2017 · 7 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2017 Ford Ka MOT pass rate and common faults

11,740 MOT tests in 2024. 82.8% passed first time, compared with 79.8% for all cars the same age.

104Above average
Passed first time82.8%
Failed or needed repairs17.2%
Typical mileage at test34,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 11,740 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.2%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.6%
    231 marked dangerous
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.5%
    246 marked dangerous
  4. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.0%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.0%
  6. Headlamp aim: too low0.9%
  7. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn0.8%
  8. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.8%
    119 marked dangerous
  9. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics8.4%
  2. Tyres5.0%
  3. Brakes3.0%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.8%
  5. Suspension2.0%
  6. Steering1.2%
  7. Emissions & leaks0.9%
  8. Body & chassis0.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.5%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.7%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.2%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened4.1%
  5. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play2.2%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: headlamp: not working on dipped beam. 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 2017 Ford Ka?

In 2024, 82.8% of 2017 Ford Ka cars passed their MOT first time, across 11,740 tests. The average for all 7-year-old cars was 79.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2017 Ford Ka?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp: not working on dipped beam; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2017 Ford Ka reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 104, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).