2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Ford Ka MOT pass rate and common faults

1,431 MOT tests in 2024. 51.4% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

90Well below average
Passed first time51.4%
Failed or needed repairs48.6%
Typical mileage at test52,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,431 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength11.3%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn6.3%
  3. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.5%
  4. Stop lamp: not working3.8%
  5. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced3.6%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.2%
  7. Position lamp: not working3.1%
  8. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.1%
  9. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.1%
  10. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension41.0%
  2. Lights & electrics31.8%
  3. Brakes15.7%
  4. Body & chassis13.3%
  5. Emissions & leaks10.1%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.5%
  7. Tyres9.0%
  8. Seat belts & airbags4.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine25.1%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn19.3%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.3%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.6%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength10.7%

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 2003 Ford Ka?

In 2024, 51.4% of 2003 Ford Ka cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,431 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Ford Ka?

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

Is the 2003 Ford Ka reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 90, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).