2021 KIA Niro 2 Phev S-A 1.6L Hybrid electric (clean) · LC71 XGD

A rear brake issue sits at the centre of this Niro's MOT record and is the single most important mechanical story for any prospective buyer. The most recent test on 23 October 2025 returned a clean pass with no advisories, but this followed a fail recorded only seven days earlier on 16 October 2025, where both rear service brakes were deemed excessively fluctuating and categorised as Major defects. The earlier test also carried two advisories noting that the rear brakes were binding but not excessively, alongside an explicit advisory stating that the rear braking requirements were only just met, that there was no lock-up on either side, and that the braking system required adjustment or repair. The jump from Major defects to a clean pass within a week implies that a repair was carried out between the two visits, but the underlying pattern of fluctuating rear braking performance and binding calipers is the kind of fault that can recur if the root cause was a seized caliper slide pin or a sticky handbrake mechanism rather than a simple pad or shoe replacement. A second pass in 2024 was unremarkable apart from front tyres being worn close to the legal limit on both inner and outer edges. At 38,492 miles across five years, this Niro is averaging roughly 7,700 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a plug-in hybrid of this age and is neither low enough to raise immediate concerns about seized components nor high enough to suggest accelerated wear across the drivetrain. The mileage history contained in the MOT record is consistent across the 2024 and 2025 tests, with no gaps of more than twelve months between visits and no sudden accumulation between tests, so there is no suggestion of long stationary periods or off-road storage. That said, the PHEV powertrain combines a petrol engine with an electric drive system, and even at modest annual mileage the hybrid components benefit from regular use, so the recorded mileage pattern is broadly favourable for keeping the battery management and electrical systems active. The fact that the only previous advisories before the 2025 brake episode were related to front tyre wear suggests that the car has been in regular use without the prolonged standing periods that often produce corrosion or seized brake mechanisms. Given the rear brake history, a prospective buyer should treat the rear braking system as the priority inspection point. On a test drive, listen for any rubbing or grinding from the rear wheels when pulling away quietly, particularly on a cold start, which can indicate a caliper that is not fully releasing. With the vehicle stationary, attempt to push it forwards and back in gear with the handbrake released; if the rear wheels drag or feel tight compared to the fronts, the binding issue may have returned. During gentle stops from around 30 mph, the car should pull up squarely without any pull to one side, and a soft or inconsistent pedal feel would warrant immediate investigation of the rear caliper slides, handbrake cable adjustment, and rear disc condition. Ask the seller directly for the invoice or paperwork from the October 2025 repair so that the specific components addressed can be confirmed. The 2024 advisory on front tyres being worn on both edges suggests that a tracking or geometry check is worth carrying out at point of purchase, as edge wear of this type often points to misalignment, particularly toe-related settings, rather than simple age-related wear. With the PHEV system, it is also worth confirming that the vehicle charges and drives on electric power alone for the first mile or two of any test drive, as this is a basic functional check that complements the mechanical inspection. Beyond the documented items, there is no MOT evidence of suspension, corrosion, steering, or structural issues, but a walkaround focusing on the rear wheel arches and underbody for any surface corrosion would be sensible on a five-year-old vehicle, particularly around the rear brake backing plates and suspension linkages where salt can accumulate. Overall the record is largely unremarkable apart from the rear brake episode, but that single flagged system should be verified thoroughly before committing to purchase.