2022 KIA Niro 2 EV Electric · LB22 OTK

A high-mileage 2022 Kia Niro EV with a generally compliant MOT record shows emerging wear patterns consistent with elevated usage, most notably a cluster of advisories flagged at the 2026-06-23 test. While that examination returned a Pass alongside the 2026-06-01, 2025-12-04, 2025-06-24, 2024-12-04, and 2024-06-10 tests, the latest advisory list is the first time component-specific wear has been officially noted. Across eight recorded tests, only one failure has been logged, a nearside front headlamp dipped beam failure on 2025-06-02 that was rectified in time for a same-day Pass recorded the same date. The overall trajectory is stable, but the appearance of steering and tyre advisories on the most recent examination suggests wear items are beginning to surface that warrant close physical inspection. At 115,785 miles over a four-year span, this Niro is accumulating roughly 28,946 miles annually, well above the typical 10,000 to 12,000 mile average for its age and significantly higher than most private or family-use EVs. This level of usage places greater mechanical demand on consumables and chassis components, particularly the steering, suspension bushes, coil springs, brake discs, pads, and tyres. The fact that the mileage appears consistent across tests, with no extended gaps suggesting long periods off road, indicates an active service history rather than a vehicle that has stood idle. Even on an EV where the powertrain is less stressed than an internal combustion unit, the chassis, steering, and braking systems still endure wear proportional to distance covered. The advisory noting play in the nearside front steering rack inner joint is the most mechanically significant flag on the file, as steering rack wear is common on high-mileage vehicles and tends to worsen progressively. On a test drive, pay close attention to any knocking, clunking, or vibration transmitted through the steering wheel when turning, especially over uneven surfaces or speed humps, and listen for any slack or looseness when the steering is moved slowly side to side at low speed. Steering wander, uneven tyre wear, or a reluctance to self-centre after cornering would further indicate that the joint has deteriorated beyond MOT advisory thresholds. Given that this is the first appearance of this defect on the record, a garage inspection of the inner joint, track rod ends, and surrounding boot condition should be a priority before purchase. The tyre-related advisories from the same test, comprising an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and worn on edge, a nearside rear cut not reaching the cords, and a nearside rear nail, are largely consumable in nature but collectively suggest attention to wheel alignment and tyre rotation has lapsed. Uneven shoulder wear on the offside front can point to geometry issues, worn suspension bushes, or strut top bearing wear, all of which would benefit from inspection on a test drive by feeling for pulling to one side, vague steering response, or suspension noise over rough roads. The previously failed nearside front headlamp dipped beam is an isolated electrical item and not in itself a recurring concern, but verifying that both headlamp units are functioning correctly and that no moisture ingress or condensation is present within the lamp housings is worthwhile. With no advisories relating to brakes, corrosion, or structural integrity recorded to date, the chassis record remains clean, though the steering and tyre findings mark a clear starting point for any prospective mechanical evaluation.