At a Glance
The Kia Mentor has 29 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Mentor (1992-2004) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 27K 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 Kia Mentor 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
Kia Mentor 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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Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Kia Mentor owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Kia Mentor Generations
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Most Common Kia Mentor MOT Failures
Every reason Kia Mentor 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 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 16.32% |
| 2 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 11.21% |
| 3 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.94% |
| 4 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 5.86% |
| 5 | Front lamp not working | 5.74% |
| 6 | Exhaust system fault | 5.29% |
| 7 | Windscreen washer not working | 5.12% |
| 8 | Stop lamp not working | 3.10% |
| 9 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.86% |
| 10 | Driveshaft fault | 2.76% |
| 11 | Tyre condition | 2.57% |
| 12 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.46% |
| 13 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.40% |
| 14 | Suspension mounting corroded | 2.25% |
| 15 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.02% |
| 16 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.78% |
| 17 | Parking brake condition | 1.43% |
| 18 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.39% |
| 19 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.36% |
| 20 | Mirror damaged or missing | 1.18% |
| 21 | Fog lamp not working | 1.03% |
| 22 | Chassis condition | 0.82% |
| 23 | Indicator fault | 0.77% |
| 24 | Track rod end worn | 0.75% |
| 25 | Rear lamp not working | 0.71% |
| 26 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.71% |
| 27 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.64% |
| 28 | Front suspension fault | 0.62% |
| 29 | Brake pedal fault | 0.60% |
| 30 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.60% |
| 31 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.58% |
| 32 | Horn not working | 0.52% |
| 33 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.51% |
| 34 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.44% |
| 35 | Position lamp not working | 0.40% |
| 36 | Rear suspension fault | 0.37% |
| 37 | Steering lock fault | 0.32% |
| 38 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.32% |
| 39 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.31% |
| 40 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.30% |
| 41 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.28% |
| 42 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.27% |
| 43 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.27% |
| 44 | Steering rack fault | 0.27% |
| 45 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.26% |
| 46 | ABS fault | 0.25% |
| 47 | Seat belt condition | 0.22% |
| 48 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.20% |
| 49 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.19% |
| 50 | Electrical switch fault | 0.18% |
| 51 | Brake fluid leak | 0.17% |
| 52 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.17% |
| 53 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.15% |
| 54 | Steering free play excessive | 0.15% |
| 55 | Headlamp fault | 0.14% |
| 56 | Number plate lamp not working | 0.14% |
| 57 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.14% |
| 58 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.13% |
| 59 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.13% |
| 60 | Airbag warning light on | 0.13% |
| 61 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.13% |
| 62 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.10% |
| 63 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.10% |
| 64 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.09% |
| 65 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.08% |
| 66 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.08% |
| 67 | Brake caliper fault | 0.07% |
| 68 | Steering arm worn | 0.07% |
| 69 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.07% |
| 70 | Power steering pump fault | 0.06% |
| 71 | Suspension unit fault | 0.06% |
| 72 | Body security fault | 0.06% |
| 73 | Drag link end worn | 0.06% |
| 74 | Power steering ram fault | 0.06% |
| 75 | Brake lever fault | 0.05% |
| 76 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.05% |
| 77 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 78 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.04% |
| 79 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.04% |
| 80 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.03% |
| 81 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.03% |
| 82 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.03% |
| 83 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.03% |
| 84 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 85 | CV joint worn | 0.02% |
| 86 | Steering lock stop fault | 0.02% |
| 87 | Torque or reaction arm worn | 0.02% |
| 88 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 89 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Steering operation fault | 0.02% |
| 92 | Suspension coupling worn | 0.02% |
| 93 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 94 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 95 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.01% |
| 96 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.01% |
| 97 | Radius arm worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 98 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 99 | Steering column fault | 0.01% |
| 100 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 101 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 102 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 103 | Bumper damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 104 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | <0.01% |
| 105 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 106 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Electrical wiring fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 109 | Engine oil leak | <0.01% |
| 110 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 113 | Bonded suspension condition | <0.01% |
| 114 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 115 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 116 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 116 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Kia Mentor MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Kia Mentor, 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 Kia Mentor problems?
Based on analysis of 27K Kia Mentor MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 29 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake hydraulic component worn". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Kia Mentor generation has the most problems?
The Kia Mentor Mentor (1992-2004) (1992–2004) has the highest number of identified common problems (35). 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 Kia Mentor?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Kia Mentor owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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