2008 · 16 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2008 Ford Ka MOT pass rate and common faults

4,900 MOT tests in 2024. 49.0% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

86Well below average
Passed first time49.0%
Failed or needed repairs51.0%
Typical mileage at test53,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 4,900 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength15.3%
  2. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced7.1%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn6.8%
  4. Stop lamp: not working4.3%
  5. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting4.0%
  6. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.8%
  7. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced3.8%
  8. Position lamp: not working3.5%
  9. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.5%
  10. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension41.3%
  2. Lights & electrics30.3%
  3. Body & chassis16.6%
  4. Brakes10.1%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.1%
  6. Tyres9.0%
  7. Seat belts & airbags7.6%
  8. Emissions & leaks5.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn20.3%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.1%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure14.4%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine12.2%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength12.2%

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 2008 Ford Ka?

In 2024, 49.0% of 2008 Ford Ka cars passed their MOT first time, across 4,900 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 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 2008 Ford Ka reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 86, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).