Used car guide · 2016–2021

Kia Sportage Mk4: best and worst years, and what goes wrong

How each year of the Kia Sportage Mk4 did at the MOTs done during 2023–2025, compared with other cars the same age, the weak spots that keep coming up, and what to check before you buy one. From 527,241 MOT tests.

2017best year: 80% pass first time, 0 points above all 2017 cars
2020weakest year: 84% pass first time, 3 points below all 2020 cars
Suspension arm bushes and jointsthe weak spot that shows up in 3 different years

Which Kia Sportage Mk4 years are best and worst at their MOT?

First-time MOT pass rate for each year of the Kia Sportage Mk4, against all cars registered the same year. Older cars fail more, so the comparison with cars the same age is what matters.

60%80%100%2016: 78% pass first time (all 2016 cars: 77%) 78% 2016*2017: 80% pass first time (all 2017 cars: 80%) 80% 20172018: 83% pass first time (all 2018 cars: 83%) 83% 20182019: 84% pass first time (all 2019 cars: 85%) 84% 20192020: 84% pass first time (all 2020 cars: 87%) 84% 20202021: 85% pass first time (all 2021 cars: 87%) 85% 2021*
This model, first-time pass rate All cars registered that year · * changeover year: some cars are the previous or next generation
YearPass first timeAll cars that yearStands outMOT tests
2016*78%77% +1Brake pads 1.7× usual109,730
201780%80% +0Brake pads 1.8× usual108,402
201883%83% +0Brake pads 1.7× usual99,630
201984%85% -1Track rod ends 5× usual97,946
202084%87% -3Track rod ends 15.5× usual56,872
2021*85%87% -2Wipers 2.1× usual54,661

Common Kia Sportage Mk4 MOT failures, year after year

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year of this generation. Repeat findings like these are much less likely to be chance.

  • Suspension arm bushes and jointsup to 3.9× usual

    Stands out in 3 years: 2020, 2019, 2018.

    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.

  • Track rod endsup to 15.5× usual

    Stands out in 2 years: 2020, 2019.

    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 padsup to 1.8× usual

    Stands out in 2 years: 2018, 2017.

    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.

What usually goes wrong with the Kia Sportage Mk4?

From owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Not every car will have them.

  • Blocked particulate filter (diesel)

    Diesels need regular faster runs, or the particulate filter can clog and need an expensive replacement.

    Check: 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

  • Diesel reliability (2018-2022)

    Owner surveys rate diesels built from 2018 much less reliable than petrols, with engine and gearbox faults most common.

    Check: 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

  • Kia warranty may still apply

    The seven-year warranty may still cover younger cars, if serviced properly.

    Check: Check the service book and ask Kia whether warranty remains.

    Source: What Car?: used Kia Sportage (2016-2022) reliability

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting each car's main test of the year (not retests). A weak spot needs at least 30 cars flagged and must stay 1.5× the usual rate even at the cautious end of a 95% confidence range. Generation years are approximate: cars registered in a changeover year (*) can be either generation. How we score

Looking at a Kia Sportage?

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