2012 Ford Ka MOT pass rate and common faults

MOT tests in 2025, published 22 Jun 2026. DVSA publishes a new year each summer.

16,158 Ford Ka cars first used in 2012 had an MOT in 2025, at about 13 years old, and 64.3% passed first time. That is in line with the 63.5% for all cars first used in 2012.

The year is when the car was first used, as on its V5C log book, not the model year.

Common failures

The share of 2012 Ford Ka cars tested that failed on, or had fixed at the station, each item. Worth checking before the MOT or before you buy.

Most common 2012 Ford Ka MOT failure items
2012 Ford Ka common failures
ItemValue
Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.8%
Shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush4.6%
Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak3.9%
Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.9%
Stop lamp: not working3.8%
Position lamp: not working3.4%

Source: DVSA, tests in 2025, published 22 June 2026.

Common advisories

Things the tester noticed that were not bad enough to fail. They often turn into failures later. What advisories mean for the next MOT.

Most common 2012 Ford Ka advisories
2012 Ford Ka common advisories
ItemValue
Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge20.0%
Pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement16.1%
Coil spring: corroded13.9%
Exhaust system: has a minor leak of exhaust gases12.7%
Shock absorbers: has light misting of oil12.1%
Condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing11.7%

Source: DVSA, tests in 2025, published 22 June 2026.

Where the faults are

The share of cars tested with at least one failure or fix in each part of the car.

2012 Ford Ka faults by area
2012 Ford Ka faults by area
ItemValue
Suspension17.7%
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment13.6%
Brakes6.7%
Tyres6.2%
Visibility4.8%
Body, chassis, structure4.5%

Source: DVSA, tests in 2025, published 22 June 2026.

Typical mileage

Recorded mileage at the MOT. A car well above this range has done more work than most; one far below is worth a closer look at its MOT history.

2012 Ford Ka recorded mileage
2012 Ford Ka mileage
CarsLowTypicalHigh
16,13547,90065,100 miles82,100

The middle half of cars fall between the low and high figures. Source: DVSA, tests in 2025, published 22 June 2026.

Other Ford Ka years

Ford Ka first-time pass rate by year first used
YearTestsPassed first timeAll cars that year
20199,99286.2%83.5%
201810,93279.9%80.9%
201713,23981.0%78.2%
20168,24472.0%74.9%
201513,06768.4%71.9%
201418,17469.0%68.6%
201318,09966.0%65.8%
201216,15864.3%63.5%
201114,96661.4%61.2%
201016,81456.3%59.3%
200915,57955.6%58.3%
20083,58750.0%57.2%
20072,85550.1%57.4%
20062,07150.4%57.0%
20051,72253.4%57.6%

Checking one car?

These figures describe groups of cars. A vehicle history report shows the full MOT history, mileage, outstanding finance, write-offs and stolen records for one registration.

Figures from the DVSA anonymised MOT testing data for MOT tests in 2025, published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Analysis by Motoring Insider. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. How we work out these figures.