2004 Kia Sedona — MOT failures & pass rate
2,442 MOT tests on the 2004 Kia Sedona are in this dataset, and 62.4% of them passed. MPVs of a similar age fail 30.1% of the time, so this is 7.5pp worse than the group it competes with. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, suspension and brakes.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — lighting & signalling (18.7%) and suspension (18.7%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are prescribed areas, component mounting prescribed areas and headlamp aim — prescribed areas alone was recorded 342 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 28.1% in the 30-60k band and 40.7% in the 150k+ band, a 12.6-point spread.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: suspension was flagged on 36.4% of tests without failing them.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 18.7% | 457 |
| 2 | Suspension | 18.7% | 457 |
| 3 | Brakes | 17.6% | 431 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 15.4% | 377 |
| 5 | Seat belts & restraints | 9.2% | 225 |
| 6 | Steering | 7.0% | 172 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prescribed areas | 342 |
| 2 | Component mounting prescribed areas | 302 |
| 3 | Headlamp aim | 237 |
| 4 | Joints | 216 |
| 5 | Rbt (sp) | 213 |
| 6 | Headlamp | 209 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 36.4% | 890 |
| 2 | Brakes | 35.1% | 857 |
| 3 | Tyres | 30.7% | 749 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 23.5% | 573 |
| 5 | Other defects | 22.1% | 540 |
| 6 | Emissions & environmental | 21.0% | 513 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 30-60k | 135 | 28.1% |
| 60-90k | 596 | 34.9% |
| 90-120k | 948 | 37.7% |
| 120-150k | 509 | 42.4% |
| 150k+ | 226 | 40.7% |
Failure rate by age
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel | 2,408 | 37.6% |
| Petrol | 34 | 38.2% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 941 | 37.7% |
| 2022 | 636 | 37.9% |
| 2023 | 404 | 35.4% |
| 2024 | 279 | 39.1% |
| 2025 | 182 | 39.0% |
What to check before buying a 2004 Sedona
On a 2004 Sedona, lighting & signalling is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 18.7% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Lighting & signalling (18.7% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (18.7% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
- Brakes (17.6% of tests): Pads/discs are routine wear; binding, imbalance or corroded pipes are more serious — test for pulling under braking. Typical repair: £100–£350 per axle.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2004 Kia Sedonas pass their MOT?
62.4% of the 2,442 2004 Kia Sedona MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 37.6% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2004 Kia Sedona?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 18.7% of tests, followed by suspension (18.7%).
Does the 2004 Sedona get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 28.1% in the 30-60k band to 40.7% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 2,442 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.