2004 Ford Ka: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Ford Ka?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Ford Ka than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings3.7× usual
  Ford Ka

  22.3% All 2004 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 13.9%, against 2.9% of all 2004 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 joints2.4× usual
  Ford Ka

  22.6% All 2004 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 2.1% of all 2004 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.

• Flexible brake hoses2.7× usual
  Ford Ka

  15.2% All 2004 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 1.2% of all 2004 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.

• Chassis rust or damage2.6× usual
  Ford Ka

  9.5% All 2004 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 1.1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

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

• Rust in key structural areas5.2× usual
  Ford Ka

  7.3% All 2004 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Common 2004 Ford Ka MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Ford Ka MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  53% 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
  34% 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
  31% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  24% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  22% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Ford Ka

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2004 Ford Ka as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2004 Ford Ka as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2004 Ford Ka as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?