2005 Kia Sorento diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Kia Sorento diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Kia Sorento diesel than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Chassis rust or damage4.8× usual
  Kia Sorento

  15.5% All 2005 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 0.9% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

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

• Anti-roll bar link joints3× usual
  Kia Sorento

  13.1% All 2005 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 1.6% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Track rod ends2.4× usual
  Kia Sorento

  14.4% All 2005 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 2.7% of all 2005 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.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints5.8× usual
  Kia Sorento

  8.7% All 2005 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Body structure rust or damage3.4× usual
  Kia Sorento

  9.2% All 2005 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 0.8% of all 2005 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 2005 Kia Sorento diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Kia Sorento diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  49% 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
  46% 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
  42% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Rust and bodywork
  28% 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.

• Tyres
  27% 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
  14% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 Kia Sorento diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 4.8× as often on the 2005 Kia Sorento diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2005 Kia Sorento diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2005 Kia Sorento diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?