At a Glance
The Daewoo Kalos has 23 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Kalos (2002-2005) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 101K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Daewoo Kalos common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Daewoo Kalos generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Daewoo Kalos Generations
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Most Common Daewoo Kalos MOT Failures
Every reason Daewoo Kalos vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 11.19% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 9.71% |
| 3 | Number plate lamp not working | 8.08% |
| 4 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 5.97% |
| 5 | Tyre condition | 5.30% |
| 6 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 4.75% |
| 7 | Headlamp aim defect | 4.52% |
| 8 | Suspension mounting corroded | 3.69% |
| 9 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.18% |
| 10 | Track rod end worn | 2.95% |
| 11 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 2.94% |
| 12 | Exhaust system fault | 2.88% |
| 13 | Stop lamp not working | 2.66% |
| 14 | Driveshaft fault | 2.59% |
| 15 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.50% |
| 16 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.39% |
| 17 | Front lamp not working | 2.12% |
| 18 | Mirror damaged or missing | 1.27% |
| 19 | Position lamp not working | 1.24% |
| 20 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.22% |
| 21 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.18% |
| 22 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.99% |
| 23 | Indicator fault | 0.93% |
| 24 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.91% |
| 25 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.90% |
| 26 | Rear suspension fault | 0.84% |
| 27 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.73% |
| 28 | Chassis condition | 0.72% |
| 29 | Parking brake condition | 0.64% |
| 30 | Headlamp fault | 0.63% |
| 31 | Horn not working | 0.63% |
| 32 | Steering rack fault | 0.63% |
| 33 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.58% |
| 34 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.57% |
| 35 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.54% |
| 36 | Fog lamp not working | 0.51% |
| 37 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.48% |
| 38 | Front suspension fault | 0.44% |
| 39 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.43% |
| 40 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.39% |
| 41 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.31% |
| 42 | Rear lamp not working | 0.30% |
| 43 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.29% |
| 44 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.25% |
| 45 | Seat belt condition | 0.24% |
| 46 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.22% |
| 47 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.22% |
| 48 | Airbag warning light on | 0.20% |
| 49 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.20% |
| 50 | ABS fault | 0.20% |
| 51 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.18% |
| 52 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.15% |
| 53 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.15% |
| 54 | Brake caliper fault | 0.14% |
| 55 | Steering arm worn | 0.13% |
| 56 | Brake fluid leak | 0.12% |
| 57 | Engine oil leak | 0.11% |
| 58 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.10% |
| 59 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.09% |
| 60 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.09% |
| 61 | Brake lever fault | 0.09% |
| 62 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.08% |
| 63 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.08% |
| 64 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.06% |
| 65 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 66 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.06% |
| 67 | Drag link end worn | 0.06% |
| 68 | Steering free play excessive | 0.06% |
| 69 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.05% |
| 70 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.05% |
| 71 | Driver door fault | 0.05% |
| 72 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.04% |
| 73 | Body security fault | 0.04% |
| 74 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.04% |
| 75 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.04% |
| 76 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.03% |
| 77 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 78 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 79 | Brake pedal fault | 0.03% |
| 80 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 81 | Passenger seat fault | 0.03% |
| 82 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 83 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.02% |
| 84 | Passenger airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 85 | Steering operation fault | 0.02% |
| 86 | Access panel damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 87 | Electrical switch fault | 0.02% |
| 88 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.02% |
| 89 | Propshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.01% |
| 92 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 93 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.01% |
| 94 | Steering drive system fault | 0.01% |
| 95 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 96 | Additional braking device fault | 0.01% |
| 97 | Exhaust leak | 0.01% |
| 98 | Power steering pump fault | 0.01% |
| 99 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.01% |
| 100 | Suspension unit fault | 0.01% |
| 101 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.01% |
| 102 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.01% |
| 103 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.01% |
| 104 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 105 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 106 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 107 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 108 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 109 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 110 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Steering lock fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 113 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Brake pedal movement restricted | <0.01% |
| 116 | Driver seat fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Handbrake cable fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 121 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 125 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 126 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 127 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 129 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 133 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 134 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 136 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 139 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 141 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 141 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Daewoo Kalos MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Daewoo Kalos, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Daewoo Kalos problems?
Based on analysis of 101K Daewoo Kalos MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 23 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake performance below minimum". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Daewoo Kalos generation has the most problems?
The Daewoo Kalos Kalos (2002-2005) (2002–2005) has the highest number of identified common problems (32). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Daewoo Kalos?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Daewoo Kalos owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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