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Ford Ka Service Schedule & Costs

Every service item for the Ford Ka — what needs doing, when, and what it should cost at an independent garage versus a main dealer.

RB (1996–2008)1.3 Duratec, 1.6 Duratec
RU8 (2008–2016)1.2 Duratec, 1.3 TDCi
Ka+ (2014–2019)1.2 Ti-VCT, 1.2 Ti-VCT

Ford Ka service: key facts

Routine service items

These are the items covered in a standard service. Most garages include oil, oil filter and a basic inspection. The rest are typically checked or replaced on a schedule.

Service itemIntervalTypical cost
Engine oil and filter
Ford specifies 10,000 mile intervals for all Ka engines.
RB, RU8, Ka+
 10,000 miles or 1 year
£60–£90
Dealer: £90–£130
Air filter
Ford handbook specifies 20,000 miles. Check more frequently in dusty conditions. Blocked filter reduces performance and increases fuel consumption on these naturally aspirated engines.
RB, RU8, Ka+
 20,000 miles or 2 years
£15–£25
Dealer: £25–£40
Cabin pollen filter
Replace every 20,000 miles or 2 years. Blocked filter reduces heater and air conditioning effectiveness. Located behind glove box on most variants - moderately accessible for DIY replacement.
RB, RU8, Ka+
 20,000 miles or 2 years
£25–£40
Dealer: £40–£60

Periodic maintenance

Items that don't need doing at every service but should be on your radar at the right mileage or age.

Service itemIntervalTypical cost
Spark plugs
Ford recommends 20,000 miles for standard plugs.
RB, RU8, Ka+
 20,000 miles or 2 years
£40–£65
Dealer: £70–£95
Brake fluid
Ford specifies 2-year intervals regardless of mileage. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, reducing boiling point and causing internal corrosion. Essential safety item - do not extend intervals.
RB, RU8, Ka+
 2 years
£45–£70
Dealer: £70–£100
Coolant flush
Ford long-life coolant rated for 100,000 miles or 10 years.
RB, RU8, Ka+
 100,000 miles or 10 years
£80–£120
Dealer: £120–£180

Known issues to watch for

The most common problems reported on the Ford Ka, ranked by severity.

dangerous
Subframe and suspension mounting corrosion (RB/RU8)
The Ka suffers from severe corrosion around subframe mounting points and suspension attachment areas.
major
Body structural corrosion at mounting points (RB/RU8)
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.
major
Power steering pipe corrosion (RB)
First-generation Ka models suffer from power steering pipe corrosion at rates 150 times higher than the national fleet average.
major
Brake hose deterioration (RB)
First-generation Ka models show brake hose failures at 81 times the national fleet average.

1 more known issues tracked. Check a specific car's history to see what matters for its age and mileage.

Check a Ford Ka's service history

Enter a reg to see franchised dealer service records — dates, mileage, and work done at every visit.

Check service history

£6.99 · Full refund if no records found

Related

Ford Ka service FAQs

How often should a Ford Ka be serviced?

A Ford Ka should have an oil service every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. Ford specifies 10,000 mile intervals for all Ka engines.

How much does a Ford Ka service cost?

A basic service at an independent garage typically costs £60–£90. Main dealer servicing is usually £90–£130. Major items like timing belts or gearbox services cost significantly more.

Can I service a Ford Ka at an independent garage?

Yes. Under UK consumer law, using an independent garage does not void your manufacturer warranty, provided they use parts meeting the manufacturer's specification and follow the correct schedule. However, independent services won't appear in the franchised dealer digital records.