2016–2020 Ford Ka · common problems & known faults

1.2 Ti-VCT oil consumption and rough running

Typically appears

60,000+ miles

What to inspect

Check oil level and listen for misfire at idle

Clutch wear on ex-learner and city cars

Typically appears

50,000+ miles

What to inspect

Test the bite point on an incline

Front strut and top mount knocks on poor roads

Typically appears

60,000+ miles

What to inspect

Turn lock to lock and listen for clonks

Rear arch and tailgate corrosion

Typically appears

Age-related

What to inspect

Inspect arches, tailgate seam and door bottoms

Heater blower motor resistor failure causing the fan to only operate on the highest setting.

Typically appears

40,000-60,000 miles

What to inspect

Turn the ignition on and cycle the heater fan dial through speeds 1 to 4. If settings 1, 2, and 3 are dead but 4 blows at full speed, the resistor pack has failed.

Handbrake cable stretching and rear drum shoe self-adjuster seizure.

Typically appears

50,000-70,000 miles

What to inspect

Apply the handbrake firmly. If it pulls up more than 5 or 6 clicks, feels excessively spongy, or fails to hold the car on a slight forecourt incline, the rear drums require stripping and adjustment.

Coolant leaks from the plastic thermostat housing degrading over time.

Typically appears

50,000-80,000 miles

What to inspect

Open the bonnet and shine a torch down the right-hand side of the cylinder head above the gearbox. Look for pink, crusty coolant residue or wet pooling on the gearbox casing.

SYNC infotainment system freezing, dropping Bluetooth connections, or displaying a blank screen.

Typically appears

3-5 years

What to inspect

Turn on the audio unit, attempt to navigate the menus, and test the radio presets. A sluggish response, frozen display, or failure to search for a Bluetooth device indicates a software crash or failing module.