2004 · 20 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2004 Ford Ka MOT pass rate and common faults

1,925 MOT tests in 2024. 49.4% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

87Well below average
Passed first time49.4%
Failed or needed repairs50.6%
Typical mileage at test51,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,925 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength13.8%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn6.6%
  3. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced5.8%
  4. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.6%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.5%
  6. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.4%
  7. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced3.4%
  8. Stop lamp: not working3.4%
  9. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.3%
  10. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension40.1%
  2. Lights & electrics28.3%
  3. Brakes16.0%
  4. Body & chassis13.6%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)11.1%
  6. Emissions & leaks10.2%
  7. Tyres9.4%
  8. Seat belts & airbags6.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine19.9%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn17.9%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.6%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.2%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength11.1%

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 2004 Ford Ka?

In 2024, 49.4% of 2004 Ford Ka cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,925 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 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; seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2004 Ford Ka reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 87, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).