2003 · 21 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2003 Kia Sorento MOT pass rate and common faults

145 MOT tests in 2024. 52.4% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

92Well below average
Passed first time52.4%
Failed or needed repairs47.6%
Typical mileage at test119,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 145 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength7.6%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded6.9%
  3. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect6.9%
  4. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play6.2%
  5. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced5.5%
  6. Rbt (sp): efficiency less than 50% of the required value4.1%
    8 marked dangerous
  7. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced3.4%
  8. Anti-roll bars - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.4%
  9. Linkage pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.8%
  10. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension35.2%
  2. Lights & electrics31.7%
  3. Brakes29.0%
  4. Body & chassis16.6%
  5. Steering11.0%
  6. Seat belts & airbags10.3%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.6%
  8. Emissions & leaks4.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded20.7%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine11.0%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.7%
  4. Linkage pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn9.0%
  5. Headlamp: has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced7.6%

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.

All Sorento years2004 Sorento →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Kia Sorento?

In 2024, 52.4% of 2003 Kia Sorento cars passed their MOT first time, across 145 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Kia Sorento?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2003 Kia Sorento reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 92, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).