Ford Ka reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Ford Ka is a city car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 84 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 368 of 442, and 33.0% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is pins and bushes (3.3% of tests).
Ranked 368 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 17 of 26 city cars
In 2024, 177,330 Ford Kas aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 33.0% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Ford Ka is 19% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
33.0%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
5,200
Typical age at test: 11 years
Ford Ka MOT failure rate by age
Most common Ford Ka MOT faults
- Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.3% of tests
- Stop lamp: not working3.2% of tests
- Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak3.1% of tests
- Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.9% of tests
- Position lamp: not working2.5% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.5% of tests
What the Ford Ka fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 14.6% | ▲ 1.7× as often |
| Lights and electrics | 11.6% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
| Brakes | 7.8% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Tyres | 6.2% | 1.1× as often |
| Visibility | 5.4% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Body and structure | 4.4% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 3.4% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Steering | 1.4% | ▼ 21% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.1% | ▲ 1.6× as often |
| Wheels | 0.3% | About average |
What MPG does the Ford Ka do?
Official economy for the Ford Ka ranges from 37.2 to 68.9mpg across the 14 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2012). A typical petrol version manages 45.6mpg and a typical diesel 68.9mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Ford Ka?
Any Ford Ka first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Ford Ka registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £360 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carFord Ka specs and running costs
Official figures for 14 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2012.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol
Official economy
37.2–68.9 mpg
CO2
109–182 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ka Model Year Post 2011 1.3 Duratorq (75PS)M5 · listed 2012 | Diesel | 68.9 mpg | 109g | £20 |
| Ka Model Year Post 2011 1.2 Duratec (69PS)M5 · listed 2012 | Petrol | 57.6 mpg | 115g | £35 |
| Ka Model Year - Post 2009½ 1.3 Duratorq (75ps)M5 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 67.3 mpg | 112g | £35 |
| Ka Model Year - Post 2009½ 1.2 Duratec (69ps)M5 · listed 2010 | Petrol | 55.4 mpg | 119g | £35 |
| Ka 1.3 Duratec - no AC (13 inch tyre)M5 · listed 2007 | Petrol | 47.9 mpg | 141g | £225 |
| Ka 1.3 Duratec - no AC (14 inch tyre)M5 · listed 2007 | Petrol | 45.6 mpg | 147g | £225 |
| Ka 1.3 Duratec - with AC (13 inch tyre)M5 · listed 2007 | Petrol | 44.8 mpg | 150g | £225 |
| Ka 1.3 Duratec - with AC (14 inch tyre)M5 · listed 2007 | Petrol | 43.5 mpg | 154g | £275 |
| Ka 1.6 Duratec SportkaM5 · listed 2007 | Petrol | 37.2 mpg | 182g | £360 |
| Ka 1.3 Duratec (no AC)M5 · listed 2006 | Petrol | 45.6 mpg | 147g | £225 |
| Ka 1.3 Duratec (with AC)M5 · listed 2006 | Petrol | 43.5 mpg | 154g | £275 |
| Ka 1.6i 8VM5 · listed 2004 | Petrol | 37.2 mpg | 182g | £360 |
| Ka 1.3 8VM5 · listed 2004 | Petrol | 45.6 mpg | 147g | £225 |
| Ka 1.3 8V + A/ConM5 · listed 2004 | Petrol | 43.5 mpg | 154g | £275 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement.
What a Ford Ka costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 45.6mpg…
- diesel, typical official 68.9mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Ford KaBuying a used Ford Ka?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Ford Ka with other city cars
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Ford models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Ford Ka reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the Ford Ka is 19% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 84 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Ford Ka?
The most common MOT fault is “Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn”, found in 3.3% of tests. It fails on suspension and seat belts and airbags more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Ford Ka do?
Official economy for the Ford Ka ranges from 37.2 to 68.9mpg across the 14 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2012). A typical petrol version manages 45.6mpg and a typical diesel 68.9mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Ford Ka?
Any Ford Ka first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Ford Ka registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £360 a year.
›How many Ford Kas fail their MOT?
33.0% of Ford Kas aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Ford Ka combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.