Top fixes

Top Kia Picanto fixes every owner should know

Cheap, practical fixes for the Kia Picanto faults you actually meet, with rough costs and what a garage will charge.

Updated 4th September 2026 DVSA data: Across 187,594 recorded MOT tests, 23.2% failed.

Kia Picanto
Image via Wikipedia, CC-licensed.

TL;DR

Kia Picanto owners should be aware of common faults such as electrical issues, suspension wear, brake problems, exhaust leaks, and air conditioning issues. Understanding these can help save time and money on repairs, with DIY fixes often being a cost-effective option.

Electrical Faults

Electrical issues are common in the Kia Picanto, particularly with the battery and alternator. Symptoms include warning lights on the dashboard and difficulty starting the engine. DIY fixes might involve checking battery connections and replacing the battery if needed. A new battery costs around £60. If the alternator is faulty, replacement costs can reach £150, plus £50 to £100 for labour at a garage.

Suspension Wear

The suspension system, especially the front shock absorbers, can wear out over time. This often results in a bumpy ride and poor handling. Replacing shock absorbers is a task that can be done at home with the right tools, costing around £80 for parts. If you opt for a garage, expect to pay between £150 and £200 for the job.

Brake Problems

Brake issues, such as worn pads or discs, are frequent in the Picanto. Signs include squeaking noises or reduced braking efficiency. Replacing brake pads is a straightforward DIY task, with parts costing around £30. Garage charges can range from £50 to £100 for this service. Keep in mind that if the discs are also worn, they will need replacement, which increases costs significantly.

Exhaust Leaks

Exhaust systems can develop leaks, particularly around joints and connections. You may notice a louder engine noise or a drop in fuel efficiency. A temporary patch using exhaust tape can cost around £10. However, for a proper fix, replacing sections of the exhaust can cost between £100 and £200, with garage labour adding another £50 to £100.

Air Conditioning Issues

The air conditioning system may lose refrigerant over time, leading to reduced cooling efficiency. A DIY recharge kit can cost around £30, providing a temporary fix. For a proper repair, including a leak test and re-gas, expect to pay £100 to £150 at a garage.

Kia Picanto recall record

8 recalls have been issued for the Kia Picanto, between 2010 and 2026.

  1. Kia Picanto Possible Under Bonnet Fuel Leak

    R/2026/251

    Issued 24 July 2026

    ​​Fuel leakage may occur due to contact between the fuel line and the battery tray cable. For affected cars this may lead to damage of the fuel line and the risk of a fuel leak.​

    Remedy:​​Carry out a visual inspection pipe if no damage re-route and secure the pipe. If damaged replace the pipe and re-route.

    Affects cars built Sept 2020 to Jul 2023

  2. Kia HECU Fuse Replacement

    R/2024/465

    Issued 5 December 2024

    The HECU hydraulic electronic control unit of affected vehicles equipped with Anti-lock Brake Systems ABS and Electronic Stability Control ESC could leak internally and cause an electrical short over time. In extreme cases the HECU could overheat with a possible risk of an under bonnet fire.

    Remedy:The recall will replace the fuses in the junction box with a lower rated version.

    Affects cars built Dec 2009 to Jan 2011

  3. Kia Picanto ISLA Upgrade

    R/2024/367

    Issued 3 October 2024

    The Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) system may not function properly due to an incorrect software version of the instrument cluster and the ISLA camera coding partially missing. As a result there may be no audible or visual warning on the dashboard when the speed limit is exceeded. Without this system the vehicle may not meet EU ISA legislation.

    Remedy:Update the Cluster software and the front camera ISLA coding.

    Affects cars built Apr 2024 to May 2024

  4. Kia Picanto EGR Valve

    R/2024/317

    Issued 23 August 2024

    On affected vehicles a short circuit inside the EGR (Exhaust Gas Circulation) valve may occur potentially causing the engine to stall before a warning light is displayed.

    Remedy:On the affected vehicles the EGR Valve will be replaced.

    Affects cars built Jan 2024 to Feb 2024

4 older recalls not shown.

A recall applies to a build range, not to every car of this model. Check a registration to see whether one specific vehicle has an outstanding recall.

Kia Picanto MOT record

From 187,594 recorded MOT tests, 23.2% failed.

MOT pass and failure rates by year of first registration
RegisteredTestsFailedMedian mileage
20237286.5%13,056 mi
202210,0318.4%14,871 mi
202110,5519.5%19,009 mi
20208,72210.2%23,261 mi
201917,18811.3%26,714 mi
201816,05112.6%32,859 mi
201713,07515.7%37,504 mi
201612,33821.2%41,980 mi

Most common reasons for failure

  1. A tyre seriously damaged27.2%
  2. Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements23.6%
  3. Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded20.1%
  4. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn18.4%
  5. Brake disc or drum excessively weakened, insecure or fractured10.7%

Figures cover every Kia Picanto tested in the DVSA dataset, not this specific car. Check a registration for the actual history of one vehicle.

Kia Picanto official figures

Median across 26 variants on sale, petrol.

Combined economy
51.9 mpg
WLTP median across variants
CO2 emissions
122.5 g/km
Sets the first-year tax rate

Official figures for new cars. Real economy varies with driving, load and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What are common issues with the Kia Picanto?

Common issues include electrical faults, worn suspension components, and brake problems.

Can I fix these issues myself?

Many issues can be fixed DIY, but some may require professional help.

Is it worth fixing a Kia Picanto?

If the repairs are minor and the car is otherwise in good condition, it is often worth fixing.

Sources