Is the 2004 KIA SPORTAGE reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 97% of KIA SPORTAGEs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 31 tests. That's 15 points above the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2004 KIA SPORTAGE cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,277 (£190/month), including £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 KIA SPORTAGE?

The 2004 KIA SPORTAGE has a 97% MOT pass rate based on 31 tests in 2026. This ranks 14 out of 491 cars from 2004.

Which year KIA SPORTAGE is most reliable?

The 2022 KIA SPORTAGE has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%. The least reliable year is 2007 at 65%.

KIA SPORTAGE (2004)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2004 KIA SPORTAGE?

The average mileage for a 2004 KIA SPORTAGE is 123,135 miles, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 31 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,277

£190/month

MOT Pass Rate

97%

Excellent

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 30-42

2656cc Petrol

Great Choice

97% pass rate, £2277/year to run. 15 points above average.

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Petrol2656cc22 years old31 tests123k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2656cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 2656cc

£430

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,277

Per month£190/mo

Per week£44/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

97% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 15 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the KIA brand average of 86%.

At 22 years old, 97% of KIA SPORTAGEs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 31 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 123,135 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 cars14th of 491(top 3%)

Rank among KIA models45th of 472(top 10%)

vs national average+15%(82% avg)

vs 2004 cars average+25%(72% avg)

vs KIA average+11%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

123,135

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2004 KIA SPORTAGE has 123,135 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2004 sits between the two at 97%.

KIA SPORTAGE by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	92%	1,082	24,731 mi
2021	91%	31,542	24,767 mi
2020	90%	21,479	30,287 mi
2019	89%	58,319	39,545 mi
2018	88%	60,314	48,804 mi
2017	86%	65,441	59,147 mi
2016	85%	66,048	67,665 mi
2015	82%	37,017	74,778 mi
2014	81%	34,495	83,477 mi
2013	76%	34,980	91,808 mi
2012	75%	24,908	99,218 mi
2011	74%	15,295	106,602 mi
2010	73%	7,894	103,955 mi
2009	70%	4,499	103,156 mi
2008	70%	2,910	106,403 mi
2007	65%	2,676	109,553 mi
2006	66%	2,245	112,934 mi
2005	66%	2,354	112,304 mi
2004	97%	31	123,135 mi
2003	74%	50	70,392 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MERCEDES E

2005 · 2597cc Petrol

£2,397/year

78%

-19%

NISSAN X-TRAIL

2006 · 2488cc Petrol

£2,597/year

67%

-30%

BMW X3

2006 · 2996cc Petrol

£2,397/year

78%

-19%

MERCEDES SLK

2004 · 2295cc Petrol

£2,397/year

78%

-19%

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About the 2004 KIA SPORTAGE

The 2004 KIA SPORTAGE is a large car with a 2656cc petrol engine. 31 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 3% of all 2004 cars for reliability.

With an average of 123,135 miles at 22 years old, KIA SPORTAGE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2004 KIA SPORTAGE Fuel Costs

The 2656cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2004 KIA SPORTAGE?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,277 (£190/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 97% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

KIA SPORTAGE Reliability Trend

Newer KIA SPORTAGEs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 16 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2004 KIA SPORTAGE

At 22 years old, the KIA SPORTAGE is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. Note: with only 31 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2004 KIA SPORTAGE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 22 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 123k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2004 KIA SPORTAGE stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
KIA SPORTAGE(2004)	97%	£1592	£430	Grp 30-42	£2277
MERCEDES E(2005)	78%	£1592	£250	Grp 30-42	£2397+£120
NISSAN X-TRAIL(2006)	67%	£1592	£250	Grp 25-38	£2597+£320
BMW X3(2006)	78%	£1592	£250	Grp 30-42	£2397+£120
MERCEDES SLK(2004)	78%	£1592	£250	Grp 25-38	£2397+£120

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.