2012 Ford Ka · 58,100 MOT tests
2012 Ford Ka reliability
2012 Ford Kas fail 33.2% of first MOT tests, 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 19 Ka years (58,100 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Ford Kas: 32.8%)
- 33.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford Kas: 32.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 15% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 58,005
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 58,100
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- 2013 cars: 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- Weak spot: suspension, 15.1% of tests fail here (59% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 22% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Ford Ka
Fail rate by area
- Suspension15.1%
- Lights and electrics11.8%
- Brakes6.3%
- Tyres6.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.9%
- Body, chassis and structure3.8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Shock absorber bush excessively worn 3.77%
Worn shock absorber bushes cause knocking and poor ride control, and they tend to worsen, so they need replacing.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 3.69%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Stop lamp not working 3.2%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 3.1%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 2.8%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.51%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.01%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (11.99%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (9.73%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (9.39%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (9.37%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (8.87%)
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 2012 Ford Ka reliable?
2012 Ford Kas fail 33.2% of first MOT tests, 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 19 Ka years (58,100 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Ford Ka MOT?
Most often shock absorber bush excessively worn (3.77% of tests), suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (3.69% of tests), stop lamp not working (3.2% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Ford Ka have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Ford Ka shows 58,005 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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