2017 KIA Sportage 1.7L Diesel · NJ17 OGM

The vehicle is currently unroadworthy following a failure on 26 June 2026 at 76,332 miles. The maintenance trend is worsening, transitioning from minor consumable advisories in previous years to critical mechanical failures regarding safety. While the car passed its 2025 test, the most recent inspection reveals insufficient brake lever travel and thin pads on both front and rear at 3mm. The discovery of splitting rear trailing arm bushes with movement indicates that suspension components are now requiring immediate attention. The mileage pattern is consistent with a nine-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 8,500 miles per year. The record shows steady usage between 52,996 miles in 2022 and 76,332 miles in 2026. This consistent interval suggests regular driving rather than long periods of stationary neglect. However, the recurring nature of worn tyres across 2022 and 2025 indicates that previous owners often deferred routine maintenance until components reached the legal limit threshold. A physical inspection must focus on the braking system and suspension geometry. The tester flagged an imbalance in parking brakes in 2024, which has now escalated into a failure due to excessive lever travel and pad wear. A buyer should verify if the brake discs are scored or pitted from the thin pads. Furthermore, the split trailing arm bushes require replacement to prevent unpredictable handling and uneven tyre wear. Given the 2024 note noting that undertrays prevented a full underside inspection, a thorough visual check of the chassis is necessary to ensure no structural corrosion has developed hidden behind the plasticwork.