Kia Sportage Mk3: best and worst years, and what goes wrong
How every year of the Kia Sportage Mk3 did at its MOT in 2025 compared with other cars the same age, the weak spots that keep coming up, and what to check before you buy one. From 116,031 MOT tests.
Year by year
First-time MOT pass rate for each year of the Kia Sportage Mk3, against all cars registered the same year. Older cars fail more, so the comparison with cars the same age is what matters.
| Year | Pass first time | All cars that year | Stands out | MOT tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010* | 57% | 59% -2 | Suspension arm bushes and joints 1.7× usual | 3,634 |
| 2011 | 59% | 61% -2 | Suspension arm bushes and joints 1.7× usual | 7,110 |
| 2012 | 60% | 63% -3 | Suspension arm bushes and joints 1.6× usual | 12,090 |
| 2013 | 61% | 66% -5 | Track rod ends 3.4× usual | 17,284 |
| 2014 | 69% | 69% +0 | Brake pads 1.8× usual | 18,679 |
| 2015 | 71% | 72% -1 | Brake pads 1.7× usual | 20,623 |
| 2016* | 75% | 75% +0 | Brake pads 1.7× usual | 36,611 |
Weak spots across the Kia Sportage Mk3
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.
- Braking performanceup to 2.1× usual
Stands out in 4 years: 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012.
Rough price £100–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
- Brake padsup to 1.8× usual
Stands out in 4 years: 2015, 2014, 2013, 2011.
Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.
- Track rod endsup to 3.4× usual
Stands out in 3 years: 2014, 2013, 2012.
Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Ball jointup to 2× usual
Stands out in 3 years: 2015, 2012, 2011.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Individual direction indicatorsup to 4.7× usual
Stands out in 2 years: 2015, 2014.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Suspension arm bushes and jointsup to 1.7× usual
Stands out in 2 years: 2012, 2011.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
Known faults
From owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Not every car will have them.
- Brake light switch recall
Cars built up to September 2011 were recalled for a brake light switch that could affect stability control, cruise control and automatic gear selection.
Check: Ask a Kia dealer to check the VIN.
- Loss of power (1.7 CRDi)
Some 1.7 diesels lose power. Low coolant is a common cause; a fuel filter can also help.
Check: Check the coolant level and look for leaks.
- Seatbelt pre-tensioner recall
Cars built August 2011 to March 2012 were recalled for seatbelt pre-tensioners.
Check: Ask a Kia dealer to check the VIN.
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 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?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots, and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.