2011 KIA Sportage 2.0L Diesel · Y5 ARW

The most recent MOT test on 5 March 2026 at 60,062 miles recorded a pass, but the advisory list is dominated by corrosion. The front and rear sub-frames are corroded but not seriously weakened, and both rear suspension arms show similar corrosion. This represents a clear worsening trend from previous tests. The March 2023 test was the first to note sub-frame corrosion, and by March 2025 only the rear sub-frame was flagged. Now the corrosion has spread to all four structural points. The corrosion is currently judged not serious, but it is progressing. With only 60,062 miles over 15 years, the average is roughly 4,000 miles per annum. The recorded mileage rises steadily from 58,930 in March 2023 to 60,062 in March 2026, showing consistent but low use. There are no large gaps in the record or suspicious leaps in mileage. Low annual miles can mean the car has been used for short runs or sat for periods, both of which can encourage underbody corrosion due to less heat cycling to dry moisture. A buyer must closely inspect the sub-frames and rear suspension arms for any progression beyond surface corrosion. The March 2024 failure on a fractured offside rear coil spring is a known failure point on this model, and the replacement should be confirmed. The brake binding advisory on the near side front in March 2025 suggests a caliper or hose that may recur. The electronic stability control warning lamp fault that caused the 2024 failure was not repeated, but the stop lamp switch delay was noted on both 2024 tests. The anti-roll bar linkage play on the near side front from 2024 should be rechecked. The corrosion trend demands physical probing, not just a visual check.