2012 Kia Sorento: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Kia Sorento?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Kia Sorento than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Rigid brake pipes2.5× usual
  Kia Sorento

  13.9% All 2012 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.8% of all 2012 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 joint2.3× usual
  Kia Sorento

  12.9% All 2012 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.5%, against 3% of all 2012 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-frame2.3× usual
  Kia Sorento

  11.3% All 2012 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.3% of all 2012 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.2× usual
  Kia Sorento

  9.5% All 2012 cars

  4.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 2.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Suspension arm2.7× usual
  Kia Sorento

  6.9% All 2012 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.2% of all 2012 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.

Common 2012 Kia Sorento MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 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
  39% 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
  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.

• Lights and electrics
  29% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Driveshafts and joints
  10% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  8% 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 2012 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 2012 Kia Sorento as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2012 Kia Sorento as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2012 Kia Sorento as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?