Ford Ka+ (Mk3)

The electric microswitch responsible for releasing the tailgate latch is positioned directly above the rear number plate light recess. Road spray thrown up behind the vehicle penetrates the rubber boot seal of the microswitch assembly, causing corrosion of the internal electrical contacts. This prevents the tailgate from releasing electrically via the exterior touch pad, forcing owners to use the dashboard button or ignition key fob.

On urban-driven Ka+ models with the 1.2-litre petrol engines, stop-start city commuting and prolonged clutch slipping cause friction lining overheating and uneven glazing across the clutch driven plate. As the friction surface hardens, the clutch develops severe low-frequency vibration and judder when taking off in first gear or reversing from cold, which eventually wears down the pressure plate diaphragm fingers.

On Ka+ models manufactured between September 2017 and May 2019, an incorrectly routed and unfused wiring harness lead for the Battery Monitoring System (BMS) can become pinched beneath or rub against the metal battery tray and retaining bracket. Continuous vehicle vibration wears through the wire insulation, creating an unfused dead short to earth against the chassis. This triggers a serious safety hazard resulting in smoke, harness melting, and potential under-bonnet fire. Ford issued safety recall 19S21 (DVSA recall R/2019/189) where technicians inspect routing, wrap the harness in protective abrasion-resistant tape, and secure it with a revised retention clip.