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Kia Sorento Mk3 (UM) (2015-2020) reliability

At a glance

Kia Sorento Mk3 (UM) built around 2018: about average at the MOT

Kia Sorento Mk3 (UM) models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Kia Sorento Mk3 (UM) right now?

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

Key figure

16% of MOT tests on Kia Sorento Mk3 (UM) models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 16% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Kia Sorento Mk3 (UM) models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Kia Sorento Mk3 (UM)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2015-2020SUVDIESEL / HYBRID ELECTRIC

Based on 20,400 tests of Sorento models registered 2015-2020.

About 1 in 30 Sorento Mk3 (UM) MOTs (3.3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 3,314 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 20 Sorento Mk3 (UM) MOTs (5.7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 3,314 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk3 (UM) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
51111.7%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
2,08115.9%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
3,16514.9%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
3,31415.8%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
4,02618.8%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
4,38921.3%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
2,91422.3%

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 10 years old.

How the Sorento Mk3 (UM) compares

At each age below, see how the Sorento Mk3 (UM) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 105,025 tests across 12 Kia models, built around 2018 (7 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateKia average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
51111.7%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
2,08115.9%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
3,16514.9%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
3,31415.8%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
4,02618.8%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
4,38921.3%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
2,91422.3%

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.

Brake pads

High priority

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

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

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.

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 Mk3 (UM).

  1. 1

    Volkswagen T-Roc

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.9%
    Dangerous
    3.9%

    Lower fail rate: 9.6%, against 15.8% for the Kia Sorento Mk3 (UM), both built around 2018.

    9,233 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    7.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.3%
    Dangerous
    2.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.4%

    Lower fail rate: 7.6%, against 15.8% for the Kia Sorento Mk3 (UM), both built around 2018.

    1,815 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Skoda Karoq

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    4.3%

    Lower fail rate: 10.3%, against 15.8% for the Kia Sorento Mk3 (UM), both built around 2018.

    8,610 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Lexus NX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    2.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.4%

    Lower fail rate: 9.5%, against 15.8% for the Kia Sorento Mk3 (UM), both built around 2018.

    4,706 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

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 Mk3 (UM) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 6 recalls

Top concerns

  • The high pressure electric oil pump within the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) may experience an internal fau
  • There is a risk the automatic gear shift lever could be moved out of park without the foot brake pedal being applied. If
  • A fuel leak can develop on the diesel low pressure fuel line

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

What has gone wrong on Sorento Mk3 (UM) cars built around 2018

The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 199 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
15%
Emissions
1%

Wear items

Brakes
19%
Tyres
19%
Lighting
4%
How Sorento Mk3 (UM) cars have aged

How Sorento Mk3 (UM) 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%345678910Age at MOTBuilt around 2020, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 12.2% (957 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2020, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 13.8% (870 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2020, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 16.6% (848 tests, 2025 data)2020Built around 2019, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 12.5% (2,341 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2019, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 14.0% (2,150 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2019, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 13.7% (2,040 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2019, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 15.4% (2,001 tests, 2025 data)2019Built around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 10.9% (2,329 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 11.7% (2,180 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 13.9% (2,132 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 14.6% (2,059 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 15.6% (2,018 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 13.7% (2,637 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 15.4% (2,550 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.6% (2,548 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.3% (2,431 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.1% (2,451 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 17.0% (2,635 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.5% (2,480 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 19.0% (2,435 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.4% (2,363 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.6% (2,333 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.0% (3,214 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.5% (3,076 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.3% (3,029 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.4% (2,988 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 22.3% (2,914 tests, 2025 data)2015
First registered around 2020First registered around 2019First registered around 2018First registered around 2017
How each part holds up as Mk3 (UM) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk3 (UM) cars age

The share of diesel cars built 2017-2020 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 car6 years7 years8 years
Suspension8%15%18%
Brakes12%19%19%
Emissions5%1%2%
Tyres14%19%24%
Lighting2%4%7%
SteeringNo figureNo figure3%

Based on diesel cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 199 to 233 cars at each age.

Mk3 (UM) 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 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk3 (UM) 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

    20.8%
    Advisory: 1,062Fail: 59 (5% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    15.9%
    Advisory: 575Fail: 114 (17% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    9.7%
    Advisory: 410Fail: 88 (18% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    7.0%
    Advisory: 331Fail: 2 (1% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    6.8%
    Advisory: 260Fail: 50 (16% of the times it was found)

Based on 3,314 tests

Looking at a Kia Sorento Mk3 (UM) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Kia Sorento Mk3 (UM) (2015-2020) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 3,314 7-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 20,400 MOT tests on Kia Sorentos first registered between 2015-2020. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.