2016 Kia Sportage: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 Kia Sportages, from 36,611 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2016 Kia Sportages than on all cars registered in 2016.
- Brake pads1.7× usualKia Sportage17.5% All 2016 cars10.2%Rough price £80–£180
At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.
- Track rod end1.5× usualKia Sportage4.7% All 2016 cars3.1%Rough price £80–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
Coil springs: 0.2% here, against 4.1% of all 2016 cars. Shock absorbers: 1.9% here, against 4.3% of all 2016 cars.
By area
The share of 2016 Kia Sportage MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres31% 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.
- Brakes28% 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.
- Suspension15% 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 electrics9% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors6% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts4% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
Known faults
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.
- Blocked particulate filter (diesel)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.
Source: What Car?: used Kia Sportage (2016-2022) reliability
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 16,864 | Tyres 27% |
| 2020 | 11,848 | Tyres 29% |
| 2019 | 31,730 | Tyres 29% |
| 2018 | 33,669 | Tyres 31% |
| 2017 | 36,400 | Tyres 31% |
| 2015 | 20,623 | Tyres 33% |
| 2014 | 18,679 | Brakes 35% |
| 2013 | 17,284 | Suspension 44% |
| 2012 | 12,090 | Suspension 47% |
| 2011 | 7,110 | Suspension 50% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2016 Kia Sportages registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score