Kia Sorento MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 36,662 MOT tests on the Kia Sorento carried out in 2023. 31% failed at the first attempt, which is slightly above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Sorentos passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2003 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2015 models did best (77% passed, +1.7 points against the average for 8-year-old cars), while 2004 models fared worst (49%, −6.8 points). Tested cars had covered 78,762 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 10.8% of tests (roughly in line with the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 5.2% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 36,662
- First-time pass rate
- 69%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −2.3 points
- Average mileage at test
- 78,762
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Sorento?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Sorento MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 102 | 88% | 91% | −2.6 points | 25,919 |
| 2020 | 1,179 | 87% | 88% | −0.4 points | 26,433 |
| 2019 | 2,784 | 84% | 86% | −2.0 points | 33,915 |
| 2018 | 2,771 | 84% | 84% | +0.2 points | 44,595 |
| 2017 | 3,116 | 81% | 82% | −1.1 points | 53,135 |
| 2016 | 3,153 | 78% | 79% | −0.8 points | 63,803 |
| 2015 | 4,004 | 77% | 75% | +1.7 points | 71,771 |
| 2014 | 2,941 | 70% | 72% | −1.9 points | 78,981 |
| 2013 | 2,178 | 67% | 68% | −1.6 points | 89,228 |
| 2012 | 1,978 | 60% | 66% | −5.6 points | 98,347 |
| 2011 | 1,705 | 61% | 63% | −2.3 points | 103,422 |
| 2010 | 1,987 | 58% | 60% | −2.5 points | 108,611 |
| 2009 | 1,472 | 54% | 59% | −5.1 points | 101,822 |
| 2008 | 1,113 | 52% | 57% | −5.2 points | 105,246 |
| 2007 | 1,557 | 54% | 57% | −2.5 points | 110,647 |
| 2006 | 2,300 | 51% | 56% | −5.0 points | 114,723 |
| 2005 | 1,277 | 52% | 56% | −4.1 points | 114,185 |
| 2004 | 781 | 49% | 56% | −6.8 points | 116,820 |
| 2003 | 241 | 53% | 57% | −3.9 points | 116,576 |
Why the Kia Sorento fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Sorento | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 10.8% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 10.6% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 10.2% | 8.9% |
| Tyres | 5.9% | 6.3% |
| Steering | 4.7% | 1.8% |
| Body and structure | 3.9% | 3.5% |
| Visibility | 3.9% | 4.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 2.2% | 1.0% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.8% | 3.1% |
| Road Wheels | 0.5% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working5.2%
- 2ball joint excessively worn4.7%
- 3ball joint has excessive play3.4%
- 4less than 1.5 mm thick3.3%
- 5efficiency below requirements3.0%
- 6tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.6%
- 7does not clear the windscreen effectively2.2%
- 8pin or bush excessively worn1.7%
- 9inoperative on one side1.6%
- 10excessively corroded1.6%
Common Sorento MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Sorento, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 17.9% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 13.1% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 8.1% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 6.6% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 6.4% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 6.1% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 5.7% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.9% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 3.1% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 2.8% |
Tips to help your Sorento pass
Based on where Sorentos most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 10.8% of Sorento tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 10.6% of Sorento tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the Sorento ULEZ compliant? See the Kia Sorento ULEZ check, or view all Kia models.
Other Kia models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 36,662 first MOT tests of the Kia Sorento carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 36,662 first MOT tests of the Kia Sorento.
What is the Kia Sorento MOT failure rate?
In our data, 31% of 36,662 first MOT attempts on the Kia Sorento ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Kia Sorento fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (10.8% of tests), brakes (10.6% of tests), suspension (10.2% of tests).
Which Sorento year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2015 cars performed best: 77% passed first time, +1.7 points against the average for 8-year-old cars. The weakest was 2004, at 49% (−6.8 points).
How many miles had a typical Kia Sorento covered at its MOT?
The average was 78,762 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 25,919 miles and 2003 cars 116,576.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Kia Sorento?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 17.9% of tests, in the tyres area. 5.9% of Sorentos failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Sorento's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 36,662 Sorentos in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 49% to 88% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
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