2020 KIA Sorento 3 HEV AWD Auto 1.6L Hybrid electric (clean) · EU70 FBY

A recurring pattern of rear brake disc wear and tyre edge deterioration has emerged as the defining mechanical theme of this Sorento, evidenced by advisories across three consecutive annual tests and one failure recorded within a single day of each other in late November 2025. The 2025-11-24 failure was attributed to a multiple-light-source rear position lamp with more than half the LEDs not functioning and a separate intensity-reduction major defect on the offside rear lamp, while the re-test the following day passed with the same brake disc and child seat advisories carried over. The earlier records from 2023 and 2024 show progressive advisory escalation: tyre edge wear at 3mm on both rear tyres in 2023, additional sidewall cuts and rear edge wear in 2024, and finally pitted rear brake disc surfaces by 2025. This trend suggests the rear axle components have been working harder than typical, with the brake disc pitting now warranting closer inspection as the surface degradation worsens rather than stabilises. Against an age of approximately six years, the recorded 67,549 miles equates to an annual accumulation of around 11,258 miles, which sits broadly within the expected range for a family SUV of this type. There are no testing gaps, as annual MOT certificates have been issued consistently from 2023 through 2025, and the mileage progression between tests appears steady without obvious long stationary periods or sudden jumps. For a hybrid AWD vehicle used at this rate, the mechanical implications centre on consumable wear items such as brake discs and pads, tyres, and suspension components being subjected to typical urban and motorway usage. The absence of advisories on suspension arms, bushes, coil springs, underbody corrosion, or exhaust integrity across the recorded history is noteworthy, although the underfloor areas of these vehicles can accumulate corrosion over time and warrant physical inspection regardless. Prospective inspection should begin at the offside rear brake disc, which has now been flagged as pitted and scored in two separate MOT entries. On a test drive, listen for any rear brake grinding, squealing, or pulsation under light to moderate pedal pressure, and feel for any vibration or judder through the pedal as the vehicle comes to a stop. The disc thickness should be measured against the manufacturer minimum wear limit, as continued use of a pitted disc can lead to uneven pad wear, reduced braking efficiency, and eventual need for replacement. Additionally, the position lamp fault that caused the 2025 failure should be verified by checking that all rear lamp functions illuminate correctly, including the multiple LED light sources, as these can fail intermittently and may indicate a wiring or bulb holder issue. The tyre advisory history is equally important to evaluate in person, particularly given the repeated edge wear findings on the rear axle in both 2023 and 2024. A thorough inspection should check remaining tread depth across the full width of all four tyres, paying particular attention to the inner and outer shoulders, and look for uneven wear patterns that may point to misalignment, worn suspension bushes, or tracking issues. On the test drive, the vehicle should be driven over varied road surfaces to detect any pulling to one side, vague steering, or knocking from the front or rear suspension, as the Sorento's rear multilink setup is sensitive to component wear. Finally, confirm the offside rear position lamp operates reliably under both ignition and lighting conditions, and ensure any previously fitted child seats are removed prior to the test to allow a complete adult belt inspection.