2011 KIA SPORTAGE1.7L DIESEL

The vehicle is currently unroadworthy following a failure on 19 June 2026 at 104,139 miles. The maintenance trend is worsening, as the record shifts from minor consumable issues to significant structural concerns. While the vehicle passed its 2025 test, the most recent inspection identified a distorted offside sub-frame upper arm bracket and excessive suspension wear. This represents a serious escalation from previous advisories, suggesting that mechanical defects are being ignored or poorly addressed by the owner. At 104,139 miles over 15 years, the Sportage averages approximately 7,000 miles per year, which aligns with typical UK usage for its age. The data shows consistent usage patterns, with roughly 6,700 miles covered between the June 2025 and 2026 tests, and another 6,500 miles in the year prior. Although the mileage is regular, the low annual mileage has not prevented the degradation of rubber components, as evidenced by the recurring failures of suspension links and corrosion-related issues. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the offside sub-frame to determine the extent of the distortion and check for deep-seated corrosion. The recurring failure of anti-roll bar linkage ball joints, which appeared in both 2024 and 2026, indicates a weakness in the suspension system that requires immediate attention. Additionally, the persistent issue with offside rear coil spring corrosion noted in 2023 and 2025 suggests the vehicle is prone to rust-related component failure. The oil leak noted in 2025 should also be monitored to ensure it has not developed into a significant engine defect.