Quick Facts — Ford Ka / Ka+

Est. On UK Roads
150,000+
Years Made
1996–2021
Common Engines
1.2 petrol, 1.5 Ti-VCT, 1.5 TDCi

6 Most Common Ford Ka / Ka+ Problems

These are the faults most frequently seen on the Ford Ka / Ka+ by UK garages — ranked by how commonly they occur and how much they cost to fix.

1
Head Gasket Failure (Original Ka 1.3)
High Priority
The original Ka's 1.3 Endura engine is prone to head gasket failure, especially if it has ever overheated. White smoke, mayo under the oil cap and coolant loss are the warning signs.
💷 Typical repair cost: £300–£700
2
Rear Beam Axle Corrosion
Watch
The Ka's rear beam axle can corrode badly on older examples. This is a structural issue and can cause an MOT failure. Common on cars in areas with heavy road salt use.
💷 Typical repair cost: £200–£600
3
Rust (Door Bottoms and Sills)
Watch
Body rust is the Ka's biggest enemy. Original Ka models are particularly susceptible around the door bottoms, sills and wheel arches. Check carefully before purchase.
💷 Typical repair cost: Varies
4
Gearbox Whine (Ka+)
Watch
Some Ka+ models develop a gearbox whine, particularly on the 1.2 petrol. Can indicate bearing wear inside the gearbox.
💷 Typical repair cost: £300–£700
5
Central Locking Failure
Low Priority
A common fault on the original Ka — the central locking can stop working on one or more doors. Often a failed actuator motor.
💷 Typical repair cost: £80–£180
6
Electric Window Faults
Low Priority
Window regulators can fail on MK2 Ka models. The window drops into the door or stops working. A common and relatively inexpensive fix.
💷 Typical repair cost: £100–£200

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Ford Ka / Ka+ — MOT Tips

Check the rear beam axle closely for corrosion — this is a structural fail at MOT. Inspect door bottoms and sills for rust. Brakes on lightly used Kas can seize from lack of use.

Engine management light on before your MOT? It's an automatic fail. Run a Find Your Problem Now → to get the likely cause and repair cost before booking the test.

Ford Ka / Ka+ Tyres

Most Ford Ka / Ka+ models run 175/65 R14 (Ka) or 185/55 R15 (Ka+) tyres depending on trim level and year. Always check the tyre placard inside the driver's door for the correct size for your specific vehicle.

🔍 Not sure what's wrong? Check your symptoms & likely causes →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common problem with the Ford Ka / Ka+?

The most frequently reported issue on the Ford Ka / Ka+ is Head Gasket Failure (Original Ka 1.3). The original Ka's 1.3 Endura engine is prone to head gasket failure, especially if it has ever overheated. White smoke, mayo under the oil cap and coolant loss are the warning signs.

How many Ford Ka / Ka+s are on UK roads?

There are an estimated 150,000+ Ford Ka / Ka+s currently on UK roads.

What tyres does the Ford Ka / Ka+ use?

Most Ford Ka / Ka+ models run 175/65 R14 (Ka) or 185/55 R15 (Ka+) tyres depending on trim level and year. Always check the tyre placard inside the driver's door for the correct size for your specific vehicle.

Will a warning light fail my Ford Ka / Ka+'s MOT?

Check the rear beam axle closely for corrosion — this is a structural fail at MOT. Inspect door bottoms and sills for rust. Brakes on lightly used Kas can seize from lack of use.

Similar Issues on Other Models

Nissan Micra — also commonly develops rust Vauxhall Corsa — head gasket failure shows up here too

Summary

The Ka and Ka+ are cheap to buy and cheap to insure — ideal first cars. But age and rust are the main enemies. A thorough inspection of the bodywork and underside is essential before buying.

If your Ford Ka / Ka+ has a warning light on or a symptom you can't identify, a Find Your Problem Now → gives you likely fault causes, UK repair cost estimates and MOT risk for your exact vehicle — instantly.

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Other Ford Models

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