Kia Sportage Mk4: best and worst years, and what goes wrong
How every year of the Kia Sportage Mk4 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 167,122 MOT tests.
Year by year
First-time MOT pass rate for each year of the Kia Sportage Mk4, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016* | 75% | 75% +0 | Brake pads 1.7× usual | 36,611 |
| 2017 | 79% | 78% +1 | Brake pads 1.8× usual | 36,400 |
| 2018 | 82% | 81% +1 | Brake pads 1.7× usual | 33,669 |
| 2019 | 83% | 84% -1 | Brake pads 1.6× usual | 31,730 |
| 2020 | 84% | 86% -2 | Track rod ends 14.3× usual | 11,848 |
| 2021* | 85% | 87% -2 | Brake pads 2× usual | 16,864 |
Weak spots across the Kia Sportage Mk4
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.
- Brake padsup to 1.8× usual
Stands out in 4 years: 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017.
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.
- Suspension arm bushes and jointsup to 3.6× usual
Stands out in 3 years: 2020, 2019, 2018.
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.
- Track rod endsup to 14.3× usual
Stands out in 2 years: 2020, 2019.
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.
Known faults
From owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Not every car will have them.
- Blocked particulate filter (diesel)
Diesels need regular faster runs, or the particulate filter can clog and need an expensive replacement.
Check: Ask how the car has been used. Short trips only is a warning sign.
If it needs doing: DPF clean or regeneration, about £160–£500. ClickMechanic
Source: What Car?: used Kia Sportage (2016-2022) reliability
- Diesel reliability (2018-2022)
Owner surveys rate diesels built from 2018 much less reliable than petrols, with engine and gearbox faults most common.
Check: 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
- Kia warranty may still apply
The seven-year warranty may still cover younger cars, if serviced properly.
Check: Check the service book and ask Kia whether warranty remains.
Source: What Car?: used Kia Sportage (2016-2022) reliability
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
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