Motoring Today

Kia Sportage MOT reliability

Reliability from 41 Kia Sportage cars with real DVSA MOT history — how often they pass first time, the most common failure reasons, and how much MOT life is left.

Reviewed by the Motoring Today Editorial team · methodology in our editorial standards.

How reliable is the Kia Sportage at MOT?

Across 14 Kia Sportage cars on Motoring Today, the average first-time MOT pass rate is 73%. 71% of stock currently holds a valid MOT, with a median of 7 months left on the certificate. The most common reasons these cars fail an MOT are tyres, visibility (windscreen & wipers) and brakes, from real DVSA test history.

Avg pass rate
73%
Valid MOT
10 / 14
Median MOT left
7 mo
Top failure
Tyres

There are 15 Kia Sportage vehicles currently listed on Motoring Today. The national DVSA MOT pass rate for the Kia Sportage stands at 81.3%, drawn from 245,553 real UK MOT tests. This figure reflects vehicles presented for test, not necessarily their lifetime reliability, as MOT failures often cluster with age, mileage, and maintenance rather than the badge itself. The most common reasons for failure are Brakes, accounting for 30% of defects, followed by Tyres (21%), Lighting & electrical (18%), Suspension (13%), and Visibility (windscreen & wipers) (13%). For a used car buyer, these failure trends highlight key areas for inspection. A high rate of brake failures suggests checking disc wear, pad thickness, and fluid levels. Tyre issues can often be spotted through tread depth and condition. Lighting and electrical problems might involve blown bulbs or wiring faults, while suspension concerns could point to worn shock absorbers or bushings, which impact ride quality and handling. Visibility failures frequently relate to windscreen chips, cracks, or worn wiper blades. Prioritising checks in these categories can give a good indication of a car's overall condition and potential future costs. The cheapest Kia Sportage available starts from £5,995, with representative monthly finance options from £142 (subject to status). Every listing on Motoring Today includes a full MOT history, allowing you to review a car's past performance in these critical areas before purchase.

73First-time MOT pass
Average pass rate
Stock with valid MOT
10 / 14
71% road-ready
Median MOT left
7 mo
Expiring < 2 mo
0
Plan for an MOT soon after purchase

Most common MOT failures on the Kia Sportage

Grouped reasons for MOT rejection across 41 Kia Sportage cars with DVSA test history in our stock (60 recorded failure items, 16 of them dangerous).

Failure areaRecorded failuresShare of failures
Tyres1423%
Visibility (windscreen & wipers)1423%
Brakes1322%
Suspension58%
Emissions & exhaust58%
Other47%

Based on real DVSA MOT test records for cars currently listed. Individual condition varies — always check the specific car's MOT history and advisories on its listing.

MOT pass rate is the percentage of Kia Sportage cars in our stock that passed their most recent MOT on the first attempt, based on DVSA history. A pass rate above 80% is generally strong for a car of this age.

If a car you're viewing is approaching its MOT expiry, factor in the cost of any advisories — these are listed on each vehicle detail page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a used Kia Sportage?
Based on real national DVSA MOT tests, the Kia Sportage has an 81.3% pass rate. This figure comes from 245553 national MOT tests for the model.
What are the most common MOT failures on a Kia Sportage?
The top failure categories for the Kia Sportage are Brakes at 30%, Tyres at 21%, and Lighting & electrical at 18%. Suspension and Visibility (windscreen & wipers) also feature prominently, both at 13%.
Is the Kia Sportage reliable?
The MOT pass rate of 81.3% indicates how well cars perform at the test, but isn't a direct measure of lifetime reliability. Failures typically increase with a vehicle's age and can be exacerbated by a lack of regular maintenance.
What should I check before buying a used Kia Sportage?
Before buying, pay close attention to the brakes, tyres, and all lights, as these are common MOT failure areas. Also, check the suspension components and ensure the windscreen and wipers are in good condition for optimal visibility.
How many Kia Sportage cars are currently for sale and what's the cheapest price?
There are 14 Kia Sportage models currently for sale. The cheapest available starts from £6495, or from a representative example of £150 per month, with finance subject to status.
What are the most common MOT failures on the Kia Sportage?
Across 41 Kia Sportage cars on Motoring Today with DVSA MOT history, the most common reasons for MOT failure are tyres, visibility (windscreen & wipers) and brakes (tyres account for 23% of recorded failures).

More Kia Sportage resources