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Chevrolet Kalos car check

Find out if a Kalos has outstanding finance, has been written off or stolen, how many owners it’s had, and which known problems apply to the generation you’re looking at.

Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. Results in under a minute.

MOT failure rate
28%53k tests
Known problems
5across T200
Full report
£7.49one-off, no subscription

Which Kalos are you looking at?

Each Kalos generation has its own weak spots. Here are the known problems.

  1. Structural corrosion around suspension mounting points

    Safety risk T200

    The Kalos suffers from severe structural corrosion around suspension component mounting points, particularly where the front subframe attaches to the body shell and where suspension struts mount to the inner wing. MOT data shows this model fails at 22.6 times the fleet average for load-bearing structure corrosion within 30cm of suspension mounting points. The thin steel construction and poor corrosion protection make this a progressive failure that eventually compromises structural integrity. This is distinct from cosmetic surface rust and represents a safety-critical structural weakness.

    What to check: Inspect the inner wheel arches above each front wheel for rust perforation or cracking around the strut top mounting points. Look for orange-brown staining or flaking metal around the three bolts that secure each strut tower. Check underneath the front of the car where the subframe bolts to the b...

  2. Body shell corrosion

    Safety and MOT risk T200

    The Kalos exhibits widespread body corrosion issues affecting structural integrity beyond normal surface rust. The budget construction used thinner steel sections with inadequate corrosion protection, particularly affecting the floor pan, sills, and door frames. This is a progressive deterioration that starts as surface bubbling but develops into structural weakness requiring MOT failure.

    What to check: Check the bottom edge of all four doors for rust bubbling or perforation - this often starts behind the plastic trim strips. Inspect the sill sections (the area between the front and rear wheels under each door) for rust, holes, or soft spots when pressed with a finger. Look inside the door frame...

  3. Excessive suspension component wear

    Wear item T200

    The Kalos shows premature wear in suspension bushes, ball joints, and anti-roll bar links. MOT data reveals failures at 23.3 times the fleet average for suspension pins, bushes or joints being excessively worn. The budget suspension components and soft rubber compounds deteriorate rapidly, particularly the front anti-roll bar drop links and lower arm bushes. This creates handling problems and noise, progressing to MOT failure as joints develop excessive play.

    What to check: With the car on level ground, push down firmly on each corner and release - listen for squeaking, creaking, or knocking noises that indicate worn bushes or joints. Visually inspect the anti-roll bar drop links (short vertical links connecting the anti-roll bar to the suspension arms) for obvious ...

  4. Steering ball joint wear

    Wear item T200

    Track rod ends and steering ball joints wear prematurely on the Kalos, with MOT failures occurring at 22.4 times the fleet average. The budget construction uses lower-grade materials that deteriorate faster than equivalent components on other vehicles. Worn ball joints create play in the steering system, affecting precision and safety. The protective rubber boots often split early, allowing contamination that accelerates wear.

    What to check: Inspect the steering rack gaiters (rubber boots covering the track rod ends) for splits, cracks, or grease leakage - damaged gaiters indicate likely ball joint contamination. Check for play in the steering by having someone rock the steering wheel left and right while you observe the front wheels...

  5. Brake caliper seizure and binding

    Safety and MOT risk T200

    Brake calipers on the Kalos are prone to seizure, with MOT data showing brake binding failures at 21.4 times the fleet average. The single-piston front calipers and rear brake mechanisms suffer from corrosion of the piston and slider pins, causing brakes to remain partially applied even when the pedal is released. This creates heat buildup, premature brake wear, and potential brake failure. The issue is exacerbated by poor corrosion protection on the brake components.

    What to check: Check each wheel for heat immediately after a short drive - a hot wheel indicates binding brakes. Be careful as brake components can be extremely hot. Inspect the brake discs for discoloration, scoring, or uneven wear patterns that suggest one brake is working harder than others. Look at the allo...

Kalos MOT results

28%

of Kalos MOT tests end in a fail, from 52,762 tests.

Most common reasons for failing

  1. ABS faultBrakes
  2. Tyre valve seriously damaged or misalignedTyres
  3. Seat mounting faultSeatbelts & Airbags

Check the Kalos you’re buying

One report covers outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and previous owners from Experian, plus MOT history, mileage and the known problems for its generation.

Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian.

What the check includes

Kalos questions

Is the Chevrolet Kalos reliable?

28% of Kalos models fail their MOT based on 52,762 tests analysed. That’s below average for the class. There are 5 known problems to watch for, the most serious being structural corrosion around suspension mounting points. A full history check shows whether a specific car has had related write-offs or insurance claims.

What are the main problems with a Chevrolet Kalos?

The most serious known issues are structural corrosion around suspension mounting points, body shell corrosion, excessive suspension component wear. Our car check flags whether a specific Kalos has been written off or had insurance claims linked to these faults.

How do I check if a Chevrolet Kalos has outstanding finance?

Enter the registration on this page. We query Experian’s finance database and return any outstanding agreements within a minute. If finance is still owed, the finance company can legally repossess the car even after you’ve paid the seller. At £7.49 it’s the cheapest way to avoid a car that isn’t legally for sale.

How do I check if a Chevrolet Kalos has been written off?

Our check queries Experian’s insurance write-off database for Cat A, B, S and N markers. A Cat S or N Kalos has been structurally or non-structurally damaged and repaired. This doesn’t mean it’s unsafe, but it affects resale value and some insurers won’t cover it. The check costs £7.49.

Can I check a Chevrolet Kalos for free?

You can check MOT history free on GOV.UK, which shows past test results and advisories. What it won’t show is outstanding finance, write-offs or theft markers, which are the things that actually cost you money after you’ve bought. Our full check adds all of that for £7.49, using Experian data.

Is a Chevrolet Kalos HPI check worth it?

HPI is one brand of car check. Our check uses the same Experian data covering finance, stolen, write-off and keeper history, plus MOT analysis and known Kalos faults that HPI doesn’t include. At £7.49 it’s typically less than half the price of an HPI check.

What does a Chevrolet Kalos fail its MOT on?

The most common MOT failure on the Kalos is abs fault. 28% of Kalos models fail overall, based on 52,762 tests. Checking a car’s full MOT history before buying shows you recurring problems the seller might not mention.

More on the Kalos

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Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. MOT data from DVSA. Known problems from GetCarWise analysis. Updated October 2026.