2001 · 23 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2001 Ford Ka MOT pass rate and common faults

445 MOT tests in 2024. 52.4% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

88Well below average
Passed first time52.4%
Failed or needed repairs47.6%
Typical mileage at test46,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 445 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength15.7%
  2. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced8.5%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn6.5%
  4. Macpherson strut - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.9%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.9%
  6. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting2.7%
  7. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.7%
  8. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced2.7%
  9. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.7%
    18 marked dangerous
  10. Sub-frame mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.2%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Suspension45.4%
  2. Lights & electrics22.0%
  3. Body & chassis11.7%
  4. Brakes11.5%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)10.1%
  6. Seat belts & airbags9.0%
  7. Tyres7.6%
  8. Steering4.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn21.1%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine14.6%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength13.9%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.7%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.4%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 Ford Ka?

In 2024, 52.4% of 2001 Ford Ka cars passed their MOT first time, across 445 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 Ford Ka?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced; suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2001 Ford Ka reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 88, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).