2003 Ford Ka · 6,677 MOT tests
2003 Ford Ka reliability
2003 Ford Kas fail 50.4% of first MOT tests, 43% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 12 of 19 Ka years (6,677 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Ford Kas: 32.8%)
- 50.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford Kas: 32.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 43% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 52,856
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 6,677
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 49% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 48% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- Weak spot: suspension, 29.4% of tests fail here (158% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Ford Ka
Fail rate by area
- Suspension29.4%
- Lights and electrics21.7%
- Brakes11.9%
- Body, chassis and structure10.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors9.9%
- Tyres8.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 11.14%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 5.54%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Coil spring fractured or broken 5.09%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.45%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Stop lamp not working 4.34%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 3.98%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (19.78%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (16.73%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.37%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (11.52%) · Suspension mounting area showing corrosion (10.56%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (9.15%)
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 2003 Ford Ka reliable?
2003 Ford Kas fail 50.4% of first MOT tests, 43% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 12 of 19 Ka years (6,677 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Ford Ka MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (11.14% of tests), suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (5.54% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (5.09% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Ford Ka have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Ford Ka shows 52,856 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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