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Kia Sorento Mk2 (XM) (2010-2014) reliability

At a glance

Kia Sorento Mk2 (XM) built around 2014: more dangerous faults than average

Testers find a dangerous fault on Kia Sorento Mk2 (XM) models built around 2014 more often than on similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.

Looking at a Kia Sorento Mk2 (XM) right now?

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

Key figure

8% of MOT tests on Kia Sorento Mk2 (XM) models built around 2014 found a fault the tester marked as dangerous, against 6% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Kia Sorento Mk2 (XM) models built around 2014 involves the tyres.

Kia Sorento Mk2 (XM)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2010-2014SUVDIESEL

Based on 13,336 tests of Sorento models registered 2010-2014.

About 1 in 15 Sorento Mk2 (XM) MOTs (6.4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2014 (11 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 3,293 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 12 Sorento Mk2 (XM) MOTs (8.5%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2014 (11 years old).

Based on 3,293 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk2 (XM) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
1,65324.4%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
3,29325.9%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
2,63329.8%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
2,35430.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
2,27731.2%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
1,12628.9%

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 14 years old.

How the Sorento Mk2 (XM) compares

At each age below, see how the Sorento Mk2 (XM) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 89,420 tests across 10 Kia models, built around 2014 (11 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateKia average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
1,65324.4%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
3,29325.9%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
2,63329.8%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
2,35430.7%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
2,27731.2%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
1,12628.9%

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 pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

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

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

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

Steering track rods

Worth checking

On a flat surface, rock the steering wheel briefly with the engine off and listen for clunks.

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 Mk2 (XM).

  1. 1

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.7%
    Dangerous
    4.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.4%

    Lower fail rate: 12.6%, against 25.9% for the Kia Sorento Mk2 (XM), both built around 2014.

    1,893 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  2. 2

    Honda CR-V

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.5%
    Dangerous
    4.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.4%

    Lower fail rate: 16.3%, against 25.9% for the Kia Sorento Mk2 (XM), both built around 2014.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    17,553 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  3. 3

    BMW X5

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    14.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4%
    Dangerous
    4.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    86.6%

    Lower fail rate: 14.7%, against 25.9% for the Kia Sorento Mk2 (XM), both built around 2014.

    12 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    4,967 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  4. 4

    Porsche Cayenne

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.2%
    Dangerous
    4.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    84.8%

    Lower fail rate: 13.4%, against 25.9% for the Kia Sorento Mk2 (XM), both built around 2014.

    2,345 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

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

6 of the 25 Sorento Mk2 (XM) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 4 Critical
  • 2 more

Top concerns

  • The PTC (positive temperature coefficient) heater in some Sorento (XM) models can overheat due to potential damage of th
  • Rubber diesel fuel feed pipe may harden or crack
  • Risk of fire

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

How Sorento Mk2 (XM) cars have aged

How Sorento Mk2 (XM) 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%79111315Age at MOTBuilt around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 19.3% (2,277 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 20.9% (2,244 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 23.4% (2,223 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 24.5% (2,170 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 25.6% (2,123 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 23.7% (1,773 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 22.7% (1,694 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 26.2% (1,673 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (1,668 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (1,585 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (1,706 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (1,672 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (1,642 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.4% (1,564 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.8% (1,441 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (1,542 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (1,431 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (1,353 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.4% (1,285 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.2% (1,157 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 30.1% (1,672 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.5% (1,524 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.9% (1,423 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (1,257 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 29.0% (1,126 tests, 2025 data)2010
First registered around 2014First registered around 2013First registered around 2012First registered around 2011
Mk2 (XM) 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 2014, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 (XM) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

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

    25.8%
    Advisory: 1,293Fail: 131 (9% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    17.2%
    Advisory: 669Fail: 268 (29% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Track rod end ball joint has slight play

    13.9%
    Advisory: 259Fail: 265 (51% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    13.7%
    Advisory: 469Fail: 115 (20% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    9.1%
    Advisory: 403Fail: 6 (1% of the times it was found)

Based on 3,293 tests

Looking at a Kia Sorento Mk2 (XM) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2014 (11 years old), the Kia Sorento Mk2 (XM) (2010-2014) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 3,293 11-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 13,336 MOT tests on Kia Sorentos first registered between 2010-2014. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.