2019 KIA Sorento 2.2L Diesel · AX19 NHK

The most recent DVSA examination on 6 May 2026 resulted in a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded, and this follows a similarly clean pass on 14 May 2025. Looking at the broader pattern across the recorded history, the vehicle has passed four of the six logged tests without any issues, with a single failure occurring on 4 May 2024 and a single advisory-laden pass on 3 June 2023. The failure in May 2024 was driven by two dangerous defects, namely an exposed ply on the nearside rear tyre and a nearside front brake pad worn below 1.5 mm, alongside advisories for thinning brake pads at all three remaining corners and on the same nearside rear. The fact that the car then passed a few days later on 8 May 2024 indicates that remedial work was carried out promptly, and the subsequent clean tests in 2025 and 2026 suggest the maintenance trend has stabilised, with no recurrence of the brake or tyre wear issues flagged previously. This is a positive indicator of ongoing owner diligence, though the failure does demonstrate that consumable wear was being approached aggressively at the time. With a recorded mileage of 52,404 miles spread across approximately seven years, the vehicle has averaged around 7,486 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the typical range for a car of this age and class. There is no evidence of unusually low usage that would raise concerns about prolonged standing, nor any sign of rapid mileage accumulation that would imply harsh service conditions. The annual average is consistent with a mix of urban and longer-distance driving, which is generally favourable for a diesel or petrol-powered SUV of this size, allowing the drivetrain, brakes, and exhaust system to operate at a sensible temperature and remain free of the moisture and corrosion issues that can plague very low-mileage examples. The mileage progression between tests is steady and unremarkable, which is reassuring for a prospective buyer. Given the historical brake and tyre issues, particular attention should be paid to the current condition of those components during a physical inspection and test drive. Although the 2026 test recorded no defects, brake pads and discs on a Sorento of this age and mileage are approaching the point where a further set of pads, and possibly front discs, may be required within the next service interval. On a test drive, listen for any grinding, squealing, or squeaking from the brakes, and watch for vibration or shudder through the steering wheel or brake pedal under firm application, which could indicate disc run-out or uneven pad wear. The tyres should be checked carefully for both tread depth and, importantly given the 2024 failure, any cuts, bulges, or exposed cord, as well as for age-related perishing on the sidewalls which MOT testers do not necessarily fail but which can affect safety, particularly on a vehicle of this weight. Uneven wear across an axle may point to suspension or geometry issues that warrant further investigation. Beyond the brake and tyre history, a seven-year-old Sorento with average mileage warrants a broader set of age-appropriate checks that are not always captured by the MOT record. The 12-volt battery should be tested for cranking performance and state of charge, as batteries of this age are prone to sudden failure, particularly in colder months. Brake fluid should be changed at least every two years regardless of mileage, as it is hygroscopic and degrades over time, and the coolant and automatic transmission fluid if fitted should be inspected for condition and replacement history. Given the vehicle's SUV layout, the suspension components, including coil springs, control arm bushes, anti-roll bar links, and top mount bearings, should be examined for wear, and any knocking or clonking over speed humps or uneven surfaces noted on the test drive. Finally, it is worth verifying that the service book is fully stamped and that the timing belt or chain replacement interval, where applicable to the engine fitted, has been observed, as neglect of these items can lead to disproportionately expensive repairs.