2014 KIA Sportage 2.0L Diesel · LF14 MDU

The 2026‑02‑17 MOT at 131,252 miles passed, confirming roadworthiness, yet a same‑day test at 131,244 miles recorded a failure of the near‑side rear shock absorber, which exhibited a serious fluid leak. Overall the maintenance record shows a pattern of intermittent faults that have been rectified before each subsequent test, indicating a generally stable trend rather than a clear worsening or improving trajectory. The vehicle’s mileage climbs from 47,727 miles in 2017 to 131,252 miles in 2026, averaging roughly 10,900 miles per year, which aligns with typical usage for a 12‑year‑old model. The interval between the 2024‑02‑28 test at 111,107 miles and the 2025‑03‑06 test at 123,870 miles covered 12,763 miles in just over a year, suggesting regular driving, while the later jump to 131,252 miles in the following 11 months adds another 7,382 miles, reinforcing a consistent usage pattern with no evidence of long standing periods. Recurring defects centre on the rear suspension, where a fluid leak in the near‑side shock absorber and excessive wear of the rear lower suspension arm pin or bush have been recorded, and on the front braking system, where brake discs show pitting or scoring and pads are described as wearing thin. Additional notes include edge wear on both front tyres, a rear sub‑frame that is corroded but not seriously weakened, and intermittent failures of the rear fog lamp and registration plate lamp. A buyer should therefore inspect the rear shock absorber for leaks, examine the rear sub‑frame for structural rust, verify operation of the rear fog and registration lamps, assess front brake disc condition and pad thickness, check suspension bushes and arm pins for wear, and evaluate tyre tread depth and edge wear, as these items represent the most serious or recurring concerns highlighted in the MOT history.