Ford Ka+ Zetec (2017)

308 real MOT outcomes analysed • 78% first-time pass rate

2017 Ford Ka+ Zetec

CarHunch analysed 308 real MOT records for the 2017 Ford Ka+ Zetec. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

The 2017 Ford KA+ Zetec is slightly below the UK average with a 78% first-time pass rate compared to 80% nationally, though the margin is negligible and no vehicles in this sample have ever recorded a dangerous defect. The petrol versions (96% of the cohort) pass at an impressive 96%, suggesting the fuel type is fundamentally sound.

At 31,169 miles median for a seven-year-old car, these are relatively low-mileage examples, which typically correlates with fewer wear issues—and indeed, the average failure rate of just 0.15 per vehicle confirms minimal mechanical problems. If you're considering one, check the service history carefully, as low mileage can sometimes mask deferred maintenance; otherwise, this is a straightforward, low-risk city car buy.

Average reliability In line with UK average
78%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
31,169
typical mileage
22,134–41,845 middle half
0%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0.15
avg MOT failures per car
over 3.1 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2017 Ford Ka+ Zetec

Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
  • 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
  • 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
  • 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.

Before you buy a Ford Ka+ Zetec

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

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Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Other (81%) 250 96.1% 0.18
Petrol (19%) 58 0% 0

Mileage Distribution

Most 2017 Ford Ka+ Zetec vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

22,134
low mileage
31,169
typical
41,845
high mileage

Half of all 2017 Ford Ka+ Zetec vehicles fall between 22,134 and 41,845 miles.

2017 Ford Ka+ Zetec — Still on the Road

154 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 72% of the peak remain.

113 154 2021 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2021–2025.

MOT History Averages

3.1
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.15
Avg failures per vehicle
0
Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific Ford Ka+ Zetec?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — Ford Ka+ Zetec:

2010 2013 2014 2015 2018 2019