2019 Ford Ka: common problems and MOT failures

Common 2019 Ford Ka MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2019 Ford Ka MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  22% 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
  11% 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
  6% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  4% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  3% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  2% of testsRough price £80–£250

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

Known faults on the 2019 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 2019 Ford Ka

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

1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?