2003 Ford Ka MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 50.2% of Ford Kas first used in 2003 passed their MOT first time, against 58.7% for all cars first used in 2003. Across 4,510 Ka first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were suspension, lamps and electrical equipment and brakes.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Ford Kas first used in 2003 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2003 Ford Ka MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, Kas first used in 2003 against all cars first used in 2003 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the Ka figure was 8.5 points lower.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2003 Ka | All cars first used 2003 | Ka first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 46.6% | 54.0% | 3,734 |
| 2022 | 48.8% | 55.7% | 2,684 |
| 2023 | 52.0% | 56.7% | 1,973 |
| 2024 | 51.4% | 57.2% | 1,448 |
| 2025 | 50.2% | 58.7% | 1,089 |
Common 2003 Ford Ka MOT failures
Share of the 2,193 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength | 23.8% | 522 |
| Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn | 12.3% | 270 |
| Stop lamp: not working | 10.4% | 228 |
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | 9.6% | 211 |
| Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively | 9.6% | 210 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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Typical repair costs for common MOT failures
Typical UK garage prices for the job, not for a Ka in particular, and not a quote.
| Failure item | Typical job | Typical UK price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension arm replacement | £150 | £120–£180 |
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | Coil spring replacement | £248 | £175–£400 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2003 Ford Ka before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Brakes. Worth looking at the discs and pads through the wheel spokes for scoring and a worn lip, and noticing on the test drive whether the car pulls to one side or the pedal feels long.
Common 2003 Ford Ka MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2003 Kas, as a share of all 4,510 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 23.6% | 1,065 |
| Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement | 19.5% | 880 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 13.3% | 600 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 13.2% | 596 |
| Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive | 11.5% | 520 |
Questions about the 2003 Ford Ka MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2003 Ford Ka?
In 2025, 50.2% of Kas first used in 2003 passed their MOT first time, against 58.7% for all cars first used in 2003. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2003 Ka most often fail its MOT on?
Suspension (in 56.7% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), lamps and electrical equipment (42.8%) and brakes (22.2%). The single most common item was “Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength” (23.8%).
How often does a 2003 Ford Ka fail its MOT?
In 2025, 49.8% of first tests on Kas first used in 2003 did not pass first time: 42.1% failed, and a further 7.6% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 2,193 of 4,510 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2003 Ford Ka MOT advisories?
“Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (on 23.6% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement” (19.5%), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (13.3%), “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (13.2%) and “Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive” (11.5%).
Is a 2003 Ford Ka reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 46.6% in 2021 to 50.2% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2003
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2003 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2003 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2003 MINI Hatch MOT statistics · 2003 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2003 Toyota Yaris MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2003 Ka?
The numbers above cover every Ka first used in 2003 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
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