2006 Kia Sportage diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Kia Sportage diesel?

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

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.5× usual
  Kia Sportage

  12.1% All 2006 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.9%, against 2.4% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

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

• Ball joint2.2× usual
  Kia Sportage

  13.6% All 2006 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.1%, against 3.1% of all 2006 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.7× usual
  Kia Sportage

  17.9% All 2006 cars

  10.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 2.4% 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.

• Braking performance1.8× usual
  Kia Sportage

  12.7% All 2006 cars

  6.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 2.9% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.1× usual
  Kia Sportage

  9% All 2006 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.6% of all 2006 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.

Common 2006 Kia Sportage diesel MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  59% 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
  42% 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
  38% 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
  33% 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
  20% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  16% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 Kia Sportage 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 rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2006 Kia Sportage diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2006 Kia Sportage diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2006 Kia Sportage diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?