Ford Ka

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 23 model years from 319,231 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

73%

Total Tests

319,231

Highest Pass Rate

2019 (92%)

Years Covered

About the Ford Ka

The Ford Ka was MOT tested 319,231 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 23 model years (1997 to 2019), with an average pass rate of 73%. That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 92% from 14,840 tests. The 1999 model has the lowest at 62%. With a 30 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Ford Kas pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 14 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1997) averages 46,789 miles, while the newest (2019) averages 26,387 miles.

Compared to the Ford brand average of 85%, the Ka is 12 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Ford models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1200cc)

£1,177

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£1,632

Per month£136/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.88p petrol and 199.52p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 5 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2019 details

How reliable is the Ford Ka?

vs average of all models-9% (82% avg)

vs Ford brand average-12% (85% avg)

Best to worst year spread30 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Ford Ka by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2019	92%	14,840	26,387 mi
2018	88%	16,844	32,597 mi
2017	89%	19,894	37,584 mi
2016	83%	13,958	42,904 mi
2015	81%	22,499	47,390 mi
2014	81%	31,485	53,659 mi
2013	79%	32,112	59,926 mi
2012	77%	30,280	64,612 mi
2011	76%	29,810	70,554 mi
2010	73%	34,853	75,495 mi
2009	72%	34,947	78,404 mi
2008	63%	9,719	56,797 mi
2007	64%	7,814	56,265 mi
2006	64%	5,377	54,905 mi
2005	64%	4,536	53,788 mi
2004	64%	3,764	55,570 mi
2003	66%	2,733	57,298 mi
2002	63%	1,635	50,236 mi
2001	64%	868	52,111 mi
2000	69%	392	47,147 mi
1999	62%	447	48,623 mi
1998	71%	269	47,606 mi
1997	72%	155	46,789 mi

Questions about the Ford Ka

Is the Ford Ka reliable?

Across its 23 model years in our data (1997 to 2019), the Ford Ka averages a 73% MOT pass rate, from 319,231 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2019 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 92%.

Which year Ford Ka has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Ford Ka has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 62%, a 30 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.