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Ford Ka Mk2 (2009-2016) reliability

At a glance

Ford Ka Mk2 built around 2016: fails its MOT more often than average

Ford Ka Mk2 models built around 2016 fail their MOT more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the suspension on any car you view.

Looking at a Ford Ka Mk2?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

24% of MOT tests on Ford Ka Mk2 models built around 2016 ended in a fail (retests included), against 18% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Ford Ka Mk2 models built around 2016 involves the suspension.

Ford Ka Mk2
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2009-2016HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 162,632 tests of Ka models registered 2009-2016.

About 1 in 25 Ka Mk2 MOTs (4.1%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2016 (9 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 13,237 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 20 Ka Mk2 MOTs (5.7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2016 (9 years old).

Based on 13,237 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk2 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
3,18019.5%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
13,23724.0%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
20,11524.0%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
24,10724.7%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
23,34925.9%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
21,43727.5%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
21,60630.0%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
23,68131.8%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
11,92031.4%

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 15 years old.

How the Ka Mk2 compares

At each age below, see how the Ka Mk2 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 397,375 tests across 16 Ford models, built around 2016 (9 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateFord average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
3,18019.5%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
13,23724.0%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
20,11524.0%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
24,10724.7%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
23,34925.9%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
21,43727.5%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
21,60630.0%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
23,68131.8%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
11,92031.4%

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.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Shock absorbers

Worth checking

Bounce-test each corner; check for oily streaks down the strut bodies.

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Ka Mk2.

  1. 1

    Honda Jazz

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.1%
    Dangerous
    4.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    98%

    Lower fail rate: 12.7%, against 24.0% for the Ford Ka Mk2, both built around 2016.

    6 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    20,242 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  2. 2

    Nissan Note

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.1%
    Dangerous
    3.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96.6%

    Lower fail rate: 16.2%, against 24.0% for the Ford Ka Mk2, both built around 2016.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    14,407 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  3. 3

    Honda Civic

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.2%
    Dangerous
    5.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96%

    Lower fail rate: 16.5%, against 24.0% for the Ford Ka Mk2, both built around 2016.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    18,927 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  4. 4

    Kia Rio

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    20%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.2%
    Dangerous
    6.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93.9%

    Lower fail rate: 20.0%, against 24.0% for the Ford Ka Mk2, both built around 2016.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    12,151 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

94%of all Ford Ka cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

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).

Recall context

5 recalls in all

2 of the 5 Ka Mk2 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 recalls

Top concerns

  • Driver seatbelt latch may fail in the event of a frontal collision
  • Risk of rear brake lockup

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How Ka Mk2 cars have aged

How Ka Mk2 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%579111315Age at MOTBuilt around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 16.8% (7,379 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 18.4% (7,394 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 20.0% (7,403 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 21.8% (7,410 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 23.2% (7,340 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 18.9% (11,590 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 19.1% (11,295 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 20.9% (11,391 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 22.7% (11,323 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.9% (11,208 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 18.6% (15,455 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.7% (15,210 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.0% (15,003 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.2% (15,059 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 23.9% (14,712 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 20.0% (15,496 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 22.1% (15,487 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.6% (15,322 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 24.9% (15,023 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 25.6% (14,561 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 22.2% (14,107 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.7% (14,052 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 25.0% (13,795 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (13,540 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 27.0% (12,874 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 25.0% (13,787 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 25.8% (13,471 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.7% (13,045 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.3% (12,579 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (11,782 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.7% (16,664 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.9% (16,337 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.6% (15,771 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.9% (15,060 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.2% (13,786 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.2% (16,178 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (15,261 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.1% (14,530 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (13,524 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (11,920 tests, 2025 data)2009
First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014First registered around 2013
Mk2 variants compared
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Ford Kas of this age

This list covers every Ford Ka built around 2016, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    19.3%
    Advisory: 3,353Fail: 767 (19% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    19.0%
    Advisory: 3,388Fail: 325 (9% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Shock absorber has a light misting of oil

    17.6%
    Advisory: 2,533Fail: 545 (18% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    11.3%
    Advisory: 1,803Fail: 347 (16% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    10.7%
    Advisory: 1,414Fail: 720 (34% of the times it was found)

Based on 13,237 tests

Looking at a Ford Ka Mk2?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2016 (9 years old), the Ford Ka Mk2 (2009-2016) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 13,237 9-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 162,632 MOT tests on Ford Kas first registered between 2009-2016. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.