Ford Ka (2008)
2008 Ford Ka
CarHunch analysed 24,696 real MOT records for the 2008 Ford Ka. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2008 Ford Ka's 72.2% first-time pass rate sits well below the UK average of 80%, signalling below-average reliability for its age—and that's before accounting for the alarming fact that 38.1% of these cars have suffered a dangerous defect at some point, making safety a genuine buyer concern. With nearly four failures per vehicle on average and over 20 advisories, this generation is prone to multiple issues rather than one persistent problem.
At 44,773 miles on average, these cars aren't necessarily high-milers for their 16-year age, yet they're still racking up substantial repair lists—suggesting age-related wear rather than abuse. If you're considering a 2008 Ka, have a pre-purchase inspection focus on braking systems and suspension, as these categories typically dominate the failure patterns; factor in realistic maintenance costs beyond the purchase price.
What to check before buying a 2008 Ford Ka
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.
- ⚠️ 38.1% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 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
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.
Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (100%) | 24,651 | 72.1% | 4.1 |
| Diesel (0%) | 45 | 75.1% | 4.51 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2008 Ford Ka 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.
Half of all 2008 Ford Ka vehicles fall between 32,297 and 55,320 miles.
2008 Ford Ka — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 3,393 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (14% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2008 Ford Ka
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
52.9%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
51.5%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
37.9%
Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement
-
33.3%
Oil leak, but not excessive
-
33.1%
Nearside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement
-
30.7%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
30.3%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
22.8%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2008. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Ford Ka?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.