Part of the Kia Sportage Mk4 (2016–2021) guide: best and worst years compared.
2021 Kia Sportage diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Kia Sportage first registered in 2021 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 270 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 270 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2021 Kia Sportage diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2021 Kia Sportage diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres22% 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.
- Brakes10% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors9% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Suspension5% 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.
- Lights and electrics4% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
Known faults on the 2021 Kia Sportage diesel
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Diesel built 2018-2022
Diesel reliability (2018-2022)
Owner surveys rate diesels built from 2018 much less reliable than petrols, with engine and gearbox faults most common.
At the viewing: Prefer a petrol if you can. On a diesel, ask for full service history and check for warning lights.
Source: What Car?: used Kia Sportage (2016-2022) reliability
- Diesel
Blocked particulate filter (diesel)
Diesels need regular faster runs, or the particulate filter can clog and need an expensive replacement.
At the viewing: Ask how the car has been used. Short trips only is a warning sign.
If it needs doing: DPF clean or regeneration, about £160–£500. ClickMechanic
Source: What Car?: used Kia Sportage (2016-2022) reliability
Kia warranty may still apply
The seven-year warranty may still cover younger cars, if serviced properly.
At the viewing: Check the service book and ask Kia whether warranty remains.
Source: What Car?: used Kia Sportage (2016-2022) reliability
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Kia Sportage diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Have there been any engine, gearbox or warning light problems?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Kia Sportage?
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 Sportage compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 1,976 | Tyres 12% |
| 2022 | 31,074 | Tyres 19% |
| 2020 | 56,872 | Tyres 26% |
| 2019 | 97,946 | Tyres 28% |
| 2018 | 99,630 | Tyres 31% |
| 2017 | 108,402 | Tyres 31% |
| 2016 | 109,730 | Tyres 31% |
| 2015 | 62,005 | Tyres 33% |
| 2014 | 56,529 | Brakes 34% |
| 2013 | 52,926 | Suspension 38% |
| 2012 | 37,383 | Suspension 41% |
| 2011 | 22,344 | Suspension 44% |
| 2010 | 12,119 | Suspension 48% |
| 2009 | 6,726 | Suspension 52% |
| 2008 | 4,342 | Suspension 55% |
| 2007 | 3,919 | Suspension 57% |
| 2006 | 3,321 | Suspension 58% |
| 2005 | 3,558 | Suspension 58% |
| 2003 | – | Too few tests |
| 2002 | – | Too few tests |
| 2001 | – | Too few tests |
| 2000 | – | Too few tests |
| 1999 | – | Too few tests |
| 1998 | – | Too few tests |
| 1997 | – | Too few tests |
| 1996 | – | Too few tests |
| 1995 | – | 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 Sportage cars first registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score