2018 KIA Sportage 1.6L Petrol · SR68 RDO
2018 KIA Sportage (1.6L, petrol). First registered 18 Dec 2018. Recorded mileage 53,118 miles. MOT expired on 04 Sept 2026. Taxed until 01 Apr 2027.
- Make & Model
- KIA SPORTAGE
- Year / Origin
- 2018 · Dundee
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 04 Sept 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Apr 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 53,118 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 6)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
SR68 RDO Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 15/07/2026
- 53,118 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
SR68 RDO MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2018 Kia Sportage (SR68 RDO) between August 2023 and July 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 15 July 2026 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (4 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn trailing arm bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Offside Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn trailing arm bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps both (4.7.1 (b) (ii))”.
SR68 RDO Mileage History
- 25/08/202320,865 mi
- 25/08/202320,865 mi
- 30/08/202427,377 mi+6,512 mi
- 05/09/202541,431 mi+14,054 mi
- 15/07/202653,118 mi+11,687 mi
Average of roughly 11,165 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Kia Sportage (QL)
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Avoid this 2018 KIA Sportage (SR68RDO) until the recent MOT failures are fully repaired and verified. The latest test on 15 July 2026 exposed serious suspension bush wear and a failed number plate lamp, suggesting deferred maintenance.
Before considering purchase, insist on evidence that the July 2026 MOT failures have been rectified: both trailing arm bushes (nearside and offside) and the registration plate lamp must be repaired and the car re-tested. The 2023 failure for parking brake efficiency below 50%, inoperative electronic parking brake, and non-engaging rear seat belt buckle should also be confirmed as permanently fixed with supporting invoices. Given the repeated suspension mentions across 2023-2026, budget for a full underbody inspection by an independent KIA specialist.
The 1591cc petrol EURO 6 AG engine typically returns moderate economy for a compact SUV; expect around 38-42 mpg in mixed driving. Annual VED for a 2018 petrol EURO 6 vehicle is likely in the lower bands (approx £190-£220 per year), and insurance group for a 1.6 Sportage is usually mid-range. Based on the suspension and brake issues seen, allow an above-average maintenance provision of £700-£900 per year on top of fuel and tax.
On this specific car, physically check the rear trailing arm bushes for splits or play, as both were failed on 15 July 2026 at 53,118 miles. Verify the registration plate lamp operates, and test the electronic parking brake and central rear seat belt buckle that failed in August 2023. Inspect front wiper blades (defective in 2025) and confirm headlamp aim is correct, since both headlamps were flagged too high in the 2023 failure. A full suspension and brake efficiency check is essential given the pattern of defects.
This blue 1.6-litre petrol Sportage was first registered in December 2018 and has covered 53,118 miles as of its failed July 2026 MOT. The history shows a worrying pattern: a 2023 failure for parking brake, seat belt, headlamps and electronic brake faults, then progressive rear suspension wear noted in 2025, culminating in both trailing arm bushes failing in 2026. With no aggregate model reliability data available, the assessment rests entirely on this vehicle's own record, which is below par for a 7-year-old car.
No aggregate MOT reliability data is available for the KIA Sportage to inform a model-wide reputation assessment.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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KIA SPORTAGE Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2018 model year cars.
- DCT gearbox clutch judderSerious
The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission can develop shudder, hesitation and poor low-speed manners. Some cars improve with software, others need a clutch pack.
- Rear differential or coupling whine on AWD modelsModerate
A high-pitched rear whine or vibration often points to diff or coupling wear, especially where tyres have been mismatched or servicing has been ignored.
- LED DRL and camera-related electrical faultsModerate
Lighting electronics, reverse cameras and tailgate wiring can all cause minor but annoying faults on ageing QL cars.
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