2016 KIA Sportage 1.7L Diesel · LC65 FSU

Recurring braking system defects and emerging structural corrosion define the mechanical history of this vehicle. While it achieved a pass on 2025-11-10, the record shows a pattern of critical failures, most notably a 2023 test where both front and rear brake pads were recorded as dangerous due to excessive wear, alongside parking brake inefficiency. More recent tests indicate a shift toward suspension and chassis wear, with the latest result flagging corrosion of the rear suspension components and a perished dust cover on the nearside front track rod end. With 71,140 miles recorded over approximately ten years, the vehicle has averaged around 7,114 miles per year. This represents a typical usage profile for a vehicle of this age. Mechanically, this level of accumulation suggests a steady rate of wear on drivetrain components and suspension bushings, which is reflected in the recorded wear of the rear trailing arm bushes and the gradual deterioration of the braking consumables over several testing cycles. Attention should be directed toward the rear chassis and suspension. The recorded corrosion of rear suspension components and the previous advisory for worn rear trailing arm bushes necessitate a physical inspection of the subframe and linkages for structural integrity. During a test drive, listen for knocks or thumps when traversing uneven road surfaces or speed bumps, as these are common symptoms of degraded suspension bushings. The braking system requires close scrutiny given the history of dangerous pad wear and the 2025 advisory regarding a binding and fluctuating nearside rear service brake. Check for any unevenness in brake pedal pressure or a sensation of the vehicle pulling to one side under braking. Additionally, the perished dust cover on the nearside front track rod end should be monitored, as failure to replace this can lead to joint seizure or premature wear, potentially manifesting as vague steering or a clicking sound during low-speed manoeuvring.