2021 Kia Sportage: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2021 Kia Sportages, from 16,864 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 2021 Kia Sportages than on all cars registered in 2021.
- Brake pads2× usualKia Sportage13.8% All 2021 cars6.8%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.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints4.5× usualKia Sportage5% All 2021 cars1.1%Rough price £100–£300
At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
- Wipers1.7× usualKia Sportage6.6% All 2021 cars3.8%Rough price £15–£60
At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.
By area
The share of 2021 Kia Sportage MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres27% 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.
- Brakes19% 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.
- Suspension7% 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 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.
- Diesel reliability (2018-2022)Diesel built 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
- 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
- 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
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
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 11,848 | Tyres 29% |
| 2019 | 31,730 | Tyres 29% |
| 2018 | 33,669 | Tyres 31% |
| 2017 | 36,400 | Tyres 31% |
| 2016 | 36,611 | 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 2021 Kia Sportages registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score