2014 Kia Sorento: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2014 Kia Sorento?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2014 Kia Sorento than on all cars registered in 2014.

• Track rod ends4.5× usual
  Kia Sorento

  17.7% All 2014 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.4%, against 2% of all 2014 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 pipes2.2× usual
  Kia Sorento

  6.8% All 2014 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.4% of all 2014 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3.1× usual
  Kia Sorento

  4.3% All 2014 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.5% of all 2014 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.

• Side repeaters3.8× usual
  Kia Sorento

  3% All 2014 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.5% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

Common 2014 Kia Sorento MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2014 Kia Sorento MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  35% 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.

• 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.

• Brakes
  29% 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
  15% 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
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  4% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2014 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 track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 4.5× as often on the 2014 Kia Sorento as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2014 Kia Sorento as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2014 Kia Sorento as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?