIESEL
- Year
- 2011
- Engine
- 1493cc
SM11 YKC Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 09/04/2026
- 126,786 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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SM11 YKC Mileage History
- 23/03/2023113,884 mi
- 05/02/2025122,958 mi+9,074 mi
- 05/02/2025122,958 mi
- 25/02/2026126,782 mi+3,824 mi
- 09/04/2026126,786 mi+4 mi
Average of roughly 4,234 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
SM11 YKC MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2011 Kia Rio (SM11 YKC) between March 2023 and April 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 09 April 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (11 issues), Tyres (5 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Windscreen (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 14 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Brake pipe leaking on a hydraulic braking system central of vehicle brake pipe leaking (1.1.11 (b) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Lower Anti-roll bar ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Offside Front Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded (1.1.12 (f) (i))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution due to high mileage and recent MOT failure history. While the most recent test was a pass with no defects, the vehicle's usage patterns warrant a thorough mechanical inspection.
Given that this vehicle has covered over 126,000 miles, your primary focus should be on the service history, specifically regarding the timing belt/chain and diesel injection system. Because the MOT history shows two failures in the last 16 months, you should ask the seller for documentation regarding what repairs were carried out to rectify those specific failures, even though the defect descriptions are not listed in the digital record.
Negotiate based on the high mileage and the fact that it has exceeded the typical annual mileage for this model type. Check for any signs of heavy wear in the interior and ensure the clutch and flywheel show no signs of excessive vibration, which can be a concern on high-mileage diesel engines.
As a 1.5L diesel, this Rio should offer relatively efficient fuel economy for long-distance driving, though costs will vary based on driving style. Tax and insurance groups for a 2011 diesel Rio are typically moderate, making it a budget-conscious choice for higher-mileage users.
Expect maintenance costs to increase as the vehicle is now 15 years old. While parts for KIA models are generally affordable, components like suspension and exhaust systems may require more frequent attention at this mileage level. Estimated annual running costs are approximately £1,100-£1,400, including fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance.
Pay close attention to the suspension and steering components. Aggregate data for this model identifies suspension arms as a common MOT failure reason, so check for any knocks or play when driving over uneven surfaces.
Additionally, inspect the lighting and visibility components. Headlamps and windscreen wipers are noted as top failure reasons for this model across the wider dataset. Finally, check the diesel engine for any signs of oil leaks or excessive smoke, which could indicate wear in the turbocharger or fuel system given the 126,786 miles recorded.
This 2011 KIA Rio 1.5 CRDi is a high-mileage diesel model, having covered 126,786 miles as of April 2026. The MOT history shows two failures within the last two years, specifically in early 2025 and early 2026, though no specific defect types were recorded in those entries. Its mileage is significantly higher than the model average of 6,283 miles per year.
Aggregate data across 108,295 vehicles shows an 80.3% average MOT pass rate for this model type.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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