2001 Ford Ka · 2,155 MOT tests
2001 Ford Ka reliability
2001 Ford Kas fail 48.8% of first MOT tests, 46% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 13 of 19 Ka years (2,155 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Ford Kas: 32.8%)
- 48.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford Kas: 32.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 46% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- 48,773
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,155
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2001 against the years either side
- 2000 cars: 40% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does worse)
- 2002 cars: 49% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 9.1% of tests fail here (309% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 67% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2001 car carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
Common problems
What fails on a 2001 Ford Ka
Fail rate by area
- Suspension31.8%
- Lights and electrics18.1%
- Body, chassis and structure10.9%
- Brakes9.7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors9.5%
- Seat belts and airbags9.1%
- Tyres7.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 13.97%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 7.84%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 6.45%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.36%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 3.48%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.34%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Common advisories
Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (17.68%) · Suspension mounting area showing corrosion (12.48%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.23%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (11.09%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (11%) · Flexible brake hose slightly deteriorated (9.1%)
Other years
Every Ford Ka year
The full picture: Ford Ka reliability. Before you pay for any Ford Ka, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2001 Ford Ka reliable?
2001 Ford Kas fail 48.8% of first MOT tests, 46% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 13 of 19 Ka years (2,155 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2001 Ford Ka MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (13.97% of tests), seat belt anchor area weakened (7.84% of tests), suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (6.45% of tests).
How many miles should a 2001 Ford Ka have done?
At its MOT aged about 21, a typical 2001 Ford Ka shows 48,773 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2001 car?
A car first registered in 2001 carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
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