2015 KIA Sorento 2.2L Diesel · EK65 AAY

The most recent MOT test on 2026-04-20 reveals a passing result, though it includes two critical advisories regarding the front tyres—both the nearside and offside front tyres are worn dangerously close to the legal limit, with wear patterns indicating edge wear. This is a recurring issue, as the same advisory was noted in the previous MOT on 2025-04-29, suggesting a persistent problem that has not been addressed. The earlier failed MOT in 2024-09-18 highlighted more serious concerns: a dangerously inefficient parking brake (less than 50% of required hold) and an active electronic stability control (ESC) fault, which could compromise vehicle control and stability. While the intervening MOTs show no defects, the pattern of advisories and failures indicates a vehicle that has either been neglected or subjected to conditions that accelerate wear, particularly in tyres, braking systems, and suspension components. The overall maintenance trend is unstable, with recurring issues that warrant immediate attention rather than being dismissed as isolated incidents. The recorded mileage of 87,969 miles for a vehicle aged 11 years represents a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 7,997 miles per year, which is within the expected range for a Kia Sorento of this age. However, the mileage data alone do not fully explain the wear observed in the MOT history, as lower mileage could also reflect prolonged periods of inactivity, which can exacerbate issues like corrosion, fluid degradation, and standing corrosion in brakes and suspension. The most notable pattern is the rapid accumulation of wear advisories in the last two MOTs, particularly the tyre edge wear, which is often caused by misalignment, incorrect tyre pressure, or excessive camber angles. The parking brake failure and ESC fault further suggest that the vehicle may have been driven under suboptimal conditions or has suffered from mechanical stress that accelerates component failure. For a vehicle of this age and mileage, the wear progression is alarming, and the advisories point to a need for a thorough mechanical inspection to determine the root causes of the tyre wear and the ESC fault, as well as addressing the parking brake inefficiency. To proceed with a purchase, the prospective buyer should conduct a comprehensive physical inspection and test drive to identify the underlying causes of the recorded defects. First, verify the tyre wear: check for uneven wear patterns beyond the advisories, particularly on the edges of the tread, which may indicate misalignment or suspension issues. Listen for unusual noises during the test drive, such as clunking or rattling from the suspension, which could signal worn suspension bushes, broken coil springs, or loose mounting points. Inspect the braking system for signs of binding calipers, excessive brake dust, or corrosion on the discs and linings, as the parking brake failure suggests potential issues with the hydraulic or mechanical parking brake components. The ESC fault may indicate a faulty sensor, wiring, or a failing stability control module, which could be checked with a diagnostic tool to confirm the exact fault code and whether it is related to the vehicle’s stability control system or another subsystem. For the tyre advisories, the buyer should prioritise replacing the front tyres to prevent further compromise of handling and safety, as edge wear can lead to hydroplaning risks and uneven traction. The parking brake should be serviced or replaced immediately to restore proper hold, as a failing parking brake can lead to unintended vehicle movement, especially in heavy vehicles like the Sorento. The ESC fault should be addressed to ensure the vehicle’s stability control remains functional, as a faulty system can reduce driver confidence and increase the risk of loss of control. Additionally, given the vehicle’s age and the potential for prolonged inactivity, check the 12V battery for signs of corrosion or weakness, as standing vehicles can suffer from battery drain and fluid degradation. Inspect the engine oil, transmission fluid, and coolant for signs of contamination or degradation, as these fluids should be replaced at recommended intervals to prevent internal damage. Finally, verify that all service records are up to date, particularly for suspension components, brakes, and the electronic systems, to ensure the vehicle has been maintained according to manufacturer recommendations. If the buyer is unable to resolve the issues identified, they should consider whether the vehicle’s safety and reliability justify the purchase at this stage.