2015 KIA Sportage 1.6L Petrol · SF65 RZX

This 2015 Kia Sportage presents a mixed mechanical picture dominated by brake-related failures and a fractured rear coil spring identified in the most recent test on 16 June 2026, where the vehicle failed on four separate major defects before being recorded as passing with no defects on the same date. The rear offside coil spring failure is a structural suspension item that would have warranted immediate replacement, while the nearside rear hydraulic brake calliper leak and the resulting inability to test brake performance indicate a significant hydraulic sealing failure that must be rectified to achieve a pass certificate. The history shows a pattern of front and rear brake disc wear advisories in 2023 and a dangerous front brake pad thickness failure at the same test, alongside a dangerous nearside front tyre tread depth below 1.6mm. The 2024 test recorded a binding offside rear brake that prevented performance testing and an exhaust carbon monoxide content exceeding manufacturer limits after the second fast idle, pointing to either a fuelling or catalytic efficiency issue. With two failures across the recorded history and multiple major safety items, the trend is not one of consistent roadworthiness and prospective buyers should weigh the cumulative defects rather than the clean pass entries. Against an 11-year chassis life, 84,536 miles equates to roughly 7,685 miles annually, which sits within a broadly typical usage band for a vehicle of this age. The MOT entries are consistently annual between 2022 and 2026 with no multi-year lay-up gaps, suggesting the vehicle has been in regular service rather than dormant, which means wear items such as suspension bushes, brake components, and exhaust fittings have been subjected to normal operational stress. The mileage accumulation appears steady rather than showing any anomalous jumps, so there is no usage-based reason to suspect odometer irregularity from the recorded tests alone. A test drive should focus heavily on the components flagged in the history. For the rear suspension, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the offside rear over uneven surfaces and check for uneven ride height, as a fractured coil spring often accompanies wear in the surrounding strut mount or shock absorber. Given the brake disc pitting and scoring advisories on both axles and the dangerous front pad condition recorded in 2023, the brake pedal should be tested for any judder or pulsing under firm application, and the vehicle should be observed for steering pull that could indicate a binding rear caliper repeating the issue noted in 2024. Inspect the offside rear brake caliper area for residual hydraulic fluid staining or weeping, as the 2026 failure for a leaking calliper could suggest either perished seals or a corroded caliper body requiring replacement rather than a simple rebuild. The exhaust flexi section that was flagged with a major gas leak in 2023 and the carbon monoxide exceedance in 2024 together suggest attention should be paid to any exhaust drone, ticking under load, or fumes detected inside the cabin during a stationary idle and a brief drive. Tyre condition warrants close inspection given the dangerous tread depth recorded on the nearside front in 2023, with particular focus on even wear across the axle and any signs of sidewall cracking. Finally, verify that the front position lamp concern from the 2026 failure has been properly rectified and that the undertray fixings noted as loose in 2024 are secure, as loose undertrays can mask corrosion or catch on kerbs and speed humps.