Common Problems with the
2018 Ford Ka+ (Mk3)

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.

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.

Built on Ford global B2E platform with MacPherson front struts, the Ka+ commonly suffers from premature deterioration of its front suspension lower wishbone rear voided bushes and anti-roll bar drop links when driven over rough UK road surfaces and traffic-calming cushions. Motoring reviews and owner surveys highlight that pothole-strewn urban streets place severe stress on the running gear and alloy wheels. As rubber bushes split and drop link ball joints develop play, the vehicle generates prominent knocking noises over road irregularities, exhibits vague steering wandering under braking, and fails MOT inspections due to excessive front axle suspension play.

Both the four-cylinder Sigma-derived 1.2-litre Ti-VCT and later three-cylinder Dragon petrol engines can suffer from mass air flow (MAF) and manifold absolute pressure sensor signal corruption, exacerbated by crankcase breather oil vapour deposition and throttle body carbon buildup on urban runabouts. RAC owner surveys report recurring drivability faults where the engine revs stick or surge uncontrollably at around 2,000 rpm at idle, accompanied by multiple dashboard warning lights and cold-start stalling. If unaddressed, erroneous fuel-air mixture calculations foul spark plugs and cause MOT exhaust emissions test failures.

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.