Ford Ka MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 190,199 MOT tests on the Ford Ka carried out in 2023. 32% failed at the first attempt, which is slightly above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Ka models passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1997 to 2019. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2019 models did best (91% passed, +4.4 points against the average for 4-year-old cars), while 1999 models fared worst (51%, −11.5 points). Tested cars had covered 51,551 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was suspension, found on 14.1% of tests (noticeably above the 8.9% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 5.9% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 190,199
- First-time pass rate
- 68%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −3.2 points
- Average mileage at test
- 51,551
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Ka?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Ka MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 10,017 | 91% | 86% | +4.4 points | 20,401 |
| 2018 | 10,982 | 86% | 84% | +1.7 points | 26,208 |
| 2017 | 13,305 | 86% | 82% | +3.8 points | 31,449 |
| 2016 | 8,325 | 77% | 79% | −1.9 points | 36,545 |
| 2015 | 13,284 | 74% | 75% | −1.5 points | 41,393 |
| 2014 | 18,561 | 74% | 72% | +1.9 points | 47,407 |
| 2013 | 18,698 | 70% | 68% | +1.6 points | 53,765 |
| 2012 | 17,220 | 67% | 66% | +1.7 points | 58,767 |
| 2011 | 16,268 | 64% | 63% | +1.5 points | 64,704 |
| 2010 | 18,926 | 60% | 60% | −1.0 points | 70,021 |
| 2009 | 18,445 | 58% | 59% | −1.1 points | 72,717 |
| 2008 | 6,726 | 48% | 57% | −9.2 points | 55,598 |
| 2007 | 5,324 | 49% | 57% | −8.4 points | 55,547 |
| 2006 | 3,868 | 49% | 56% | −7.5 points | 53,969 |
| 2005 | 3,165 | 50% | 56% | −5.8 points | 53,835 |
| 2004 | 2,639 | 49% | 56% | −6.9 points | 54,761 |
| 2003 | 1,972 | 52% | 57% | −4.7 points | 55,548 |
| 2002 | 1,193 | 53% | 58% | −4.8 points | 49,468 |
| 2001 | 628 | 50% | 59% | −8.5 points | 50,621 |
| 2000 | 273 | 55% | 61% | −5.3 points | 45,770 |
| 1999 | 192 | 51% | 62% | −11.5 points | 49,840 |
| 1998 | 111 | 55% | 64% | −9.0 points | 49,275 |
| 1997 | 65 | 54% | 64% | −10.6 points | 41,716 |
Why the Ford Ka fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Ka | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 14.1% | 8.9% |
| Lights and electrics | 11.2% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 7.3% | 6.8% |
| Tyres | 5.8% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 5.4% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 4.2% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.9% | 3.1% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.4% | 1.0% |
| Steering | 1.1% | 1.8% |
| Road Wheels | 0.4% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working5.9%
- 2ball joint excessively worn3.1%
- 3pin or bush excessively worn3.0%
- 4has a serious fluid leak2.6%
- 5prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.5%
- 6does not clear the windscreen effectively2.5%
- 7tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.4%
- 8has an excessively worn bush2.2%
- 9efficiency below requirements1.9%
- 10provides insufficient washer liquid1.9%
Common Ka MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Ka, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 15.5% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 11.8% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 10.2% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 8.0% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 6.9% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 6.5% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 6.5% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 5.3% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 5.2% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 4.3% |
Tips to help your Ka pass
Based on where Ka models most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 11.2% of Ka tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 7.3% of Ka tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the Ka ULEZ compliant? See the Ford Ka ULEZ check, or view all Ford models.
Other Ford models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 190,199 first MOT tests of the Ford Ka carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 190,199 first MOT tests of the Ford Ka.
What is the Ford Ka MOT failure rate?
In our data, 32% of 190,199 first MOT attempts on the Ford Ka ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Ford Ka fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were suspension (14.1% of tests), lights and electrics (11.2% of tests), brakes (7.3% of tests).
Which Ka year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2019 cars performed best: 91% passed first time, +4.4 points against the average for 4-year-old cars. The weakest was 1999, at 51% (−11.5 points).
How many miles had a typical Ford Ka covered at its MOT?
The average was 51,551 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2019 cars averaged 20,401 miles and 1997 cars 41,716.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Ford Ka?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 15.5% of tests, in the tyres area. 5.8% of Ka models failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Ka's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 190,199 Ka models in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 48% to 91% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
Check any Ka's MOT history
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