IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

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.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£1,200
Warning Signs:

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

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect the rear axle and spring seats from underneath
  • Check inner and outer sills
  • Read the MOT history for recurring corrosion notes
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

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.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£600
Warning Signs:

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

What to Inspect:
  • Drive the car from cold and hot at low speed
  • Check charging voltage and battery age
  • Look for replacement-column history
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

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.

Est. Repair Cost: £80–£250
Warning Signs:

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

What to Inspect:
  • Cycle the fan through every setting
  • Operate the boot release and rear wiper repeatedly
  • Check the boot floor and carpet edges for moisture
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2008–2016 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.
Check a 2008–2016 Ford Ka Mk2 (B420) by Registration