2003 Kia Sorento: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Kia Sorento?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Kia Sorento than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Chassis rust or damage3.8× usual
  Kia Sorento

  13.8% All 2003 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 1.1% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes6× usual
  Kia Sorento

  11.9% All 2003 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 0.5% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints5.4× usual
  Kia Sorento

  9.1% All 2003 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 0.4% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Track rod ends2× usual
  Kia Sorento

  12.3% All 2003 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 2.8% of all 2003 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.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2× usual
  Kia Sorento

  12.1% All 2003 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.3%, against 3.1% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

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

Common 2003 Kia Sorento MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Kia Sorento MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  50% 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
  48% 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
  41% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Rust and bodywork
  27% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Tyres
  25% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Kia Sorento

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

1. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the 2003 Kia Sorento as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 6× as often on the 2003 Kia Sorento as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.4× as often on the 2003 Kia Sorento as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?