2011 Kia Sorento: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Kia Sorento?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Kia Sorento than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Rigid brake pipes2.5× usual
  Kia Sorento

  14.3% All 2011 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 1% of all 2011 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.

• Ball joint2.2× usual
  Kia Sorento

  12.8% All 2011 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.2%, against 3.1% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Sub-frame2.5× usual
  Kia Sorento

  10.5% All 2011 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.3% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Suspension arm2.7× usual
  Kia Sorento

  6.7% All 2011 cars

  2.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.3% of all 2011 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.

• Airbag warning light5.2× usual
  Kia Sorento

  3.1% All 2011 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 0.6% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2011 Kia Sorento MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Kia Sorento MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  52% 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
  40% 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.

• Tyres
  34% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  28% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  8% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  7% 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 2011 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 rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2011 Kia Sorento as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2011 Kia Sorento as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2011 Kia Sorento as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?