2020 KIA Sportage 4 Crdi ISG Mhev S-A 1.6L Electric diesel · WN20 APZ

A clear mechanical pattern emerges from this 2020 Kia Sportage's MOT history: rear tyre wear is the single recurring theme across the test record, appearing as an advisory in February 2023 and again in February 2026 on both the nearside and offside rear positions. On the most recent test on 19 February 2026 the vehicle passed, but it had failed the same day on a rear number plate inscription defect, which is typically a straightforward remedial issue. Beyond that isolated failure, the intervening tests in February 2024 and February 2025 returned clean passes with no advisories recorded, so the headline observation is a vehicle that has otherwise been broadly roadworthy but with persistent rear axle tyre wear and one minor lighting-related advisory on the 2023 test relating to the headlight adjustment mechanism. The recent outcome reinforces a trend of stable rather than worsening condition, though the rear tyre wear is worth monitoring rather than dismissing as a one-off. Against an age of roughly six years, the recorded mileage of 71,141 miles equates to an annual accumulation of around 11,857 miles, which sits comfortably within typical usage parameters for a diesel mild-hybrid family SUV of this vintage. There are no gaps in the annual testing history between 2023 and 2026, and mileage has progressed steadily through each annual test, indicating consistent year-round use rather than long periods of standing or unusual bursts of high-mileage driving. For a turbocharged diesel of this type operating at a moderate annual mileage, this usage profile means the mechanical components most exposed to wear — suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, clutch and dual-mass flywheel components (the latter less stressed by the automated S-A transmission), brake discs and pads, and the particulate filter — have seen typical rather than accelerated service life, though the diesel-hybrid electrical ancillaries and 48V system components should still be inspected for any warning lights or irregularities. For a prospective buyer, the rear tyre wear advisory recorded at three separate MOTs warrants direct attention during inspection. When viewing the vehicle, both rear tyres should be examined closely for uneven shoulder wear, feathering, or one-sided edge wear, as this pattern repeated on both rear positions suggests a possible geometry or suspension issue rather than simple tyre ageing. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the rear suspension over uneven road surfaces, particularly at low speed over speed humps, and feel for any vagueness or wandering from the rear axle under load. The rear wheel alignment should be checked and the rear shock absorbers and coil springs inspected for any signs of leakage, sagging, or corrosion, as compromised rear damping is a common cause of the type of outer-edge tyre wear flagged in the advisories. The nearside and offside rear trailing arms, bushings, and any anti-roll bar linkages should also be visually inspected for perished rubber or play. The February 2026 failure for an illegible rear registration plate inscription is a minor cosmetic or lighting concern rather than a structural one, and a buyer should simply confirm that the current plate is clean, undamaged, and conforming to the legally required character dimensions, as this is the type of issue that can resurface at any subsequent test if the rear plate becomes dirty or damaged. The 2023 advisory regarding the internal headlight adjuster being altered is worth verifying by confirming that both headlight beams are set correctly and that there is no obvious misalignment when driving at night or behind another vehicle, as poorly aimed headlights can both fail an MOT and present a practical visibility issue. Finally, given the diesel mild-hybrid powertrain, a thorough test drive should include monitoring the instrument cluster for any hybrid system warnings, confirming smooth automated gearchange operation, and ensuring there are no stored diagnostic trouble codes, as the 48V MHEV components and emissions system on this generation of Sportage are known to be sensitive to short journeys and irregular use, neither of which appears to be the case here based on the consistent annual mileage pattern.