2019 KIA Sportage 1.6L Petrol · KX19 KXH

A chronic pattern of rear trailing arm bush wear is the defining mechanical trait of this Sportage, with the most recent test on 2 June 2026 passing but flagging exactly this component as an advisory. Over seven recorded tests spanning 2022 to 2026, the vehicle has passed on five occasions, but two of those passes were preceded by failures on the same day, which is worth weighing carefully. The 2025 failure was particularly serious, with the parking brake efficiency recorded as less than 50 percent of the required value and categorised as Dangerous, meaning the vehicle was unroadworthy at that point. The 2022 failure involved a nearside front tyre cut deep enough to reach the ply or cords, again a defect significant enough to fail the test. Aside from these two failures, the advisory record is largely clean, so the rear suspension wear and parking brake performance stand out as the specific areas of concern. Against an age of roughly seven years, the recorded mileage of 73,598 equates to an annual accumulation of around 10,500 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this vintage and suggests consistent rather than sporadic use. There are no extended gaps in the testing record that would imply prolonged periods off the road, and the mileage progression between tests appears steady. This pattern of regular use is generally favourable for mechanical components such as the battery, brakes, and drivetrain, as it avoids the issues associated with long-standing vehicles. However, with the odometer now approaching the mid-70,000 mile bracket, consumable wear on items like brake pads, discs, and tyres should be expected, regardless of what the MOT history alone shows. For a prospective buyer, the rear trailing arm bushes flagged in the latest advisory warrant close physical inspection. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly when traversing speed bumps or potholes, and pay attention to any vagueness or wandering from the rear axle under load. Have the car inspected on a ramp to confirm whether the bushes have merely dried out or cracked, indicating they are nearing replacement, or whether there is measurable lateral play that would justify immediate renewal. The parking brake failure from 2025 is also significant, as rear caliper mechanisms, handbrake cables, or adjusters can deteriorate rapidly if the system has been neglected. On a hill start, confirm the handbrake holds the vehicle solidly without excessive lever travel, and listen for any binding or dragging from the rear wheels immediately after releasing it. Tyre condition is another area where this particular vehicle has shown vulnerability, given the 2022 failure for a deep nearside front cut and a nail in the nearside rear tyre on the same test. Inspect all four tyres for sidewall damage, bulges, and uneven tread wear, paying particular attention to the inner edges which can indicate misalignment or worn suspension components. On the road, monitor for steering pull to either side under braking, which can point to a sticking caliper, and feel for vibration through the steering wheel at speed, which may suggest a wheel balance issue or a warped brake disc. Finally, request evidence of any remedial work carried out following the 2025 parking brake failure, as the absence of a corresponding advisory on the immediately subsequent pass suggests the system was attended to, but confirmation of what was actually replaced would be prudent before committing to purchase.