1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 Ford Ka MOT pass rate and common faults

121 MOT tests in 2024. 47.9% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

76Well below average
Passed first time47.9%
Failed or needed repairs52.1%
Typical mileage at test47,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 121 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength15.7%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases9.9%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn9.1%
  4. Service brake imbalance: across an axle8.3%
  5. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced7.4%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively6.6%
  7. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced6.6%
  8. Service brake performance: excessively binding5.8%
  9. Flexible brake hoses: excessively deteriorated5.0%
  10. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements4.1%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Suspension42.1%
  2. Brakes36.4%
  3. Body & chassis28.1%
  4. Lights & electrics17.4%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)12.4%
  6. Emissions & leaks11.6%
  7. Tyres9.1%
  8. Seat belts & airbags8.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn21.5%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.2%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine16.5%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.4%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases12.4%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Ford Ka?

In 2024, 47.9% of 1999 Ford Ka cars passed their MOT first time, across 121 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 Ford Ka?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 1999 Ford Ka reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 76, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).