Kia Picanto: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 169,805 Kia Picanto cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 2004 and 2026.
In a sample of 400 cars, 68.8% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, more often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is number plate light not working (properly) / missing (16.5% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 4 recalls for this model; 0.8% of registered cars still have an open recall.
1.5% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Kia Picanto
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 16.5% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 16.3% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 16% |
| Position light not working (properly) | 12.5% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 11.5% |
| Indicator colour deviates or not permitted | 10.8% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 10.8% |
| Tyre damaged | 10.3% |
| Dipped/main beam not working (properly) | 5.3% |
| Seatbelt damaged | 4% |
Share of 400 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 15.5% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 5.3% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 2% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 169,805 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 0.8% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 1.5% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 2004 to 2026 |
All Kia Picanto passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-11-11 | electrical system | – | 45,406 |
| 2024-08-08 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 860 |
| 2018-09-25 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 7,679 |
| 2013-01-03 | brakes | – | 74 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Kia Picanto fail the APK?
In a sample of 400 cars first registered 2012–2021, 68.8% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Kia Picanto?
The most common APK defects are: number plate light not working (properly) / missing (16.5%), tyre tread depth insufficient (16.3%), tyre pressure incorrect (16%).
Does the Kia Picanto have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 4 recalls. 0.8% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Kia models
Niro · Sportage · Rio · Ceed · Stonic · Venga · Cee · EV3 · EV6 · Xceed · Sorento · Proceed · Soul · Carens · EV5
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.