FORD KA (2018)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 16,844 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Total Tests (2024)
16,844
Avg Mileage
32,597 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,550
Is the 2018 FORD KA reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%.
At 6 years old, 88% of FORD KAs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 16,844 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 32,597 miles.
How does the 2018 FORD KA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2018 FORD KA has 32,597 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a FORD KA?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 62%. The 2018 sits between the two at 88%.
How much does a 2018 FORD KA cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
FORD KA by Year
| 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 |
Checking a specific FORD KA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2018 FORD KA
The 2018 FORD KA is a city car with a 1198cc petrol engine. 16,844 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 32,597 miles at 6 years old, FORD KA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2018 FORD KA Fuel Costs
The modest 1198cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2018 FORD KA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,550 (£129/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
FORD KA Reliability Trend
Newer FORD KAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 14 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2018 FORD KA
At 6 years old, the FORD KA offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. With 16,844 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2018 FORD KA
The FORD KA is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol city cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2016) 81% pass rate (-7%) from 205,128 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2016) 81% pass rate (-7%) from 133,045 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2016) 87% pass rate (-1%) from 109,880 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2017) 86% pass rate (-2%) from 100,176 tests