2015 KIA Sportage 1.7L Diesel · YL64 LFA

A near‑side front suspension arm ball joint is now recorded as excessively worn, marking the first major MOT failure in the vehicle’s history and signalling a shift from a previously clean record to a concrete safety concern. The 2026‑02‑17 test revealed this defect alongside a pass for all other items, indicating that the failure is isolated to the front suspension but that the remainder of the car met the minimum legal standards at that time. At 120,184 miles spread over roughly eleven years the average annual mileage sits at about 10,900 mi, which sits squarely within normal usage patterns for a family SUV of this age. The MOT chronology shows no significant gaps in testing, suggesting the vehicle has been regularly exercised rather than stored for long periods. This mileage level, combined with the recent suspension wear, points to normal wear on consumables such as bushings, joints and brake components, while also implying that the chassis and drivetrain have endured a typical load history. Prospective buyers should inspect the front suspension thoroughly: listen for clunking or knocking when traversing bumps, feel for any looseness or wandering in the steering, and check for uneven front tyre wear that may indicate a compromised ball joint. The 2023 advisories on thin front and rear brake pads and mildly scored discs suggest those wear items are approaching the end of their service life; a firm, non‑pulsating brake pedal and the absence of squeal or grinding will be key indicators, but replacement of pads and possibly discs should be budgeted for. The rear exhaust heat‑shield was noted as insecure in 2023, so a tactile check for rattles and visual confirmation of secure mounting are advisable to avoid future corrosion or exhaust leaks. In summary, the vehicle’s overall MOT trend has been stable until the recent front suspension failure, and the mileage is typical for its age. A buyer should allocate funds for a replacement ball joint (and any associated suspension arm work), a full brake service, and re‑securing the rear heat‑shield before committing. A comprehensive pre‑purchase inspection that confirms the absence of additional corrosion, steering pull or abnormal noises will provide the necessary confidence in the car’s roadworthiness.