2018 · 6 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2018 Ford Ka MOT pass rate and common faults

10,115 MOT tests in 2024. 82.8% passed first time, compared with 82.5% for all cars the same age.

100About average
Passed first time82.8%
Failed or needed repairs17.2%
Typical mileage at test29,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 10,115 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play2.7%
  2. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.0%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.0%
    231 marked dangerous
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.3%
    169 marked dangerous
  5. Headlamp levelling device: inoperative0.9%
  6. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt0.9%
  7. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords0.9%
  8. Headlamp aim: too low0.8%
  9. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.7%
    96 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics7.9%
  2. Tyres4.4%
  3. Brakes3.4%
  4. Steering3.0%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.7%
  6. Body & chassis1.6%
  7. Suspension0.9%
  8. Emissions & leaks0.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.4%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.6%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick9.2%
  4. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play4.3%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened3.6%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: track rod end: ball joint has excessive play. 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 2018 Ford Ka?

In 2024, 82.8% of 2018 Ford Ka cars passed their MOT first time, across 10,115 tests. The average for all 6-year-old cars was 82.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2018 Ford Ka?

The most common failure reasons were track rod end: ball joint has excessive play; headlamp: not working on dipped beam; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2018 Ford Ka reliable at MOT time?

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