Ford Ka years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year

168,014 initial MOT tests in 2025 on cars first used 2003–2019 · DVSA data · For guidance only · How we count

Ford Ka years with MOT pass rates below the average for vehicles first used in the same year: 2003–2010, 2015–2016 and 2018. Above it: 2012, 2017 and 2019. The other 3 years can't be told apart from average.

Below the average for their first-use year2003–2010, 2015–2016 and 2018
Above the average for their first-use year2012, 2017 and 2019
Can't be told apart from average2011 and 2013–2014

The MOT pass rate is one signal, not the whole story. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't record gearbox or engine faults, and a pass rate also reflects mileage and upkeep, so the table shows median mileage too. Whatever the year, the car in front of you matters more than its model's average.

66.4%passed first time

First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 66.2% to 66.6%.

Ford Ka, all years66.4%
Same-age average, all vehicles67.4%

In 2025, 66.4% of the 168,014 initial MOT tests on Ford Ka cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 67.4%. That is 1.0 points below the same-age average.

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Its own MOT history, free.

Ford Ka MOT pass rate by year

Year is when the car was first used. Older vehicles fail more often, so each year is compared with all vehicles first used that year.

Year	Testsmedian miles	Passed first time	Against all vehicles that year
2019age 6	9,98728,600	86.2%±0.7	+2.7 ptsall: 83.5%
2018age 7	10,92534,500	79.9%±0.8	−1.0 ptsall: 80.9%
2017age 8	13,23038,800	81.0%±0.7	+2.8 ptsall: 78.2%
2016age 9	8,24343,300	72.0%±1.0	−2.9 ptsall: 74.9%
2015age 10	13,06748,000	68.4%±0.9	−3.5 ptsall: 71.9%
2014age 11	18,17454,100	69.0%±0.7	+0.4 ptsall: 68.6%
2013age 12	18,09960,400	66.0%±0.7	+0.2 ptsall: 65.8%
2012age 13	16,15865,000	64.3%±0.8	+0.8 ptsall: 63.5%
2011age 14	14,96670,900	61.4%±0.8	+0.2 ptsall: 61.2%
2010age 15	16,81475,900	56.3%±0.8	−3.0 ptsall: 59.3%
2009age 16	15,57977,900	55.6%±0.8	−2.7 ptsall: 58.3%
2008age 17	3,58751,900	50.0%±1.7	−7.2 ptsall: 57.2%
2007age 18	2,85551,700	50.1%±1.9	−7.3 ptsall: 57.4%
2006age 19	2,07150,900	50.4%±2.2	−6.6 ptsall: 57.0%
2005age 20	1,72249,200	53.4%±2.4	−4.2 ptsall: 57.6%
2004age 21	1,44950,000	50.4%±2.6	−7.4 ptsall: 57.8%
2003age 22	1,08852,000	50.2%±3.0	−8.5 ptsall: 58.7%

Tests are initial MOT tests in 2025, not retests. Median miles is the middle odometer reading at the test: half had more, half had less. ± is the 95% margin of error in points (Wilson interval): a difference smaller than that could be chance. Years without a link have fewer than 10,000 tests, so they are listed here but don't have their own page.

When a car's mileage doesn't add up

Common Ka problems at the MOT

Share of the 56,418 failed tests with a fault in each area, all years together. A test can count in more than one area, so these add up to more than 100%.

Suspension45.2%
Lights and electrics36.5%
Brakes22.7%
Tyres18.2%
Windscreen, wipers, mirrors15.4%
Body, chassis, structure13.0%

MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems. Each year page compares that year's failure areas with all vehicles first used in the same year.

What to check when viewing a Ka

Based on the areas where Ford Ka MOT tests fail most often. These are general checks anyone can do, not a mechanical inspection.

Suspension
In 45.2% of failed Ka tests
- Push down hard on each corner. The car should rise once and settle, not keep bouncing.
- On the test drive, listen for knocks or clunks over speed bumps and potholes.
- The car should sit level when parked on flat ground.
Lights and electrics
In 36.5% of failed Ka tests
- Ask the seller to help you check every light: dipped and main beam, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and the number plate lamp.
- Look for cracked, misted or yellowed headlight lenses.
- Warning lights on the dashboard should come on with the ignition and go out once the engine starts.
Brakes
In 22.7% of failed Ka tests
- On a clear road, brake firmly. The car should stop in a straight line without juddering or pulling to one side.
- Check the handbrake holds the car on a slope.
- Look through the wheels at the brake discs for deep grooves or a raised lip at the edge.
Tyres
In 18.2% of failed Ka tests
- Check the tread on every tyre. The legal minimum for cars is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread.
- Look for cuts, bulges, and wear on only the inner or outer edge, which can point to an alignment problem.
- Check that the spare wheel or the tyre repair kit is there.

Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.

Check a Ka's MOT history

Ford Ka questions

Which Ford Ka years have lower MOT pass rates?

Compared with all vehicles first used in the same year, these model years have below-average MOT pass rates: 2003–2010, 2015–2016 and 2018. Above average: 2012, 2017 and 2019. The rest can't be told apart from average. A pass rate is one signal: it also reflects mileage and upkeep, and doesn't record engine or gearbox faults.

Is the Ford Ka reliable?

MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 66.4% of initial MOT tests on Ford Ka cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 67.4%. That is 1.0 points below average. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't measure breakdowns, engine or gearbox faults, or repair costs.

What are the most common Ford Ka problems at the MOT?

The most common failure areas are suspension (in 45.2% of failed tests), lights and electrics (in 36.5% of failed tests) and brakes (in 22.7% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.

What mileage is normal for a 10-year-old Ford Ka?

At their 2025 MOT tests, Ford Ka cars first used in 2015, about 10 years old, had a median of 48,000 miles. Half had more and half had less.

How do I check a specific Ka's MOT history?

Enter its registration in our free check. It lists that car's own MOT results, the faults and advisories recorded and the mileage at each test, and flags repeated advisories and mileage that goes down.

Check a car's MOT history for free

What MOT data can't tell you about any Ford Ka

Outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes aren't in MOT records. For a particular car, you need a history check.

Compare history checks What MOT history doesn't show

Other Ford models

Points above (+) or below (−) the same-age average for all vehicles.

All 25 Ford models Cars ranked by MOT pass rate, by age

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all Ford Ka cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count