2021 Kia Sorento: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2021 Kia Sorento?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2021 Kia Sorento than on all cars registered in 2021.

• Engine oil leaks6.8× usual
  Kia Sorento

  2.7% All 2021 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.2× usual
  Kia Sorento

  2% All 2021 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.1% of all 2021 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 2021 Kia Sorento MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2021 Kia Sorento MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  22% 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.

• 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.

• Lights and electrics
  6% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  5% 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.

• Seats and seatbelts
  5% of testsRough price £80–£250

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  3% 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 2021 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 engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 6.8× as often on the 2021 Kia Sorento as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2021 Kia Sorento as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?