Ford Ka MOT pass rate and common problems
72.6% of 253,081 Ford Ka MOT tests pass.
At 72.6%, the Ka passes slightly less often than the average across all Ford models (76.4%).
The Ford Ka passes 72.6% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Ford Ka?
This is the average across every Ford Ka in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Ford’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate drops sharply with age: the Ford Ka tested at 3–6 years pass 90.3% of the time, compared with just 57.1% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | 90.3% | 24,204 | 27,826 miles |
| 6–10 years | 81.2% | 65,985 | 42,974 miles |
| 10–15 years | 69.6% | 122,933 | 66,366 miles |
| 15+ years | 57.1% | 39,959 | 61,946 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Ford Ka
The most common reason the Ford Ka fails its MOT is suspension — present in 66.2% of failed tests, most often logged as "Pin or bush excessively worn".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 66.2% | Pin or bush excessively worn |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 41.5% | Not working |
| Brakes | 30.8% | Efficiency below requirements |
| Tyres | 20.1% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Body, chassis, structure | 15.9% | Has a major leak of exhaust gases |
| Visibility | 15.8% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 10.4% | Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 4.3% | Prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced |
| Steering | 3.9% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Road Wheels | 1.0% | Fixing missing |
Buying a used Ford Ka: what to check
These checks follow the Ford Ka’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Ford Ka comes between 10–15 years and 15+ years old, from 69.6% to 57.1%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 0–30,000 mi to 30,000–60,000 mi: 88.8% down to 74.8%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Suspension
Recorded in 66.2% of failed Ford Ka MOTs. 50.3% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension, against 0.5% at 3–6 years.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
2. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 41.5% of failed Ford Ka MOTs. 24.2% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 5.3% at 3–6 years.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 30.8% of failed Ford Ka MOTs. 15.2% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 2.2% at 3–6 years.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
4. Tyres
Recorded in 20.1% of failed Ford Ka MOTs. 8.7% of tests at 15+ years failed on tyres, against 3.5% at 3–6 years.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
5. Bodywork and corrosion
Recorded in 15.9% of failed Ford Ka MOTs. 17.2% of tests at 15+ years failed on bodywork and corrosion, against 0.8% at 3–6 years.
Look underneath and along the sills for corrosion, especially near suspension and seat-belt mountings. Uneven panel gaps or mismatched paint can indicate accident repair.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Ford service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Ford models
- Ford Transit — 70.8% pass rate
- Ford Kuga — 85.6% pass rate
- Ford Mondeo — 73.4% pass rate
- Ford Transit Connect — 74.0% pass rate
- Ford Transit Custom — 85.5% pass rate
- Ford Ranger — 81.3% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Ford Ka?
- 72.6% of Ford Ka MOT tests pass, based on 253,081 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Ford Ka?
- The most common reason the Ford Ka fails its MOT is suspension — present in 66.2% of failed tests, most often logged as "Pin or bush excessively worn".
- What are the common problems with the Ford Ka?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Ford Ka are suspension; lights and electrics; brakes. 50.3% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension, against 0.5% at 3–6 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Ford Ka?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: suspension; lights and electrics; brakes; tyres; bodywork and corrosion. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Ford Ka's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Ford service history guide for how to check and keep one.