2014 Ford Ka: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2014 Ford Kas, from 18,220 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2014 Ford Kas than on all cars registered in 2014.
- Shock absorbers3.8× usualFord Ka21.7% All 2014 cars5.7%Rough price £150–£400
At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
- Exhaust system3.7× usualFord Ka13.2% All 2014 cars3.6%Rough price £100–£500
At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints1.9× usualFord Ka15.9% All 2014 cars8.2%Rough price £100–£300
At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
- Coil springs1.6× usualFord Ka10.9% All 2014 cars6.8%Rough price £120–£300
At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.
- Sub-frame2.5× usualFord Ka6.2% All 2014 cars2.5%Rough price £300–£1,000
At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.
By area
The share of 2014 Ford Ka MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension48% 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.
- Tyres32% 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.
- Brakes21% 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.
- Lights and electrics18% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Exhaust and emissions14% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 9,987 | Tyres 25% |
| 2018 | 10,916 | Tyres 28% |
| 2017 | 13,238 | Tyres 29% |
| 2016 | 8,248 | Suspension 36% |
| 2015 | 13,086 | Suspension 48% |
| 2013 | 18,136 | Suspension 52% |
| 2012 | 16,208 | Suspension 55% |
| 2011 | 15,011 | Suspension 56% |
| 2010 | 16,870 | Suspension 57% |
| 2009 | 15,648 | Suspension 59% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2014 Ford Kas registered in 2014. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score