2018 Kia Sportage diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Kia Sportage diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Kia Sportage diesel than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Brake pads1.7× usual
  Kia Sportage

  18.2% All 2018 cars

  10.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 2% of all 2018 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.3× usual
  Kia Sportage

  5.2% All 2018 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.4% of all 2018 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 2018 Kia Sportage diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Kia Sportage diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  31% 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
  25% 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.

• Suspension
  7% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  6% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  4% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

Known faults on the 2018 Kia Sportage diesel

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.

• Diesel reliability (2018-2022)

  Diesel built 2018-2022

  Owner surveys rate diesels built from 2018 much less reliable than petrols, with engine and gearbox faults most common.

  At the viewing: Prefer a petrol if you can. On a diesel, ask for full service history and check for warning lights.

  Source: What Car?: used Kia Sportage (2016-2022) reliability

• Blocked particulate filter (diesel)

  Diesel

  Diesels need regular faster runs, or the particulate filter can clog and need an expensive replacement.

  At the viewing: Ask how the car has been used. Short trips only is a warning sign.

  If it needs doing: DPF clean or regeneration, about £160–£500. ClickMechanic

  Source: What Car?: used Kia Sportage (2016-2022) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 Kia Sportage diesel

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

1. Have there been any engine, gearbox or warning light problems?
2. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2018 Kia Sportage diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2018 Kia Sportage diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?