2022 KIA Sportage 1.6L Petrol · LE71 EBO

The defining mechanical note on this 2022 Kia Sportage is the parking brake adjustment issue flagged at the most recent test on 15 January 2026, which resulted in a major failure on that occasion alongside a tyre advisory, although the same advisory also appeared against the pass entry recorded on the same date, indicating the vehicle was likely re-presented and subsequently cleared. Prior to this, the January 2025 test returned a clean pass with no advisories, so the record shows a single isolated failure rather than a pattern of recurring defects. The combination of a major handbrake adjustment defect and a perished rear tyre suggests two distinct wear-related concerns rather than a systemic mechanical problem, but both items warrant physical verification before purchase. Overall, the roadworthiness trend over the recorded tests is neutral to mildly adverse, with the most recent interaction introducing concerns not seen in earlier tests. Annual mileage of roughly 8,781 miles over a four-year ownership period is broadly typical for the vehicle's age, placing the 35,123-mile odometer reading squarely within expected parameters for a car of this type. There are no significant gaps in testing history that would indicate long periods off the road, and the mileage progression between the 2025 and 2026 tests appears consistent with normal usage rather than rapid accumulation. This level of use is unlikely to have placed excessive demand on major drivetrain components, though brake discs, pads, and tyres will still have experienced measurable wear. The relatively modest annual mileage does mean the vehicle has likely seen a mixture of urban and shorter journeys, which can place particular load on the rear brakes and parking brake mechanism through less frequent sustained motorway use. On physical inspection, the near-side rear tyre that was flagged for cracking or perishing should be examined closely for sidewall deterioration, as tyre rubber compounds degrade with age regardless of tread depth, and replacement is advisable if any crazing, cracking, or bulging is visible. Check the production date on the sidewall to confirm the tyres are not significantly older than the vehicle itself, and inspect the tread for uneven wear patterns that might indicate an alignment or suspension issue. The parking brake lever excessive movement that triggered the major failure points specifically to incorrect adjustment of the rear brake mechanism, which on this generation of Sportage typically relates to the cable tension or the integrated caliper self-adjuster. On a test drive, apply the parking brake firmly on an incline and confirm the vehicle holds without excessive lever travel, and listen for any scraping or clicking from the rear calipers as the handbrake is engaged and released. Beyond the flagged items, a test drive should include firm brake application from higher speeds to check for pedal pulsation, which would suggest warped rear discs given the handbrake-related concerns, and the steering should be assessed for any pulling to one side or knocking over uneven road surfaces that might indicate worn rear suspension bushes. Listen for any clonking from the rear axle area over speed bumps, as the handbrake cable routing can interact with suspension components if not properly seated after adjustment. Inspect the rear brake discs directly through the wheel spokes for lipping, scoring, or surface corrosion, and confirm the caliper slides move freely without binding. While the MOT record itself does not establish long-term mechanical condition, the combination of a recent handbrake adjustment failure and tyre perishing suggests the vehicle would benefit from a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on the rear brake and suspension assembly before commitment.