TransmissionHigh
Clutch wear on ex-learner and city cars
- Typically appears
- 50,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Test the bite point on an incline
- Typical repair
- Clutch & dual-mass flywheel · £700–£1,600
Is the 2016–2020 Ford Ka reliable?
Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
5.7/ 10
MixedOn our documented-fault scoring the Ford Ka rates 5.7 out of 10 · mixed. We hold 8 known faults for it and 1 are rated high severity, so the risk is real but contained. The weak points cluster around engine, transmission and suspension. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.
Verdict · Negotiate · budget for the known faults
What the score is built from
- Critical
- 0
- High
- 1
- Medium
- 5
- Low
- 2
Weak points cluster around engine, transmission, suspension, body.
Two faults free · full checklist for this exact Ford Ka for $9.
Check this carThe faults that decide it
EngineMedium
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
- Typical repair
- Oil leak trace & seal / gasket · £180–£700
SuspensionMedium
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
- Typical repair
- Suspension refresh (per axle) · £250–£1,100
BodyMedium
Rear arch and tailgate corrosion
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Inspect arches, tailgate seam and door bottoms
- Typical repair
- Body & corrosion repair · £250–£1,800
BrakesMedium
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.
- Typical repair
- Brakes (discs, pads, caliper) · £200–£800
Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.
Inspecting a Ford Ka?
See two faults free, then get the full tickable checklist for this exact car · what to look at, what it costs and how serious it is. Full report $9.
Check this exact car