2022 KIA Niro 4 EV Electric · GF72 CSV

The most recent DVSA examination on 3 December 2025 resulted in a PASS with no advisories or defects recorded, which on the surface presents a clean bill of roadworthiness. However, this pass must be viewed in the context of the immediately preceding test, conducted just one day earlier on 2 December 2025, which resulted in a FAIL with both major and dangerous defects. The dangerous defect concerned the nearside front tyre having a tread depth below the legal 1.6mm minimum, while a major defect was recorded for the windscreen wiper not clearing the windscreen effectively. An advisory was also raised for the offside front tyre being worn close to the legal limit and worn on its edge. The fact that the vehicle passed the following day suggests remedial work was carried out, but the rapid succession of these two tests indicates that the front tyres and wiper system were at or beyond acceptable service limits and raises legitimate questions about whether other wear items may have been left unattended. Overall, the maintenance trend cannot be described as consistently stable; it shows a late-stage wear pattern in critical safety components, even though the most recent result is clean. The recorded mileage of 59,401 miles over approximately four years equates to an annual accumulation of around 14,850 miles, which is notably higher than the UK average for a privately owned vehicle. This high-mileage usage has clear mechanical implications, particularly for the components that recorded the recent defects. Higher annual mileage accelerates wear on tyres, wiper blades, brake pads, brake discs, suspension bushes, coil springs, and the anti-roll bar drop links. Electric vehicles such as the Niro EV do not suffer the same engine and exhaust wear as petrol or diesel models, but they still depend on a complete rolling chassis, and the running gear accumulates wear at a rate directly proportional to distance covered. The fact that the front tyres were already at the legal minimum at four years old is consistent with this high usage rate and suggests the buyer should anticipate that the rear tyres, brake discs, and suspension components may be approaching the point where replacement or refurbishment becomes necessary. Given the recent tyre defects, a prospective buyer should conduct a careful physical inspection of all four tyres, not just the fronts. Check the tread depth across the full width of each tyre using a calibrated gauge, and inspect the sidewalls for any cuts, bulges, or perishing. Because the offside front tyre was noted as worn on its edge, this may suggest a wheel alignment or tracking issue, and it would be prudent to have the geometry checked. Uneven inner or outer edge wear can also point to worn suspension bushes or top mounts, so a test drive should be carried out over varied road surfaces, listening for any clonks, rattles, or knocks from the front suspension, particularly over speed bumps and uneven tarmac. The brakes should also be assessed for shudder through the steering wheel under firm application, which can indicate warped front discs, and the caliper slides should be checked to ensure they are not binding, a common issue on vehicles that have covered significant mileage. Beyond the documented defects, the high annual mileage and four-year age of this vehicle warrant a broader inspection regime. The 12V auxiliary battery, which powers ancillary systems on an EV, typically has a service life of four to six years and should be load tested to confirm its state of health. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and should ideally be renewed every two years regardless of mileage, so verify the date of the last fluid change. The tyres fitted at the MOT should be inspected for manufacturing date codes on the sidewall, as rubber degrades with age even with adequate tread. Coolant for the electric drive system and cabin heater should also be checked for condition and replacement history. Confirm the service book is fully stamped, ideally with a Kia main dealer or specialist EV technician, as the high-voltage battery thermal management system and reduction gearbox oil should be inspected at the manufacturer-recommended intervals. A pre-purchase inspection by a Kia-trained EV technician would be highly advisable given the combination of high mileage and the recent safety-related MOT failures.