IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2008–2016 Ford Ka Mk2 (B420)

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 2008–2016 Ford Ka Mk2 (B420). 2 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

3
Known Issues
2
Serious
1
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Rear Axle and Sill Corrosion

SeriousBodywork & Rust

Despite being newer than the Mk1, the Ka Mk2 can still rust badly around the rear axle, inner sills and wheel-arch seams, and structural repairs quickly outweigh the value of a cheap car.

Most affected: Studio, Style, Zetec

Estimated cost: £250–£1,200Affects: 2008–2016Often appears around: Age-related

Typical symptoms

  • •Rusty rear axle beam
  • •Bubbling around rear arches
  • •Repeated MOT corrosion advisories

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Inspect the rear axle and spring seats from underneath
  • ✓Check inner and outer sills
  • ✓Read the MOT history for recurring corrosion notes

Electric Power Steering Column Failure

SeriousSteering

The column-mounted electric steering can lose assistance intermittently or permanently, often after low-voltage events or torque-sensor wear.

Most affected: All models

Estimated cost: £250–£600Affects: 2008–2016Often appears around: 40,000-90,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Heavy steering at parking speed
  • •EPS warning light
  • •Assistance returns after restarting the engine

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Drive the car from cold and hot at low speed
  • ✓Check charging voltage and battery age
  • ✓Look for replacement-column history

Heater Blower Resistor and Tailgate Wiring Faults

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

Ageing blower resistors and broken wiring at the tailgate can leave the Ka with missing fan speeds, dead rear electrics or damp-related gremlins.

Most affected: All models

Estimated cost: £80–£250Affects: 2008–2016

Typical symptoms

  • •Heater fan only works on one speed
  • •Boot release or rear wiper faults
  • •Intermittent warning lights after rain

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Cycle the fan through every setting
  • ✓Operate the boot release and rear wiper repeatedly
  • ✓Check the boot floor and carpet edges for moisture

Buying Tips for the 2008 Ford Ka Mk2 (B420)

  • ✓Inspect the rear axle, sills and inner arches carefully because rusty Mk2 Kas can look smarter on top than they are underneath.
  • ✓The electric steering must feel light and consistent from cold; intermittent heaviness is rarely just a weak battery.
  • ✓Run the heater fan through every speed and check the boot floor for damp, because blower-resistor and tailgate-wiring issues are common age-related faults.

Browse 2008–2016 Ford Ka Mk2 (B420) in our Directory

View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for 2008–2016 Ford Ka Mk2 (B420) vehicles.

View 2008–2016 Directory

Other Ford Ka Mk2 (B420) Year Periods

2008–2016

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