IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2011 Ford Ka Mk2 (B420)

By 2011 the Ka Mk2 was into a long run-out: the Tattoo Individual pack gave way to Metal, and Ford kept the range alive with colour and trim packs until production ended in May 2016 without a facelift.

What changed for 2011

  • •Individual packs Tattoo, Grand Prix and Digital, with Tattoo replaced by Metal in 2011
  • •All Individual models based on Zetec trim, adding coloured interiors and exterior decals
  • •No mid-life facelift; the Ka Mk2 ran visually unchanged until May 2016
  • •Replaced in the UK by the Indian-built Ka+ later in 2016

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Inner sill and wheel-arch seam corrosion as cars pass ten years old
  • !Electric power steering assistance cutting out, leaving abnormally heavy steering
  • !Worn front lower arm bushes causing vague steering and uneven front tyre wear
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 TeamUpdated

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 2011 Ford Ka Mk2 (B420)

  • Check that Individual pack seats, mats and decals are present and match the trim shown on the logbook
  • Have the front suspension checked for top-mount corrosion before agreeing a price
  • Prefer a 2012-2015 car with a full service record over a low-mileage garage queen on perished tyres
20102012–2016
Check a 2011 Ford Ka Mk2 (B420) by Registration