2016 KIA Sportage 2.0L Diesel · MF66 ABK

A clear pattern of front and rear suspension wear has emerged on this Sportage, with the most recent test on 18 August 2026 producing both a pass and a fail on the same day. The failed attempt recorded a Major defect for the Nearside Rear suspension rod pin bush (trailing bush) being excessively worn, while the Offside Front wishbone bush was noted as worn on both the pass and fail submissions. This is the first Major defect recorded against the vehicle, indicating that suspension component wear has now reached a level beyond an advisory and warrants immediate attention before the next test. With the vehicle at ten years old and 121,337 miles on the odometer, the appearance of suspension bush wear on both axles within the same inspection suggests the components are at a similar stage of fatigue and other bushes in the same assemblies may be approaching replacement threshold. The annual mileage accumulation is notably high for the age of the vehicle, averaging roughly 12,100 miles per year across its ten-year life. MOT records have been captured annually without gaps from 2023 through 2026, indicating consistent use rather than extended periods off the road, which is consistent with the high accumulated mileage. This usage profile places greater mechanical demand on consumable items, particularly brake pads and discs, tyres, and the suspension and drivetrain components that absorb road loading. The single previous advisory in 2025 concerned a nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and on the edge, which aligns with the high annual mileage and the sort of accelerated tyre wear expected from sustained driving. There are no advisories or failures relating to brake components, exhaust integrity, or structural corrosion recorded against the vehicle to date, which is a positive point against the rising mileage. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection area is the suspension system, particularly the front wishbone and rear trailing arm bushes flagged on the August 2026 test. On a test drive, listen for knocking or clonking noises from the front and rear suspension over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, and when turning at low speed, which would indicate worn bushes allowing excessive play. With the steering set straight, any wandering, vagueness, or knocking transmitted through the steering wheel on rough roads suggests front wishbone or anti-roll bar link wear. The vehicle should also be raised for a thorough physical inspection of all visible suspension components, with particular attention to the rear trailing arms where the Major defect was recorded, as a worn trailing bush can permit rear axle misalignment and affect braking stability. Given that both axles have now shown bush wear within the same test cycle, replacing the full set of relevant bushes rather than individual items is advisable to restore even ride quality and prevent repeat failures at the next MOT. Beyond the suspension concerns, the high mileage warrants close attention to the usual wear items on a diesel or petrol Sportage of this age. Brake pedal feel should be checked for excessive travel or sponginess, and the vehicle should pull up straight under firm braking without judder through the steering, which would suggest warped front discs given the sustained mileage. The engine bay should be inspected for any oil or coolant leaks, and on start-up from cold listen for any timing chain rattle or auxiliary belt squeal, both of which become more common at this mileage band. A compression or leak-down test would be prudent given the odometer reading, and a thorough check of the clutch for slipping under load or judder when pulling away is recommended if the vehicle is manual. Finally, a road test over a variety of surfaces including motorway speeds is essential to confirm that no drivetrain vibrations, transmission hesitation, or suspension noise is present that would not be apparent during a slow stationary inspection.