2006 Kia Sedona: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Kia Sedona?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Kia Sedona than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Engine oil leaks1.9× usual
  Kia Sedona

  23% All 2006 cars

  12.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Suspension arm4.3× usual
  Kia Sedona

  12.9% All 2006 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 0.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Track rod ends2.3× usual
  Kia Sedona

  12.9% All 2006 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 2.4% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Rust in key structural areas6.7× usual
  Kia Sedona

  7.4% All 2006 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 0.8% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Body structure rust or damage2.7× usual
  Kia Sedona

  6.5% All 2006 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.7% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.

Common 2006 Kia Sedona MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Kia Sedona MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  53% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  44% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  41% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  36% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  25% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Rust and bodywork
  19% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 Kia Sedona

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2006 Kia Sedona as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 4.3× as often on the 2006 Kia Sedona as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2006 Kia Sedona as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?