Kia models
| Model | Tests | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|
| Kia Sportage | 19,037 | 53.2% |
| Kia Ceed | 12,481 | 43.3% |
| Kia RIO | 7,322 | 45.1% |
| Kia Picanto | 3,854 | 49.8% |
| Kia Sorento | 2,744 | 55.3% |
| Kia Niro | 2,384 | 81.3% |
| Kia Venga | 2,120 | 48.5% |
| Kia Stonic | 2,040 | 77.5% |
Models with at least 2,000 initial tests in 2025.
Where Kia cars fail
| Category | Kia | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Steering and suspension | 20.3% | 18.5% |
| Side slip (wheel alignment) test | 18.9% | 15.2% |
| Lighting and electrical | 17.5% | 17.6% |
| Brake performance test | 15.5% | 11.7% |
| Braking equipment | 10.8% | 9.3% |
| Wheels and tyres | 9.4% | 12.8% |
Share of tests with at least one defect in each category. What each category covers · pre-NCT checklist.
Other makes
| Make | Tests | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen | 231,807 | 49.5% |
| Toyota | 227,840 | 50.6% |
| Ford | 174,701 | 45.1% |
| Nissan | 116,484 | 44.4% |
| Audi | 108,134 | 54.1% |
| Hyundai | 101,155 | 51.6% |
| BMW | 93,340 | 53.4% |
| Škoda | 80,400 | 56.5% |
| Renault | 68,249 | 43.6% |
| Mercedes-Benz | 64,690 | 53.5% |
| Peugeot | 57,456 | 44.7% |
| Opel | 54,979 | 47.7% |
All 34 makes · best and worst cars · pass rate by car age
Most-tested models in Ireland
Busiest NCT centres
NCT cost
€60 full test, €40 retest, free visual retest.
How to book
ncts.ie, phone and the priority list.
Retest rules
Book within 21 days, finish within 30.
How often
At 4 years, every 2 years, then yearly from 10.
What to bring
Documents and quick checks before the test.
NCT waiting times
Days to the next free test, by centre.
Kia NCT questions
What is the Kia NCT pass rate?
In 2025, 51% of Kia cars passed the NCT at the first attempt (29,997 of 58,797 initial tests), compared with 49.3% for all cars.
Which Kia model has the best NCT pass rate?
Among Kia models with at least 2,000 tests, the Niro did best (81.3%). Remember that newer models are usually younger cars, which pass more often.
Does the make of a car decide whether it passes?
Not on its own. Age, mileage and maintenance matter more, and the RSA warns its figures do not account for them. Use these numbers to know what to check, not to predict a result.
Source: RSA 2025 Make and Model Data, initial tests only. Reviewed 2 October 2026.