2012 Kia Sedona: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Kia Sedona first registered in 2012: we looked at the 425 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 425 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Kia Sedona?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Kia Sedona than on all cars registered in 2012.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints1.9× usualKia Sedona17.4% All 2012 cars9.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 1.9% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
Common 2012 Kia Sedona MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2012 Kia Sedona MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension34% 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.
- Brakes32% 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.
- Tyres29% 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.
- Lights and electrics26% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Steering5% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Kia Sedona
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2012 Kia Sedona as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Kia Sedona?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Kia Sedona compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 2,120 | Suspension 39% |
| 2010 | 2,479 | Suspension 44% |
| 2009 | 1,538 | Suspension 53% |
| 2008 | 2,750 | Suspension 60% |
| 2007 | 2,445 | Suspension 57% |
| 2006 | 1,564 | Suspension 53% |
| 2005 | 1,000 | Suspension 45% |
| 2004 | 671 | Suspension 50% |
| 2003 | 265 | Lights and electrics 47% |
| 2002 | – | Too few tests |
| 2001 | – | Too few tests |
| 2000 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Kia Sedona cars first registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score