2013 Kia Sportage petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Kia Sportage petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Kia Sportage petrol than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Track rod ends3.7× usual
  Kia Sportage

  16.1% All 2013 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.4%, against 2.2% of all 2013 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.

• Brake pads1.7× usual
  Kia Sportage

  16.4% All 2013 cars

  9.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 2.3% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Braking performance2.3× usual
  Kia Sportage

  9.7% All 2013 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 1.6% of all 2013 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.

• Exhaust system2× usual
  Kia Sportage

  8% All 2013 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 1.2% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)5.1× usual
  Kia Sportage

  4.1% All 2013 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 0.8% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for an engine warning light.

Common 2013 Kia Sportage petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Kia Sportage petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  37% 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.

• Suspension
  33% 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.

• 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.

• Lights and electrics
  20% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  11% 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 an engine warning light.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  8% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 Kia Sportage petrol

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

1. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2013 Kia Sportage petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2013 Kia Sportage petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2013 Kia Sportage petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?