Used car guide

2018 Ford Ka: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2018 Ford Kas, from 10,916 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

10,916MOT tests in 2025
80%pass first time (all 2018 cars: 81%)
5,000typical miles a year
4.8×the usual rate for track rod end

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2018 Ford Kas than on all cars registered in 2018.

  • Track rod end4.8× usual
    Ford Ka
    8.1% All 2018 cars
    1.7%
    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.

  • Coil springs2.1× usual
    Ford Ka
    3.5% All 2018 cars
    1.7%
    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.

  • Headlamp2.4× usual
    Ford Ka
    2.6% All 2018 cars
    1.1%
    Rough price £40–£400

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

  • Exhaust system2.2× usual
    Ford Ka
    2.4% All 2018 cars
    1.1%
    Rough price £100–£500

    At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

  • Stop lamp2.2× usual
    Ford Ka
    2% All 2018 cars
    0.9%
    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.

By area

The share of 2018 Ford Ka MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    28% 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.

  • 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.

  • Brakes
    15% 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 electrics
    10% 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
    3% 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?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20199,987Tyres 25%
201713,238Tyres 29%
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 2018 Ford Kas registered in 2018. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score