Motoring Today

Kia Sportage MOT reliability

Reliability from 28 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 12 Kia Sportage cars on Motoring Today, the average first-time MOT pass rate is 80%. 92% of stock currently holds a valid MOT, with a median of 6 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
80%
Valid MOT
11 / 12
Median MOT left
6 mo
Top failure
Tyres

Motoring Today currently lists 10 Kia Sportage models for sale, with prices starting from £7,995, or a representative monthly payment of £183. When considering a used Sportage, its MOT performance is a key factor. Based on 245,553 real UK MOT tests, the Kia Sportage achieves a national pass rate of 81.3%. However, this figure reflects vehicles as they are presented for testing, not necessarily the car's lifetime reliability, as failures often cluster with age, mileage, and maintenance rather than the badge itself. The most common reasons for a Sportage failing its MOT provide valuable insights for potential buyers. Topping the list are 'Brakes', accounting for 30% of failures, followed by 'Tyres' at 21%, and 'Lighting & electrical' at 18%. For someone buying a used Sportage, these statistics highlight areas to scrutinise. Before purchase, pay close attention to the brake discs and pads for wear, and the condition, tread depth, and age of all four tyres. Equally, check all exterior and interior lights, including indicators and brake lights, and ensure there are no dashboard warning lights. The MOT history available on every Motoring Today listing offers a transparent view of a specific car's past MOT performance. Failures in categories like 'Brakes' or 'Tyres' can indicate either wear and tear that needs immediate attention or a history of neglect. While a high pass rate is encouraging, it's essential to remember that even a reliable model can suffer from poor maintenance. Always check the full MOT history and consider a pre-purchase inspection to identify any underlying issues.

80First-time MOT pass
Average pass rate
Stock with valid MOT
11 / 12
92% road-ready
Median MOT left
6 mo
Expiring < 2 mo
3
Plan for an MOT soon after purchase

Most common MOT failures on the Kia Sportage

Grouped reasons for MOT rejection across 28 Kia Sportage cars with DVSA test history in our stock (26 recorded failure items, 9 of them dangerous).

Failure areaRecorded failuresShare of failures
Tyres831%
Visibility (windscreen & wipers)623%
Brakes623%
Emissions & exhaust28%
Suspension28%
Other14%

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 245553 real national DVSA MOT tests, the Kia Sportage has an MOT pass rate of 81.3%.
What are the most common MOT failures on a Kia Sportage?
The primary failure categories for the Kia Sportage are Brakes (30%), Tyres (21%), Lighting & electrical (18%), Suspension (13%), and Visibility (windscreen & wipers) (13%).
Is the Kia Sportage reliable?
While an 81.3% MOT pass rate is respectable, it reflects cars presented for test, not necessarily lifetime reliability. Failures typically cluster with a vehicle's age and neglect rather than inherent design flaws.
What should I check before buying a used Kia Sportage?
Before purchasing, pay close attention to the brakes, tyre condition, and all lighting and electrical components. Also, inspect the suspension and ensure the windscreen and wipers are in good working order, as these are common MOT failure areas.
How many Kia Sportage models are currently for sale and what is the cheapest option?
There are 8 Kia Sportage models currently for sale. The cheapest available is priced from £5995, or from a representative example of £146 per month, subject to status.
What are the most common MOT failures on the Kia Sportage?
Across 28 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 31% of recorded failures).

More Kia Sportage resources