Ford Ka (2017)
2017 Ford Ka
CarHunch analysed 13,357 real MOT records for the 2017 Ford Ka. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2017 Ford Ka is significantly more reliable than the UK average, with a 90.2% first-time pass rate that sits well above the 80% benchmark. However, 19% of these cars have suffered a dangerous defect at some point, which is worth noting if you're buying used—that's a meaningful proportion, though not extreme.
At just over 27,000 miles median, these Kas have genuinely low mileage for their age, suggesting they've been lightly used or cherished. The 0.79 average failures per vehicle is excellent, though expect around five advisories—typically minor wear items like brake pad wear or tyre condition—so budget for some modest maintenance when you buy.
What to check before buying a 2017 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.
- 📄 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.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (100%) | 13,354 | 90.2% | 0.79 |
| Other (0%) | 2 | 50% | 0.5 |
| Diesel (0%) | 1 | 0% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2017 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 2017 Ford Ka vehicles fall between 17,999 and 37,848 miles.
2017 Ford Ka — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 12,897 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 99% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2020–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2017 Ford Ka
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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41.3%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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40.2%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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36.5%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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16.9%
Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
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15.6%
Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
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12.2%
Nearside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil
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12%
Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
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10.9%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2017. 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.