2008 Kia Sedona: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Kia Sedona?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Kia Sedona than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2× usual
  Kia Sedona

  21.7% All 2008 cars

  10.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 2.3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Suspension arm4.1× usual
  Kia Sedona

  11.8% All 2008 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 0.4% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At 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 ends2.7× usual
  Kia Sedona

  13.5% All 2008 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 2.4% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Rigid brake pipes1.9× usual
  Kia Sedona

  17.6% All 2008 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 1.7% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Braking performance2.1× usual
  Kia Sedona

  13.8% All 2008 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 2.7% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Common 2008 Kia Sedona MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Kia Sedona MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  60% 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.

• Brakes
  44% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  37% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  32% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  18% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Steering
  12% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Kia Sedona

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2008 Kia Sedona as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 4.1× as often on the 2008 Kia Sedona as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2008 Kia Sedona as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?