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Kia Sorento Mk1 (BL) (2003-2009) reliability

At a glance

Kia Sorento Mk1 (BL) built around 2006: fails its MOT more often than average

Kia Sorento Mk1 (BL) models built around 2006 fail their MOT more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the suspension on any car you view. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Kia Sorento Mk1 (BL) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

36% of MOT tests on Kia Sorento Mk1 (BL) models built around 2006 ended in a fail (retests included), against 30% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Kia Sorento Mk1 (BL) models built around 2006 involves the suspension.

Kia Sorento Mk1 (BL)
No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2003-2009SUVDIESEL

Based on 6,638 tests of Sorento models registered 2003-2009.

About 1 in 8 Sorento Mk1 (BL) MOTs (13.1%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2006 (19 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,341 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 10 Sorento Mk1 (BL) MOTs (9.6%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2006 (19 years old).

Based on 1,341 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 (BL) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
67132.9%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,13933.0%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,25034.7%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,31133.6%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,34135.5%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
57536.9%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
29732.3%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
5429.6%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 20 years old.

How the Sorento Mk1 (BL) compares

At each age below, see how the Sorento Mk1 (BL) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 8,819 tests across 8 Kia models, built around 2006 (19 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateKia average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
67132.9%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,13933.0%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,25034.7%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,31133.6%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,34135.5%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
57536.9%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
29732.3%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
5429.6%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Underbody / chassis corrosion

High priority

Get the car on a ramp or jack point and inspect sills, subframe mounts, and rear suspension mounting points.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Sorento Mk1 (BL).

  1. 1

    Porsche Cayenne

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    7.7%
    Dangerous
    4.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    84.8%

    Lower fail rate: 21.7%, against 35.5% for the Kia Sorento Mk1 (BL), both built around 2006.

    1,231 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  2. 2

    Land Rover Defender

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    26%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    10.7%
    Dangerous
    5.1%

    Lower fail rate: 26.0%, against 35.5% for the Kia Sorento Mk1 (BL), both built around 2006.

    6 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    5,369 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  3. 3

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    26.4%

    Lower fail rate: 26.4%, against 35.5% for the Kia Sorento Mk1 (BL), both built around 2006.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,442 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  4. 4

    Toyota Land Cruiser

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    27.2%

    Lower fail rate: 27.2%, against 35.5% for the Kia Sorento Mk1 (BL), both built around 2006.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,020 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

94%of all Kia Sorento cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

25 recalls in all

8 of the 25 Sorento Mk1 (BL) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 6 more

Top concerns

  • Risk of fire
  • Curtain airbags may deploy incorrectly
  • Water or oil may enter the hydraulic electronic control unit

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on Sorento Mk1 (BL) cars built around 2006

The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 440 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
73%
Bodywork
35%
Emissions
20%
Steering
13%
Drivetrain
5%

Wear items

Brakes
79%
Lighting
74%
Tyres
46%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 55% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

How Sorento Mk1 (BL) cars have aged

How Sorento Mk1 (BL) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%40%121416182022Age at MOTBuilt around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (1,434 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.7% (1,233 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 33.5% (1,127 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (934 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.6% (779 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 33.2% (1,421 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 32.3% (1,209 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (999 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.5% (801 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 34.2% (593 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 32.5% (1,530 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.1% (1,258 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (1,022 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 35.0% (754 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.9% (542 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 34.8% (2,964 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 35.9% (2,274 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 35.0% (1,713 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 35.4% (1,241 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 35.5% (863 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 37.0% (1,749 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 36.1% (1,158 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 35.0% (729 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.9% (504 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 35.4% (362 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 38.2% (1,245 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 37.0% (819 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 37.6% (535 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 38.5% (351 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (209 tests, 2025 data)2004Built around 2003, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 36.3% (292 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2003, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 36.2% (196 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2003, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 33.9% (118 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2003, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (72 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2003, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 29.6% (54 tests, 2025 data)2003
First registered around 2009First registered around 2008First registered around 2007First registered around 2006
How each part holds up as Mk1 (BL) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk1 (BL) cars age

The share of diesel cars built 2005-2008 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car17 years18 years19 years20 years
Suspension61%57%73%71%
Brakes67%76%79%81%
Emissions15%12%20%26%
Tyres40%36%46%42%
Lighting58%65%74%78%
Drivetrain4%5%5%9%
Bodywork7%10%35%35%
Steering9%11%13%13%
Corrosion30%30%55%53%

Based on diesel cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 161 to 440 cars at each age.

Mk1 (BL) variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Kia Sorentos of this age

This list covers every Kia Sorento built around 2006, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (BL) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    25.8%
    Advisory: 466Fail: 178 (28% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    21.9%
    Advisory: 418Fail: 74 (15% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    21.3%
    Advisory: 386Fail: 36 (9% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Body structure corroded, but not seriously weakened

    16.6%
    Advisory: 272Fail: 110 (29% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    14.9%
    Advisory: 205Fail: 3 (1% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,341 tests

Looking at a Kia Sorento Mk1 (BL) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2006 (19 years old), the Kia Sorento Mk1 (BL) (2003-2009) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,341 19-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 6,638 MOT tests on Kia Sorentos first registered between 2003-2009. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.