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Ford Ka Common Problems, Faults & Repair Costs (2026)

Based on official DVSA MOT test data. View the most common MOT failure categories, pass rates, and estimated repair costs for the Ford Ka (1996–2016).

MOT Pass Rate

73.1%8.9% below national avg (82%)

Reliability rating: Average — based on approx. 45,000 tests

Dangerous Defects

2.50%

Moderate risk

Retest Rate

17.5%

of failed tests need a retest

Top MOT Failure Categories

1

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment

Est. repair: £40–£200

19.1%
2

Suspension

Est. repair: £120–£450

14.8%
3

Brakes

Est. repair: £100–£350

13.2%
4

Tyres

Est. repair: £50–£120 per tyre

12.5%
5

Exhaust, fuel and emissions

Est. repair: £40–£200

10.2%

Where Faults Occur

33.0%

Front

27.0%

Rear

19.0%

Offside

Mileage Benchmarks

At 3 years

18,000 mi

At 5 years

30,000 mi

At 10 years

58,000 mi

Significantly higher or lower mileage than these benchmarks may indicate unusual usage patterns. Check the full MOT history for mileage consistency.

Is a Ford Ka a Good Buy?

The Ford Ka shows average reliability in MOT data. With a 73.1% pass rate, it sits 8.9% below the national average of 82%.

Budget for potential repairs in lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment and suspension. An independent pre-purchase inspection is recommended, especially for older examples. Always check the full MOT history for recurring issues.

Ford Ka MOT Check & History

View detailed MOT pass rates by year, mileage benchmarks, and full test history data for the Ford Ka.

View Ford Ka MOT Data

Check a Specific Ford Ka

Enter a registration number to view the full MOT history for any Ford Ka.

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Other Ford Models

Ford Fiesta

79.2%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Ford Focus

77.8%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Ford Mondeo

74.5%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Ford Galaxy

72.8%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Ford Kuga

82.1%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Ford Puma

85.3%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

View all Ford models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common MOT faults on a Ford Ka?
The top MOT failure on the Ford Ka is Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, accounting for approximately 19.1% of all failures. Other common issues include suspension and brakes.
What is the Ford Ka MOT pass rate?
The Ford Ka has an estimated MOT pass rate of 73.1%, which is 8.9% below the national average of 82%. This rates the Ford Ka as "Average" for MOT reliability.
Is the Ford Ka reliable?
Based on DVSA MOT data, the Ford Ka has a average reliability record with a 73.1% pass rate. It has a dangerous defect rate of 2.50% and a retest rate of 17.5%.
How much does it cost to fix common Ford Ka MOT failures?
Typical repair costs for Ford Ka MOT failures range from £30–£200 for lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues to £120–£450 for suspension problems. Prices are estimates based on typical UK independent garage rates.
What mileage should a Ford Ka have?
Based on MOT test data, the average Ford Ka covers approximately 18,000 mi by 3 years, 30,000 mi by 5 years, and 58,000 mi by 10 years. Significantly higher or lower mileage may warrant closer inspection.
Should I buy a used Ford Ka?
The Ford Ka requires careful inspection based on MOT data. Check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before purchasing, paying particular attention to lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues and mileage consistency.
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