2017 KIA Sportage 1.6L Petrol · GL12 GAL

Recurring issues with braking system components and registration plate compliance define the mechanical profile of this vehicle, with the most recent test on 25 March 2026 showing a pass following a failure just six days prior. That failure was significant due to a major defect regarding the anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning lamp indicating a fault, alongside non-compliant registration plates. This follows a period of progressive advisories concerning brake disc wear and parking brake lever travel, suggesting a history of wear in the braking system that has required monitoring over several years. The vehicle has covered 65,833 miles over its nine-year lifespan, averaging approximately 7,315 miles per year. This represents a relatively low annual mileage accumulation, which typically implies less frequent wear on heavy drivetrain components and engine internals compared to higher-mileage vehicles. However, the recorded history shows a gap in testing between December 2021 and March 2023, and the low usage pattern can sometimes correlate with components like tyres or rubber seals perishing due to age rather than mileage, a factor previously noted in the 2020 advisory regarding tyre cracking. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the braking system during a test drive, specifically checking for any ABS warning lights on the dashboard or unusual sensations through the pedal. Given the history of advisories for worn brake discs and parking brake lever travel, you should feel for any pedal judder or pulsation under braking and listen for any clicking or unevenness when applying the handbrake. The 2025 advisory regarding play in the offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint suggests a need to inspect the front suspension for knocks or clunks when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps. Further inspection should be directed at the brake hoses, as the 2020 records flagged corrosion to the ferrules on both front and rear hoses. While this was several years ago, it is prudent to visually inspect the integrity of the flexible brake lines for any signs of weeping or further degradation. Additionally, ensure that the registration plates are fully compliant with current legal standards to avoid the immediate reoccurrence of the major defects seen in the March 2026 failure.