2010 Ford Ka MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 56.3% of Ford Kas first used in 2010 passed their MOT first time, against 59.3% for all cars first used in 2010. Across 53,872 Ka first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were suspension, brakes and lamps and electrical equipment.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Ford Kas first used in 2010 (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 2010 Ford Ka MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, Kas first used in 2010 against all cars first used in 2010 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the Ka figure was 3.0 points lower.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2010 Ka | All cars first used 2010 | Ka first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 63.2% | 62.6% | 19,608 |
| 2022 | 60.3% | 61.7% | 19,302 |
| 2023 | 59.5% | 60.5% | 18,926 |
| 2024 | 57.3% | 59.6% | 18,132 |
| 2025 | 56.3% | 59.3% | 16,814 |
Common 2010 Ford Ka MOT failures
Share of the 22,751 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements | 14.2% | 3,225 |
| Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak | 12.7% | 2,887 |
| Ball joint: excessively worn | 11.6% | 2,649 |
| Stop lamp: not working | 9.7% | 2,200 |
| Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively | 8.9% | 2,015 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak | Shock absorber replacement | £300 | £200–£500 |
| Ball joint: excessively worn | Ball joint replacement | £90 | £60–£150 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2010 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.
- 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.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
Common 2010 Ford Ka MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2010 Kas, as a share of all 53,872 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: corroded | 17.2% | 9,263 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 17.0% | 9,175 |
| Exhaust system: has a minor leak of exhaust gases | 12.4% | 6,696 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 12.0% | 6,456 |
| Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement | 11.1% | 5,968 |
Questions about the 2010 Ford Ka MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2010 Ford Ka?
In 2025, 56.3% of Kas first used in 2010 passed their MOT first time, against 59.3% for all cars first used in 2010. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2010 Ka most often fail its MOT on?
Suspension (in 48.8% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), brakes (34.8%) and lamps and electrical equipment (34.6%). The single most common item was “Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements” (14.2%).
How often does a 2010 Ford Ka fail its MOT?
In 2025, 43.7% of first tests on Kas first used in 2010 did not pass first time: 37.2% failed, and a further 6.5% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 22,751 of 53,872 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2010 Ford Ka MOT advisories?
“Coil spring: corroded” (on 17.2% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (17.0%), “Exhaust system: has a minor leak of exhaust gases” (12.4%), “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (12.0%) and “Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement” (11.1%).
Is a 2010 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 63.2% in 2021 to 56.3% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2010
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2010 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2010 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2010 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2010 Vauxhall Astra MOT statistics · 2010 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2010 Ka?
The numbers above cover every Ka first used in 2010 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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