Used car guide

2017 Ford Ka: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2017 Ford Kas, from 13,238 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

13,238MOT tests in 2025
81%pass first time (all 2017 cars: 78%)
4,900typical miles a year
4.5×the usual rate for anti-roll bar link joints

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2017 Ford Kas than on all cars registered in 2017.

  • Anti-roll bar link joints4.5× usual
    Ford Ka
    3.6% All 2017 cars
    0.8%
    Rough price £50–£150

    At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

  • Track rod end2.1× usual
    Ford Ka
    4.2% All 2017 cars
    2%
    Rough price £80–£450

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

  • Headlamp2.5× usual
    Ford Ka
    3.2% All 2017 cars
    1.3%
    Rough price £40–£400

    At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

  • Stop lamp1.8× usual
    Ford Ka
    2.3% All 2017 cars
    1.3%
    Rough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Better than most

Suspension arm bushes and joints: 0.2% here, against 4.8% of all 2017 cars.

By area

The share of 2017 Ford Ka MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    29% 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.

  • Brakes
    16% 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.

  • Suspension
    16% 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
    13% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    5% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    2% 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.

Looking at a Ford Ka?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20199,987Tyres 25%
201810,916Tyres 28%
20168,248Suspension 36%
201513,086Suspension 48%
201418,220Suspension 48%
201318,136Suspension 52%
201216,208Suspension 55%
201115,011Suspension 56%
201016,870Suspension 57%
200915,648Suspension 59%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2017 Ford Kas registered in 2017. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score