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Kia Sportage Mk3 (SL) (2010-2015) reliability

At a glance

Kia Sportage Mk3 (SL) built around 2015: about average at the MOT

Kia Sportage Mk3 (SL) models built around 2015 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Kia Sportage Mk3 (SL) right now?

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

Key figure

23% of MOT tests on Kia Sportage Mk3 (SL) models built around 2015 ended in a fail (retests included), against 23% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Kia Sportage Mk3 (SL) models built around 2015 involves the tyres.

Kia Sportage Mk3 (SL)
average reliability2010-2015SUVDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 107,723 tests of Sportage models registered 2010-2015.

About 1 in 20 Sportage Mk3 (SL) MOTs (5.1%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2015 (10 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 26,069 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 15 Sportage Mk3 (SL) MOTs (7.2%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2015 (10 years old).

Based on 26,069 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk3 (SL) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
10,78423.4%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
26,06922.9%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
25,02926.3%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
21,65228.9%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
13,96429.4%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
7,59030.0%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
2,63532.0%

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 15 years old.

How the Sportage Mk3 (SL) compares

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

Based on 92,497 tests across 10 Kia models, built around 2015 (10 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateKia average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
10,78423.4%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
26,06922.9%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
25,02926.3%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
21,65228.9%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
13,96429.4%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
7,59030.0%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
2,63532.0%

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 Sportage Mk3 (SL).

  1. 1

    Lexus NX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.7%
    Dangerous
    4.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.4%

    Lower fail rate: 13.0%, against 22.9% for the Kia Sportage Mk3 (SL), both built around 2015.

    2,671 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  2. 2

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.7%
    Dangerous
    3.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.4%

    Lower fail rate: 13.0%, against 22.9% for the Kia Sportage Mk3 (SL), both built around 2015.

    1,622 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  3. 3

    Honda CR-V

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    14.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2%
    Dangerous
    4.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.4%

    Lower fail rate: 14.7%, against 22.9% for the Kia Sportage Mk3 (SL), both built around 2015.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    17,667 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  4. 4

    MINI Countryman

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.5%
    Dangerous
    5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.1%

    Lower fail rate: 16.5%, against 22.9% for the Kia Sportage Mk3 (SL), both built around 2015.

    13,231 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

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

5 of the 20 Sportage Mk3 (SL) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 4 more

Top concerns

  • Kia HECU fuse replacement
  • Drivers seat belt may not operate correctly following a collision
  • Brake lights may malfunction

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

How Sportage Mk3 (SL) cars have aged

How Sportage Mk3 (SL) 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%68101214Age at MOTBuilt around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 17.4% (17,029 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.8% (16,532 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.8% (16,509 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.8% (16,348 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 22.5% (15,925 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.6% (15,206 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.0% (15,129 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.3% (14,946 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.4% (14,969 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 24.7% (14,620 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 22.5% (14,828 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 23.9% (14,671 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 26.1% (14,606 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (14,396 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (13,780 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 24.8% (10,246 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 25.5% (10,067 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (9,976 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.2% (9,532 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.2% (9,174 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 25.0% (6,188 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 25.5% (5,977 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (5,822 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.7% (5,523 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 29.7% (5,187 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (4,056 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.2% (3,825 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.3% (3,476 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (3,128 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.0% (2,635 tests, 2025 data)2010
First registered around 2015First registered around 2014First registered around 2013First registered around 2012
Mk3 (SL) variants compared

Sportage Mk3 (SL) variants built around 2015

The fail rate for each Sportage Mk3 (SL) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • SPORTAGE22.6%21,256 tests

Petrol

  • SPORTAGE24.2%4,797 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Kia Sportages of this age

This list covers every Kia Sportage built around 2015, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk3 (SL) 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

    21.3%
    Advisory: 7,824Fail: 914 (10% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    15.7%
    Advisory: 4,354Fail: 820 (16% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    13.8%
    Advisory: 4,769Fail: 833 (15% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    12.8%
    Advisory: 4,391Fail: 131 (3% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    11.2%
    Advisory: 4,043Fail: 404 (9% of the times it was found)

Based on 26,069 tests

Looking at a Kia Sportage Mk3 (SL) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2015 (10 years old), the Kia Sportage Mk3 (SL) (2010-2015) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 26,069 10-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 107,723 MOT tests on Kia Sportages first registered between 2010-2015. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.