2015 KIA Sportage 1.7L Diesel · FJ15 XGK

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a pattern of reactive rather than proactive servicing. While the most recent test in December 2025 at 138,895 miles passed, it flagged advisories for worn and pitted rear brake discs and thinning inner brake pads. These issues suggest that while the car meets minimum legal standards, the braking components are being run to the limit of their life before attention. The trend remains stable in terms of passing, but the mechanical wear on the braking system is a recurring concern. The Sportage has accumulated significant mileage for its age, averaging approximately 12,600 miles per year over its 11-year lifespan. This high-mileage profile is consistent across the records, with roughly 13,000 miles covered between the December 2023 and 2024 tests, and another 12,000 miles in the following year. This level of use places accelerated stress on heavy-duty components like the suspension and drivetrain, which is reflected in the frequent advisories noted. A buyer must scrutinize the braking system and suspension assembly thoroughly. The failure in December 2022 at 100,337 miles highlighted significant issues with the parking brake efficiency, low service brake effort, and heavy corrosion on the rear discs. Despite subsequent passes, the 2025 advisory indicates the rear brakes are deteriorating. The oil leak from the lower intercooler pipe noted in 2023 should also be inspected to ensure it has not developed into a more significant pressure failure. Given the high mileage and history of worn tyres, a physical inspection of the suspension bushes and control arm bolts is essential to check for structural fatigue.