Ford Ka reliability by year, 2001 to 2019
530,399 Ford Kas went through an MOT in the period we analysed, and 67.1% passed. Set against the 71.7% national pass rate, that is a weaker result than most on the raw numbers. Set against cars of the same age rather than the whole fleet, the Ka is about average at 0 points. When a Ka does fail, a leaking shock absorbers is the item recorded most often.
What fails a Ford Ka at its MOT
Of every hundred Kas that fail, about 8 are marked down for a leaking shock absorbers and 8 for a brake light not working. Percentages can add to more than 100 because one failed test often records several defects.
Worn bushes and ball joints build up slowly. A vague or clunky front end before the test is worth a garage check, since suspension is where tests are lost.
Warning signs on the certificate
An advisory is the tester telling you what fails next year. On the Ka the usual suspects are tyre tread below the legal minimum (16.1% of tests) and a worn suspension bush (12.4%). How often each category of advisory turns into a failure is measured across the whole dataset.
Petrol, diesel or hybrid Ka?
Among Ford Ka cars, petrol versions pass 67.3% of the time and diesel versions 54.9%, a gap of 12.4 points. Diesels tend to be bought for high mileage, which shows up at the test as wear.
| Fuel | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 67.3% | 523,967 |
| Diesel | 54.9% | 5,514 |
Pass rate by year of first use
Pass rates run from 51.2% for 2001 cars to 88.4% for 2019 cars. Most of that spread is age: a car tested at ten years old has had far more chances to wear something out than one tested at four.
| First used | Pass rate | Tests | Miles a year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Ka 2019 | 88.4% | 29,499 | 5,149 |
| Ford Ka 2018 | 83% | 32,292 | 5,261 |
| Ford Ka 2017 | 83.2% | 39,290 | 5,248 |
| Ford Ka 2016 | 74.3% | 24,526 | 5,155 |
| Ford Ka 2015 | 71% | 38,996 | 5,092 |
| Ford Ka 2014 | 71% | 54,398 | 5,157 |
| Ford Ka 2013 | 67.8% | 54,494 | 5,265 |
| Ford Ka 2012 | 65.2% | 49,578 | 5,213 |
| Ford Ka 2011 | 62.6% | 46,382 | 5,261 |
| Ford Ka 2010 | 57.8% | 53,207 | 5,253 |
| Ford Ka 2009 | 56.4% | 50,709 | 5,055 |
| Ford Ka 2008 | 48.9% | 15,019 | 3,498 |
| Ford Ka 2007 | 49.3% | 11,905 | 3,279 |
| Ford Ka 2006 | 49.4% | 8,612 | 3,016 |
| Ford Ka 2005 | 51.2% | 7,108 | 2,830 |
| Ford Ka 2004 | 49.4% | 5,941 | 2,727 |
| Ford Ka 2003 | 51.2% | 4,442 | 2,669 |
| Ford Ka 2002 | 51.2% | 2,634 | 2,257 |
| Ford Ka 2001 | 51.2% | 1,367 | 2,185 |
Pass rate by mileage
On the 2013 cars, a Ka under 40,000 miles passes 80.5% of the time; one over 100,000 passes 53.7%. When comparing two used Kas, the odometer tells you more than the year.
| Mileage at test (2013 cars) | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 80.5% | 12,964 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 69.3% | 17,751 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 61.9% | 14,628 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 57.6% | 6,517 |
| Over 100,000 | 53.7% | 2,625 |
Ford stablemates and rivals
Set against the rest of the Ford range, which averages 68.5%, the Ka at 67.1% is below par. Within the family, see the Fiesta (65.9%), how the Focus does (67.9%), how the Transit does (66.9%) and Kuga common problems (79.5%), or Ford reliability by model. Buyers weighing a Ka against other cars of similar popularity often compare it with the Vauxhall Vivaro (54.9%) and Skoda Octavia (75.8%). The ranking of every make puts them side by side, and the statistics for all 98 million tests give the baseline.
Each Ka year in detail
Each year opens to show its own failure list and pass rate by mileage.
Ford Ka 2019 88.4% pass 29,499 tests
On a 2019 Ford Ka, a headlamp not working appears on 12.5% of failed tests, with brake pads worn below 1.5mm next at 11.2%.
2019 cars pass 90.2% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 81.8% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 90.2% | 24,901 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 79.9% | 3,746 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 74.5% | 690 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 69% | 129 |
| Over 100,000 | 81.8% | 33 |
Ford Ka 2018 83% pass 32,292 tests
On a 2018 Ford Ka, play in a track rod end appears on 14.9% of failed tests, with a headlamp not working next at 11.4%.
2018 cars pass 86.7% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 62.6% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 86.7% | 23,734 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 74% | 6,504 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 69.1% | 1,600 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 62.3% | 355 |
| Over 100,000 | 62.6% | 99 |
Ford Ka 2017 83.2% pass 39,290 tests
On a 2017 Ford Ka, a headlamp not working appears on 12.5% of failed tests, with brake pads worn below 1.5mm next at 10.7%.
2017 cars pass 88.1% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 58.5% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 88.1% | 24,688 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 78% | 9,857 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 69.4% | 3,453 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 67.9% | 937 |
| Over 100,000 | 58.5% | 354 |
Ford Ka 2016 74.3% pass 24,526 tests
On a 2016 Ford Ka, a broken coil spring appears on 19.3% of failed tests, with a leaking shock absorbers next at 11.6%.
2016 cars pass 81.2% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 56.6% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 81.2% | 12,978 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 69.5% | 7,417 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 61.4% | 3,044 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 63% | 828 |
| Over 100,000 | 56.6% | 256 |
Ford Ka 2015 71% pass 38,996 tests
On a 2015 Ford Ka, a leaking shock absorbers appears on 15.5% of failed tests, with a broken coil spring next at 10.2%.
2015 cars pass 79.1% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 55.2% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 79.1% | 16,948 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 68.6% | 12,794 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 61.1% | 6,440 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 56.1% | 2,123 |
| Over 100,000 | 55.2% | 670 |
Ford Ka 2014 71% pass 54,398 tests
On a 2014 Ford Ka, a leaking shock absorbers appears on 12.8% of failed tests, with a brake light not working next at 11.6%.
2014 cars pass 81.3% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 53.7% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 81.3% | 18,000 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 70.9% | 18,547 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 62.9% | 11,948 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 57.6% | 4,353 |
| Over 100,000 | 53.7% | 1,495 |
Ford Ka 2013 67.8% pass 54,494 tests
On a 2013 Ford Ka, a brake light not working appears on 12.8% of failed tests, with a worn suspension bush next at 12.3%.
2013 cars pass 80.5% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 53.7% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 80.5% | 12,964 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 69.3% | 17,751 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 61.9% | 14,628 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 57.6% | 6,517 |
| Over 100,000 | 53.7% | 2,625 |
Ford Ka 2012 65.2% pass 49,578 tests
On a 2012 Ford Ka, a worn suspension bush appears on 13.5% of failed tests, with shock absorbers bush worn next at 12.9%.
2012 cars pass 79.9% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 53.6% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 79.9% | 9,427 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 68.1% | 14,386 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 60.6% | 14,514 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 56.1% | 7,831 |
| Over 100,000 | 53.6% | 3,405 |
Ford Ka 2011 62.6% pass 46,382 tests
On a 2011 Ford Ka, a worn ball joint appears on 12.9% of failed tests, with a leaking shock absorbers next at 11.9%.
2011 cars pass 77.9% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 52.3% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 77.9% | 6,913 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 66.1% | 11,264 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 60.5% | 13,684 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 55.7% | 9,213 |
| Over 100,000 | 52.3% | 5,287 |
By fuel: petrol 62.8% (44,499 tests), diesel 57.7% (1,883 tests).
Ford Ka 2010 57.8% pass 53,207 tests
On a 2010 Ford Ka, parking brake efficiency below the limit appears on 14.2% of failed tests, with a worn ball joint next at 13.1%.
2010 cars pass 75% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 50% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 75% | 5,982 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 63% | 11,126 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 55.8% | 15,410 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 52.5% | 12,334 |
| Over 100,000 | 50% | 8,343 |
By fuel: petrol 58% (51,174 tests), diesel 52.8% (2,033 tests).
Ford Ka 2009 56.4% pass 50,709 tests
On a 2009 Ford Ka, parking brake efficiency below the limit appears on 14.4% of failed tests, with a brake light not working next at 10.2%.
2009 cars pass 74.1% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 48.1% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 74.1% | 5,942 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 61.3% | 9,402 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 54.9% | 13,441 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 52.4% | 12,181 |
| Over 100,000 | 48.1% | 9,733 |
By fuel: petrol 56.5% (49,111 tests), diesel 54.2% (1,598 tests).
Ford Ka 2008 48.9% pass 15,019 tests
On a 2008 Ford Ka, body mounting corroded at a mounting point appears on 30.9% of failed tests, with body mounting weakened at a mounting point next at 14.7%.
2008 cars pass 60.8% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 40.5% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 60.8% | 4,316 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 46.8% | 4,823 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 42.7% | 3,631 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 40.1% | 1,637 |
| Over 100,000 | 40.5% | 605 |
Ford Ka 2007 49.3% pass 11,905 tests
On a 2007 Ford Ka, body mounting corroded at a mounting point appears on 31.2% of failed tests, with a worn suspension bush next at 15.2%.
2007 cars pass 59.5% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 39.7% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 59.5% | 3,375 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 48.4% | 3,900 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 43.9% | 2,933 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 40.2% | 1,228 |
| Over 100,000 | 39.7% | 459 |
Ford Ka 2006 49.4% pass 8,612 tests
On a 2006 Ford Ka, body mounting corroded at a mounting point appears on 26.9% of failed tests, with a worn suspension bush next at 15.4%.
2006 cars pass 62.9% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 36.8% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 62.9% | 2,605 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 47.9% | 2,870 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 40% | 2,015 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 39.6% | 813 |
| Over 100,000 | 36.8% | 302 |
Ford Ka 2005 51.2% pass 7,108 tests
On a 2005 Ford Ka, body mounting corroded at a mounting point appears on 26.5% of failed tests, with a worn suspension bush next at 13.9%.
2005 cars pass 61% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 37.8% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 61% | 2,244 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 49.3% | 2,313 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 46.2% | 1,643 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 41.8% | 675 |
| Over 100,000 | 37.8% | 230 |
Ford Ka 2004 49.4% pass 5,941 tests
On a 2004 Ford Ka, body mounting corroded at a mounting point appears on 26.1% of failed tests, with a worn suspension bush next at 13.7%.
2004 cars pass 58% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 42.7% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 58% | 1,835 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 47.8% | 1,930 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 43.2% | 1,316 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 45% | 614 |
| Over 100,000 | 42.7% | 241 |
Ford Ka 2003 51.2% pass 4,442 tests
On a 2003 Ford Ka, body mounting corroded at a mounting point appears on 23.7% of failed tests, with a worn suspension bush next at 16.3%.
2003 cars pass 61.6% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 39.1% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 61.6% | 1,332 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 50.5% | 1,415 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 47% | 962 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 39.8% | 502 |
| Over 100,000 | 39.1% | 225 |
Ford Ka 2002 51.2% pass 2,634 tests
On a 2002 Ford Ka, body mounting corroded at a mounting point appears on 27.1% of failed tests, with a worn suspension bush next at 17.5%.
2002 cars pass 58.1% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 23.1% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 58.1% | 943 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 52.8% | 890 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 41.3% | 576 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 43.3% | 208 |
| Over 100,000 | 23.1% | 13 |
Ford Ka 2001 51.2% pass 1,367 tests
On a 2001 Ford Ka, body mounting corroded at a mounting point appears on 30.4% of failed tests, with a worn suspension bush next at 22.2%.
2001 cars pass 61.8% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 50% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 61.8% | 463 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 49.6% | 496 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 39% | 272 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 45.4% | 130 |
| Over 100,000 | 50% | 6 |
Questions people ask
Is the Ford Ka reliable?
On MOT evidence the Ford Ka is about average. It passes 67.1% of tests against 71.7% for all cars, and beats cars of the same age by 0 points. Figures from 530,399 DVSA tests.
What are the most common Ford Ka MOT failures?
A leaking shock absorbers (8.3% of failed tests), a brake light not working (7.9%) and a worn ball joint (7.2%). Worn bushes and ball joints build up slowly. A vague or clunky front end before the test is worth a garage check, since suspension is where tests are lost.
Which Ford Ka year is the most reliable?
Among years with a large sample, 2019 cars have the highest pass rate at 88.4% and 2008 cars the lowest at 48.9%. Newer years pass more because they are younger, so compare a specific car's year against the table above rather than against the overall figure.
What advisories does a Ford Ka usually get?
Tyre tread below the legal minimum is the most frequent, noted on 16.1% of all Ka tests, then a worn suspension bush (12.4%). An advisory passes the car today but marks the item most likely to fail next year.
How many miles a year does a Ford Ka do?
About 4,965 miles a year on average, calculated from the odometer readings recorded at consecutive MOTs. That is below the UK average of roughly 7,400.
How do I check a particular Ford Ka?
The figures describe the whole fleet. For one car, enter its registration in the free MOT check to see its own test history, advisories and mileage, set against these averages for its year.
Own a Ka?
Enter the registration to see its own MOT history, advisories and mileage set against these figures, including whether it has done more or fewer than the 4,965 miles a year typical of the model.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 to 2025. Class 4 cars, normal tests only; a pass after rectification counts as an initial failure. Age-adjusted figures compare the model's pass rate at each age with the national rate at the same age. Methodology.