2018 KIA Sportage 1.6L Petrol · LE18 AFK

This KIA Sportage’s most recent MOT tests reveal a concerning pattern of repeated failures despite no recorded defects. The vehicle failed twice in February 2026—once on the same day—yet both tests showed no specific faults, which suggests either a technical error in the system or a deliberate attempt to bypass genuine inspection. The previous cycle in February 2025 also ended in failure before passing shortly after, indicating an irregularity in the testing process rather than consistent mechanical issues. Without visible defects or advisories in any of the five recorded tests, the record does not provide clear evidence of recurring mechanical problems, though the duplicated failures warrant scrutiny of the tester’s integrity or the vehicle’s service history. The mileage progression suggests unusually light usage for a vehicle of this age, with just 35,842 miles over eight years—approximately 4,480 miles annually. This low accumulation implies prolonged periods of inactivity, which can accelerate wear on suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers due to static load corrosion. The gap between tests is consistent at around 12 months, but the lack of advisories or defects in any cycle means there is no evidence of deferred maintenance or progressive deterioration. However, the absence of intermediate servicing records—visible only through MOT history—makes it impossible to confirm whether critical components like timing belts, differential fluid, or suspension dampers have been serviced according to manufacturer intervals. Given the lack of specific faults in the MOT record, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of suspension integrity, particularly the rear axle and bushings, which are prone to corrosion when vehicles remain stationary for extended periods. The repeated failures in 2025 and 2026, despite no recorded issues, raise suspicion about the vehicle’s true condition, so thorough checks of brake binding, disc thickness, and caliper wear are essential. Structural corrosion, especially around wheel arches and sills, should also be examined, as low-mileage vehicles often suffer from rust progression due to moisture retention. The absence of advisories does not guarantee these areas are sound, so visual and functional assessment is critical.