2014 Ssangyong Korando: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2014 Ssangyong Korando?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2014 Ssangyong Korando than on all cars registered in 2014.

• Rigid brake pipes5.4× usual
  Ssangyong Korando

  19.4% All 2014 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 0.5% 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.

• Number plate lights3.8× usual
  Ssangyong Korando

  19.7% All 2014 cars

  5.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 1.5% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Anti-roll bar link joints5.9× usual
  Ssangyong Korando

  10.1% All 2014 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 0.6% 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.2× usual
  Ssangyong Korando

  8.7% All 2014 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1.5% of all 2014 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.

• Brake lights3.1× usual
  Ssangyong Korando

  9% All 2014 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.3%, against 2.2% 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 while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2014 Ssangyong Korando MOT failures and advisories

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

• Brakes
  41% 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
  38% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  37% 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
  35% 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
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Driveshafts and joints
  9% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2014 Ssangyong Korando

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 5.4× as often on the 2014 Ssangyong Korando as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the 2014 Ssangyong Korando as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.9× as often on the 2014 Ssangyong Korando as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?