2021 KIA Sportage 1.6L Petrol · DE71 LBJ

The maintenance trend for this 2021 Kia Sportage is currently worsening, directly tied to the most recent test on 21 November 2025 at 32,043 miles. The vehicle suffered a clear failure just two days prior on 19 November 2025 at 32,041 miles, where the tester cited excessively worn offside rear suspension arm bushes. While the subsequent pass rectified the excessive wear to secure a certificate, the nearside rear suspension arm bush remained worn, indicating a partial repair rather than a comprehensive resolution of the rear axle geometry. Mileage accumulation aligns closely with typical UK averages, covering roughly 7,100 miles annually between the November 2024 and November 2025 tests. The prior test on 20 November 2024 at 24,934 miles yielded a completely clean sheet with zero defects recorded. This abrupt shift from a clean pass to a failure on rear suspension components within a single year suggests a recent impact, sustained poor road surface engagement, or deferred maintenance by the previous keeper. A buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the entire rear suspension system. The nearside rear bush is actively degraded and will likely breach failure thresholds soon, requiring immediate replacement to prevent uneven tyre wear and dynamic instability. The offside rear bush replacement must also be verified as a quality repair, as mismatched or improperly torqued rear suspension arms can accelerate wear on adjacent components. Have the rear coil springs, shock absorbers, and rear brake components checked for collateral damage or binding calipers. A physical assessment of the underbody for subframe corrosion and a road test to listen for rear axle knocks over bumps are essential before purchase.