2002 Ford Ka · 4,067 MOT tests
2002 Ford Ka reliability
2002 Ford Kas fail 50.2% of first MOT tests, 49% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 16 of 19 Ka years (4,067 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Ford Kas: 32.8%)
- 50.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford Kas: 32.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 49% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 49,147
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 4,067
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2002 against the years either side
- 2001 cars: 46% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does worse)
- 2003 cars: 43% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 7% of tests fail here (234% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 64% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2002 car carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
Common problems
What fails on a 2002 Ford Ka
Fail rate by area
- Suspension32.2%
- Lights and electrics18.4%
- Brakes10.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors10%
- Body, chassis and structure9.9%
- Tyres7.7%
- Seat belts and airbags7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 12.37%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 6.15%
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 5.7%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Coil spring fractured or broken 5.29%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.82%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Position lamp not working 3.71%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Common advisories
Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (17.95%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (12.64%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (12.64%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.27%) · Suspension mounting area showing corrosion (11.65%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (7.79%)
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 2002 Ford Ka reliable?
2002 Ford Kas fail 50.2% of first MOT tests, 49% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 16 of 19 Ka years (4,067 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2002 Ford Ka MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (12.37% of tests), seat belt anchor area weakened (6.15% of tests), suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (5.7% of tests).
How many miles should a 2002 Ford Ka have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2002 Ford Ka shows 49,147 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2002 car?
A car first registered in 2002 carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
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