2018 Ford Ka: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Ford Ka?

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

• Track rod ends5.3× usual
  Ford Ka

  6.4% All 2018 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 0.6% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

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

• Headlights2.3× usual
  Ford Ka

  2.3% All 2018 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.9% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

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

Common 2018 Ford Ka MOT failures and advisories

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
  26% 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
  14% 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
  11% 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
  9% 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
  4% 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.

Known faults on the 2018 Ford Ka

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Battery monitoring wiring recall (built Sept 2017 to May 2019)

  Built 2017 to 2019

  Some cars built 8 September 2017 to 15 May 2019 have battery monitoring wiring that can chafe and needs checking. Otherwise few mechanical problems are reported.

  At the viewing: Ask a Ford dealer whether the recall applies and was done.

  Source: What Car?: used Ford Ka+ (2016-2020) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 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 track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 5.3× as often on the 2018 Ford Ka as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2018 Ford Ka as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?