2013 Kia Sportage: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Kia Sportage?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Kia Sportage than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Track rod ends3.9× usual
  Kia Sportage

  16.7% All 2013 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.2%, against 2.2% of all 2013 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.

• Brake pads1.7× usual
  Kia Sportage

  16.5% All 2013 cars

  9.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 2.3% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Braking performance2× usual
  Kia Sportage

  8.7% All 2013 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 1.6% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Individual direction indicators2.2× usual
  Kia Sportage

  3.8% All 2013 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.6% of all 2013 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.

Petrol or diesel: does it make a difference?

The same figures for each fuel on its own. Check which one the car you're looking at is: it's on the logbook and in its MOT history.

Common 2013 Kia Sportage MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Kia Sportage MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  38% 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
  35% 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
  20% 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
  6% 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.

Known faults on the 2013 Kia Sportage

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Loss of power (1.7 CRDi)

  1.7 CRDi diesel

  Some 1.7 diesels lose power. Low coolant is a common cause; a fuel filter can also help.

  At the viewing: Check the coolant level and look for leaks.

  Source: Auto Express: used Kia Sportage Mk3 buyer's guide

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 Kia Sportage

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

1. Has it ever lost power?
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the 2013 Kia Sportage as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2013 Kia Sportage as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2013 Kia Sportage as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?