2004 · 20 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2004 Kia Sorento MOT pass rate and common faults

504 MOT tests in 2024. 48.4% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

86Well below average
Passed first time48.4%
Failed or needed repairs51.6%
Typical mileage at test114,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 504 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.9%
  2. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect5.8%
  3. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements5.8%
  4. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side5.0%
  5. Position lamp: not working4.8%
  6. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault4.6%
  7. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting4.6%
  8. Wheel bearings: has excessive play4.4%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.2%
  10. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced4.0%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics36.7%
  2. Suspension35.7%
  3. Brakes35.7%
  4. Body & chassis21.0%
  5. Seat belts & airbags11.3%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)10.5%
  7. Steering7.1%
  8. Tyres6.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded24.2%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.5%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine10.1%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick9.3%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.1%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Kia Sorento?

In 2024, 48.4% of 2004 Kia Sorento cars passed their MOT first time, across 504 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 Kia Sorento?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2004 Kia Sorento reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 86, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).