2014 KIA Sportage 1.7L Diesel · FH14 PVT

A pattern of progressive rear suspension and underbody corrosion has become the defining mechanical feature of this twelve year old Kia Sportage, with the 2025 test cycle confirming a clear deterioration compared with the cleaner results seen in 2023 and 2024. The most recent examination on 13 November 2025 returned a pass, but only after a previous attempt seven days earlier failed on related concerns, and both tests carried an advisory noting that the rear subframe is corroded though not seriously weakened, with attention drawn to all rear suspension arms and rear coil springs. The earlier 2024 pass similarly flagged corroded rear suspension arms and coil springs on both sides, while the July 2024 test recorded worn bushes on both front suspension arm pins at the rear location. This is consistent with a vehicle that has accumulated significant age related underbody oxidation, particularly at the rear, and where the corrosion narrative has visibly escalated across the last three test cycles rather than stabilising. The recorded mileage of 127,874 miles across approximately twelve years equates to an annual accumulation of around 10,656 miles, which sits comfortably within the expected band for a car of this age and indicates regular rather than occasional use. There are no extended gaps between tests that would suggest long periods off the road, with annual or biannual examinations recorded continuously from 2021 through 2025, including two tests within a fortnight in late 2025 which may reflect a retest following repair work. Continuous usage at this rate tends to keep seals, bushes and brake components in regular working order rather than allowing them to seize, but it also means that consumables such as brake pads, discs, auxiliary belts and suspension linkages will have already completed several wear cycles. The 2022 advisory on thinning front brake pads aligns with this usage pattern, and the recurrence of suspension related advisories suggests those components have now reached a stage where further deterioration between tests is plausible. For a prospective buyer, the underbody corrosion flagged on the rear subframe, rear suspension arms and rear coil springs warrants particular physical scrutiny. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which can indicate play in corroded bushes or weakened spring seats, and pay attention to any vagueness or shudders through the rear suspension when travelling over broken tarmac. Visually inspect the rear subframe mounting points, the coil spring pans and the trailing arm bushes for surface rust that has begun to flake or lift, as the MOT advisories specifically note that corrosion is present but has not yet crossed the serious weakened threshold. It is also worth pushing laterally on each rear wheel at the bottom to feel for any free play that would suggest worn bushes have now loosened beyond MOT tolerance, and checking for uneven tyre wear which often accompanies deteriorated rear suspension geometry. The auxiliary belt noted as perished on both November 2025 tests, along with the persistent oil leak from the engine, should be addressed before further reliance is placed on the vehicle. A perished auxiliary belt is likely to be the crankshaft or ancillary drive belt, and on a Sportage of this age and mileage it is worth confirming when it was last renewed and inspecting it directly for cracking, glazing or fraying, as a failure will result in loss of cooling, charging or steering assistance depending on configuration. The engine oil leak, recorded as not excessive, is most commonly associated with the cam cover gasket or rear main seal on this model, so check for fresh oil residue on the engine block, around the turbocharger area if fitted, and on the undertray, and watch for any increase in oil consumption between services. The travel noted on the handbrake lever during the failed test is a further point to verify by checking that the lever ratchets firmly within a reasonable number of clicks on a level surface and that the vehicle holds securely on an incline, as stretched cables or seized rear calipers are common contributors. Finally, the non functional offside washer jet is a minor rectification but worth confirming has been cleared, as obstructed washer coverage is a straightforward MOT failure item.