2004 Ford Ka · 9,086 MOT tests
2004 Ford Ka reliability
2004 Ford Kas fail 51.8% of first MOT tests, 48% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 19 Ka years (9,086 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Ford Kas: 32.8%)
- 51.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford Kas: 32.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 48% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- 53,279
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 9,086
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 43% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- 2005 cars: 49% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 7.1% of tests fail here (278% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 8% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 Ford Ka
Fail rate by area
- Suspension29.7%
- Lights and electrics21.3%
- Brakes12.6%
- Body, chassis and structure11.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors10.3%
- Tyres8.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 13.14%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 5.73%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
Coil spring fractured or broken 5.6%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 5.41%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.63%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Stop lamp not working 4.59%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (17.82%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (16.04%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.37%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (11.46%) · Suspension mounting area showing corrosion (10.25%) · Flexible brake hose slightly deteriorated (9.71%)
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 2004 Ford Ka reliable?
2004 Ford Kas fail 51.8% of first MOT tests, 48% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 19 Ka years (9,086 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 Ford Ka MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (13.14% of tests), seat belt anchor area weakened (5.73% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (5.6% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 Ford Ka have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2004 Ford Ka shows 53,279 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
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