Ford Ka Mk3 (2016–2021): what fails at MOT
Across 37,226 MOT tests of the Ford Ka Mk3 (2016–2021) in the DfT's 2023 MOT data (initial tests, retests excluded), 13.1% failed — about 1 in 8. The parts that fail most are lights and electrics (5.6% of tests), tyres (3.3%), brakes (2.3%), wipers, windscreen and mirrors (2.1%) and steering (1.0%).
Allowing for age and mileage, the Ka Mk3 has about as many MOT failures as the average car of the same age and mileage. That puts it first of the three Ford Ka generations on MOT results.
The MOT checks safety and emissions items — brakes, suspension, steering, lights, tyres, body structure and exhaust emissions. It does not test engines, gearboxes or most electronics, so those faults only show up here when they cause an emissions failure or a leak.
Ka Mk3 (2016–2021)
MOT: 13.1% of 37,226 initial tests failed — about as many failures than the average car of the same age and mileage
| # | Part / area | Share of MOT tests failing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | lights and electrics | 5.6% |
| 2 | tyres | 3.3% |
| 3 | brakes | 2.3% |
| 4 | wipers, windscreen and mirrors | 2.1% |
| 5 | steering | 1.0% |
Questions
What fails most on a Ford Ka Mk3 at MOT?
The most common MOT failure is lights and electrics: 5.6% of Ford Ka Mk3 (2016–2021) MOT tests in the 2023 data failed on lights and electrics. Next come tyres (3.3%) and brakes (2.3%).
How often does a Ford Ka Mk3 fail its MOT?
13.1% of Ford Ka Mk3 (2016–2021) MOT tests in the 2023 data failed (about 1 in 8), counting initial tests only, across 37,226 tests.
Is the Ford Ka Mk3 (2016–2021) reliable?
On MOT results, the Ford Ka Mk3 has about as many MOT failures as the average car of the same age and mileage. MOT data covers safety and emissions items, not engines or gearboxes.
Does this Ford Ka Mk3 data cover engine and gearbox problems?
No. The MOT checks safety and emissions items — brakes, suspension, steering, lights, tyres, body structure and exhaust emissions. It does not test engines, gearboxes or most electronics, so those faults only show up here when they cause an emissions failure or a leak.