At a Glance
The Kia Shuma has 13 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Shuma (1997-2004) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 56K 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 Shuma 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 Shuma 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 Kia Shuma Generations
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Most Common Kia Shuma MOT Failures
Every reason Kia Shuma 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 | 17.16% |
| 2 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 14.61% |
| 3 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 9.75% |
| 4 | Headlamp aim defect | 5.14% |
| 5 | Tyre condition | 4.50% |
| 6 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.22% |
| 7 | Stop lamp not working | 4.04% |
| 8 | Suspension mounting corroded | 3.58% |
| 9 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.71% |
| 10 | Number plate lamp not working | 2.65% |
| 11 | Front lamp not working | 2.64% |
| 12 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 2.42% |
| 13 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 2.35% |
| 14 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.99% |
| 15 | Exhaust system fault | 1.65% |
| 16 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.50% |
| 17 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.22% |
| 18 | Driveshaft fault | 1.18% |
| 19 | Parking brake condition | 1.04% |
| 20 | Brake performance below minimum | 0.77% |
| 21 | ABS fault | 0.76% |
| 22 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.76% |
| 23 | Rear lamp not working | 0.71% |
| 24 | Front suspension fault | 0.66% |
| 25 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.64% |
| 26 | Seat belt condition | 0.61% |
| 27 | Indicator fault | 0.56% |
| 28 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.52% |
| 29 | Chassis condition | 0.52% |
| 30 | Position lamp not working | 0.50% |
| 31 | Track rod end worn | 0.46% |
| 32 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.45% |
| 33 | Fog lamp not working | 0.45% |
| 34 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.45% |
| 35 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.40% |
| 36 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.38% |
| 37 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.38% |
| 38 | Brake pedal fault | 0.36% |
| 39 | Headlamp fault | 0.33% |
| 40 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.33% |
| 41 | Steering rack fault | 0.32% |
| 42 | Brake fluid leak | 0.31% |
| 43 | Horn not working | 0.29% |
| 44 | Rear suspension fault | 0.27% |
| 45 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.26% |
| 46 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.23% |
| 47 | Steering lock fault | 0.21% |
| 48 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.19% |
| 49 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.18% |
| 50 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.18% |
| 51 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.18% |
| 52 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.17% |
| 53 | Brake lever fault | 0.16% |
| 54 | Airbag warning light on | 0.12% |
| 55 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.12% |
| 56 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.11% |
| 57 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.09% |
| 58 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.08% |
| 59 | Electrical switch fault | 0.08% |
| 60 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.07% |
| 61 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.07% |
| 62 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.06% |
| 63 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.06% |
| 64 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.06% |
| 65 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.06% |
| 66 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 67 | Power steering pump fault | 0.05% |
| 68 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 69 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.04% |
| 70 | Power steering ram fault | 0.04% |
| 71 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.03% |
| 72 | Body security fault | 0.03% |
| 73 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 74 | Front passenger door fault | 0.03% |
| 75 | Steering operation fault | 0.03% |
| 76 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.02% |
| 77 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.02% |
| 78 | Brake caliper fault | 0.02% |
| 79 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.02% |
| 80 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 81 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.01% |
| 82 | Driver door fault | 0.01% |
| 83 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.01% |
| 84 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.01% |
| 85 | Propshaft fault | 0.01% |
| 86 | Suspension unit fault | 0.01% |
| 87 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 88 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 89 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | <0.01% |
| 90 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 91 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 92 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 93 | Drag link end worn | <0.01% |
| 94 | Engine oil leak | <0.01% |
| 95 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 96 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 97 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 98 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 99 | Bumper damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 100 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | <0.01% |
| 101 | Driver airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 102 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 103 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 104 | Rear fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 105 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 106 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Steering free play excessive | <0.01% |
| 109 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 110 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 111 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 112 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 113 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 114 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 116 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Flexible brake hose damaged | <0.01% |
| 118 | Headlamp levelling device fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 122 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 123 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Steering arm worn | <0.01% |
| 125 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 127 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
Showing all 127 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Kia Shuma MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Kia Shuma, 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 Shuma problems?
Based on analysis of 56K Kia Shuma MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 13 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake performance below minimum". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Kia Shuma generation has the most problems?
The Kia Shuma Shuma (1997-2004) (1997–2004) has the highest number of identified common problems (18). 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 Shuma?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Kia Shuma owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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