Used car guide

2003 Ford Ka: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 Ford Kas, from 1,093 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

1,093MOT tests in 2025
50%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 59%)
2,400typical miles a year
3.4×the usual rate for rust around suspension or steering mountings

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2003 Ford Kas than on all cars registered in 2003.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings3.4× usual
    Ford Ka
    22.5% All 2003 cars
    6.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 12.6%, against 3.2% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Suspension arm bushes and joints2.8× usual
    Ford Ka
    24.4% All 2003 cars
    8.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 1.8% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

  • Engine oil leaks1.7× usual
    Ford Ka
    26.8% All 2003 cars
    16.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.4% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

  • Front strut mounts and bushes10.7× usual
    Ford Ka
    10.7% All 2003 cars
    1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.1% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Flexible brake hoses2.2× usual
    Ford Ka
    13.2% All 2003 cars
    6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.1% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

Better than most

Brake pads: 2.7% here, against 6.5% of all 2003 cars.

By area

The share of 2003 Ford Ka MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    58% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Lights and electrics
    35% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Brakes
    33% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Tyres
    32% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    28% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Rust and bodywork
    23% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Looking at a Ford Ka?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20199,990Tyres 25%
201810,917Tyres 28%
201713,239Tyres 29%
20168,248Suspension 36%
201513,086Suspension 48%
201418,221Suspension 48%
201318,136Suspension 52%
201216,208Suspension 55%
201115,013Suspension 56%
201016,871Suspension 57%
200915,648Suspension 59%
20083,639Suspension 55%
20072,884Suspension 57%
20062,091Suspension 56%
20051,744Suspension 53%
20041,465Suspension 52%
2002646Suspension 61%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2003 Ford Kas registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score