Ford Ka MOT Failures
An analysis of 1,121,800 real DVSA MOT tests on the Ford Ka — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: RB (1996–2008), RU8 (2008–2016), Ka+ (2014–2019).
Where the Ford Ka fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Ford Ka is abs fault — this model is 517 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it an extreme outlier for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 1,121,800 MOT tests, 0.21% of all Ford Ka tests recorded this as a failure.
Brake failures on the MOT range from worn pads and discs (routine maintenance) to corroded brake lines and seized calipers (more serious). Check for any pulling under braking and listen for grinding.
Other notable weak points include subframe bushes or mounts worn (149x the fleet average), seat mounting fault (128x the fleet average), structural corrosion (148x the fleet average), and vehicle structure corroded to the extent that s... (83x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Ford Ka's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 5 categories: Brakes, Suspension, Seatbelts & Airbags, Bodywork, Speedometer and speed limiter. If you're inspecting a Ford Ka before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
How failures change with mileage
The Ford Ka's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.
Under 60,000 miles
At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.
For the Ford Ka specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are body, cab or chassis corroded at mounting point... (213x the average) and seat mounting fault (128x). power steering fault (114x) and abs fault (107x) also appear frequently.
60,000 to 100,000 miles
This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.
For the Ford Ka specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are abs fault (246x the average) and floor deteriorated or insecure (79x). wheel damage (75x) and vehicle structure corroded to the extent that s... (70x) also appear frequently.
Over 100,000 miles
High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.
For the Ford Ka specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are abs fault (56x the average) and subframe bushes or mounts worn (52x). floor deteriorated or insecure (49x) and structural corrosion (49x) also appear frequently.
The shift from body, cab or chassis corroded at mounting point... at lower mileages to abs fault at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Ford Ka specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Subframe and suspension mounting corrosion (RB/RU8) Dangerous
The Ka suffers from severe corrosion around subframe mounting points and suspension attachment areas. Affects RB, RU8; typical independent garage repair cost is £500–£1,500.
Body structural corrosion at mounting points (RB/RU8) Major
The Ka body structure suffers from widespread corrosion at critical mounting points, with MOT data showing failure rates up to 172 times the national average. Affects RB, RU8; typical independent garage repair cost is £300–£1,000.
Power steering pipe corrosion (RB) Major
First-generation Ka models suffer from power steering pipe corrosion at rates 150 times higher than the national fleet average. Affects RB; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£400.
Brake hose deterioration (RB) Major
First-generation Ka models show brake hose failures at 81 times the national fleet average. Affects RB; typical independent garage repair cost is £80–£150.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Ford Ka common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Ford Ka
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Ford Ka:
Brakes — check for abs fault. Suspension — check for subframe bushes or mounts worn, axle or kingpin wear. Seatbelts & Airbags — check for seat mounting fault. Bodywork — check for structural corrosion, vehicle structure corroded to the extent that s..., floor deteriorated or insecure.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about subframe and suspension mounting corrosion and body structural corrosion at mounting points. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £500. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Ford Ka?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
Ford Ka MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Ford Ka?
Based on 1,121,800 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is abs fault — at 517x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include subframe bushes or mounts worn and seat mounting fault.
Is the Ford Ka reliable based on MOT data?
The Ford Ka has 21 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag subframe and suspension mounting corrosion as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Ford Ka most commonly fails on abs fault and subframe bushes or mounts worn. Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are body, cab or chassis corroded at mounting point... and seat mounting fault.
How do I check a Ford Ka's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.