Ford Kas built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.
Key figure
17% of MOT tests on Ford Kas built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 14% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Ford Kas built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Before you view it
The Ford Ka's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.
Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
On a flat surface, rock the steering wheel briefly with the engine off and listen for clunks.
Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
By build year
Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.
Find your Ka's generation
Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.
24.0% fail rate, built around 2016 (9 years old)
Fails more often than the average car this age (about 1 in 5 MOTs, 20.8%)
37.1% fail rate, built around 2008 (17 years old)
Fails more often than the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 31.2%)
Not sure which one you're looking at?
Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Ford Ka.
See every build year for the Ford KaSide-by-side
Each generation is shown at 7 years old if it has at least 100 MOT tests at that age. If not, or if its cars are too new to be 7, it's shown at another age. We try ages close to 7 first. Newer generations have fewer years of data.
| Generation | Rating | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Mk2 (2009-2016) | No ratingToo close to call between ratings | 24.0%built around 2016 (9 years old)from 13,237 MOT tests at this age |
| Mk1 (1996-2008) | Poor | 37.1%built around 2008 (17 years old)from 4,724 MOT tests at this age |
Each row is one generation of the Ka, shown at the age printed under its fail rate. So rows can be different ages. Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail, retests included. A rating is given only when there are enough tests to place the fail rate in one rating band with 95% confidence.
By age
This chart combines every Ford Ka ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.
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 17 years old.
Where it ranks
Three ways to compare the same cars, built around 2018 (7 years old). The fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests, and 1st has the lowest fail rate. Only models with at least 500 MOT tests at this age are ranked. How we count fail rates
Against other Ford models
8th of 17
8th lowest fail rate of 17 Ford models with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age.
In the middle thirdAgainst other hatchbacks
43rd of 84
43rd lowest fail rate of 84 hatchbacks with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age.
In the middle thirdAgainst the UK average
16.6%
The share of this model's MOT tests at this age that ended in a fail.
Fails as often as the average car this age (about 1 in 6 MOTs, 16.6%)All generations of this model
These issues come from 7-year-old Ford Kas, every generation combined.
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
Brake pads wearing thin
Track rod end ball joint has slight play
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
Based on 14,260 MOT tests on 7-year-old Ford Kas, every generation combined.
All generations of this model
The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 7-year-old Ford Kas notes problems with more than one part of the car.
Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.
Across 3,601 MOT tests on Ford Ka cars built around 2018 (7 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.
Still registered
How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.
UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical
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).
4 of the 5 Ford Ka recalls cover cars built in these years.
Top concerns
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
Like-for-like
Same body type, tested at the same age
Lower fail rate: 10.2%, against 16.6% for the Ford Ka, both built around 2018.
6 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
21,810 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
Same body type, tested at the same age
Lower fail rate: 13.6%, against 16.6% for the Ford Ka, both built around 2018.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
7,421 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
Same body type, tested at the same age
Lower fail rate: 13.9%, against 16.6% for the Ford Ka, both built around 2018.
10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
15,309 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
Same body type, tested at the same age
No clear edge over the Ford Ka on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.
4,000 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
Common questions
Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Ford Ka across all generations combined fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. It has the 8th lowest fail rate of 17 Ford models with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age. This is based on 14,260 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.
