2012 KIA Sorento 2.2L Diesel · S13 SAG

The 2012 Kia Sorrento presents a stable but deteriorating maintenance trend. The most recent MOT activity occurred on 4 November 2025 at 114,071 miles, approximately seven months before the current date, which is a reasonably current record. The vehicle failed that initial test due to an exposed Offside Front tyre ply or cord, a serious structural failure of the tyre carcass. A retest passed on the same day at the identical mileage, indicating the tyre was replaced as a one-off fix. However, the underlying mechanical pattern is not improving. Front suspension arm pin or bush wear has been a persistent advisory across every test from 2022 through 2025, shifting from lower arms to front arms but never fully resolving. Rear brake pads were flagged as wearing thin in November 2025, and a 2023 test noted fluctuating service brake performance. This front suspension wear is no longer minor; after four consecutive years of advisories, the bushes or pins are likely degrading progressively, which can cause vague steering, uneven tyre wear, and compromised handling stability. The mileage accumulation is consistent and unremarkable for a fourteen-year-old vehicle. Recorded miles moved from 79,817 in November 2022 to 91,307 in October 2023, then to 103,457 in October 2024, and finally to 114,071 by November 2025. That equates to roughly 11,500 to 12,000 miles per year in the most recent three-year window, up from the longer-term average of about 8,148 miles annually. The recent increase suggests heavier use or more regular long-distance driving, which accelerates wear on consumables like brake pads and tyres. No significant gaps appear in the record, and the annual test pattern is regular. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and braking system. The recurring suspension arm pin or bush wear demands a close check for play, cracking rubber, or knocking over bumps. Front tyres require scrutiny for inner edge wear and sidewall integrity, given the 2025 failure exposed cords on the Offside Front and the Nearside Front inner edge was worn close to the legal limit. Rear brake pads were noted as thin in the latest test, so pad thickness and disc condition need verification. The 2023 advisory regarding fluctuating service brake performance warrants a road test to confirm the pedal feel remains firm and progressive. While no structural corrosion or exhaust emissions failures appear in the record, the cumulative wear pattern suggests previous owners addressed immediate MOT failures but deferred ongoing suspension maintenance. This vehicle is roadworthy today but carries a clear risk of near-term suspension and brake component replacement.