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Kia Sportage Mk2 (KM) (2005-2009) reliability

At a glance

Kia Sportage Mk2 (KM) built around 2009: about average at the MOT

Kia Sportage Mk2 (KM) models built around 2009 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Kia Sportage Mk2 (KM) right now?

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

Key figure

32% of MOT tests on Kia Sportage Mk2 (KM) models built around 2009 ended in a fail (retests included), against 30% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Kia Sportage Mk2 (KM) models built around 2009 involves the suspension.

Kia Sportage Mk2 (KM)
No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2005-2009SUVDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 7,531 tests of Sportage models registered 2005-2009.

About 1 in 10 Sportage Mk2 (KM) MOTs (10%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2009 (16 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,786 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 Sportage Mk2 (KM) MOTs (8.1%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2009 (16 years old).

Based on 1,786 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk2 (KM) 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
1,33032.6%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,78632.4%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,57135.0%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,08835.5%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,16734.9%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
58938.2%

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 Sportage Mk2 (KM) compares

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

Based on 27,382 tests across 10 Kia models, built around 2009 (16 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateKia average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
1,33032.6%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,78632.4%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,57135.0%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,08835.5%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,16734.9%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
58938.2%

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 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.

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.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks 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 Sportage Mk2 (KM).

  1. 1

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.3%

    Lower fail rate: 23.3%, against 32.4% for the Kia Sportage Mk2 (KM), both built around 2009.

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

    1,916 MOT tests on cars built around 2009

  2. 2

    Land Rover Defender

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    24.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.3%
    Dangerous
    4.7%

    Lower fail rate: 24.5%, against 32.4% for the Kia Sportage Mk2 (KM), both built around 2009.

    6 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    4,413 MOT tests on cars built around 2009

  3. 3

    BMW X5

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8%
    Dangerous
    6.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    86.6%

    Lower fail rate: 22.9%, against 32.4% for the Kia Sportage Mk2 (KM), both built around 2009.

    12 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    3,998 MOT tests on cars built around 2009

  4. 4

    BMW X3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    25%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    7.5%
    Dangerous
    5.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93.6%

    Lower fail rate: 25.0%, against 32.4% for the Kia Sportage Mk2 (KM), both built around 2009.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,538 MOT tests on cars built around 2009

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

92%of all Kia Sportage 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% · The same

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

20 recalls in all

3 of the 20 Sportage Mk2 (KM) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 3 recalls

Top concerns

  • Brake lights may malfunction
  • Brake light may not operate
  • Possible sudden operation of brakes

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

What has gone wrong on Sportage Mk2 (KM) cars built around 2009

The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 154 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
66%
Emissions
29%
Bodywork
10%
Drivetrain
4%
Steering
3%

Wear items

Lighting
56%
Brakes
50%
Tyres
41%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 18% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

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

How Sportage Mk2 (KM) cars have aged

How Sportage Mk2 (KM) 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%1214161820Age at MOTBuilt around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.7% (2,246 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (2,051 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 32.1% (1,822 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 33.5% (1,562 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.1% (1,198 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.9% (2,108 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.8% (1,879 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 33.4% (1,573 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 34.7% (1,258 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.0% (925 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 34.2% (1,885 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 35.4% (1,601 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 35.6% (1,194 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 37.2% (863 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 34.4% (610 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 34.0% (1,962 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 35.4% (1,558 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 37.5% (1,136 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 34.9% (805 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 35.7% (603 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 36.8% (1,916 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 35.6% (1,411 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 35.4% (1,078 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 35.8% (776 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 38.2% (589 tests, 2025 data)2005
First registered around 2009First registered around 2008First registered around 2007First registered around 2006
How each part holds up as Mk2 (KM) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk2 (KM) 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
Suspension66%80%82%81%
Brakes50%63%63%68%
Emissions29%21%21%22%
Tyres41%47%40%45%
Lighting56%69%73%76%
Drivetrain4%8%10%12%
Bodywork10%17%17%29%
Steering3%7%5%4%
Corrosion18%27%26%33%

Based on diesel cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 154 to 231 cars at each age.

Mk2 (KM) variants compared

Sportage Mk2 (KM) variants built around 2009

The fail rate for each Sportage Mk2 (KM) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • SPORTAGE32.3%1,262 tests

Petrol

  • SPORTAGE32.8%524 tests
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Kia Sportages of this age

This list covers every Kia Sportage built around 2009, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 (KM) 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

    32.9%
    Advisory: 740Fail: 199 (21% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    24.2%
    Advisory: 610Fail: 55 (8% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    19.5%
    Advisory: 488Fail: 12 (2% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    17.6%
    Advisory: 446Fail: 44 (9% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    16.4%
    Advisory: 309Fail: 7 (2% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,786 tests

Looking at a Kia Sportage Mk2 (KM) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2009 (16 years old), the Kia Sportage Mk2 (KM) (2005-2009) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 1,786 16-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 7,531 MOT tests on Kia Sportages first registered between 2005-2009. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.