2018 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · GX68 WWH

The 2018 Ford Ka presents a mixed roadworthiness picture marked by a significant safety concern in late 2023 that was partially addressed before reappearing in early 2024, followed by a series of minor cosmetic and tyre-related warnings in the most recent test. The vehicle cleared its last MOT on 2026-07-17 with only minor issues—defective windshield wipers and slight tyre wear—but this follows a pattern of serious failures including a major track rod end ball joint failure in July 2023 and a dangerous condition report in April 2024 involving critically thin front brake pads and dangerously low front tyres. While the 2026 result shows the car is now compliant again, the underlying mechanical problems have not been fully resolved, creating a situation where the vehicle passes legally while carrying latent risks that require careful verification during a test drive. The recorded mileage of 67,299 miles on an eight-year-old vehicle translates to approximately 8,400 miles per year, which aligns reasonably with normal driving patterns for a compact hatchback of this age. However, the timing of the 2023 failure occurring just before the 2024 test suggests a period of accelerated wear, possibly linked to heavier use or reduced maintenance intervals during that window. The subsequent 2024-07-16 failure occurred within months of the earlier failure, indicating that whatever root causes triggered the track rod issue may not have been adequately repaired or that additional damage accumulated rapidly. There is no indication of a gradual slowdown in wear; rather, the data points to intermittent stress events—likely related to suspension loads, braking demands, or tyre degradation—that manifested suddenly enough to fail the MOT twice in quick succession. Given the specific failures documented, particular attention should be paid to the suspension system around the front axle, particularly the track rod end ball joints which showed excessive play in July 2023 and required repair. During a test drive, listen for any pulling to one side when turning or braking, as loose ball joints can transmit vibration through the chassis and affect handling. The front brake pads being reported as less than 1.5mm in April 2024 suggest a genuine brake wear issue; inspect the calipers for proper retraction and check for any visible dust or debris that might indicate contamination or leakage. The front tyres showing tread depths below the 1.6mm legal minimum in both the offside front and nearside front positions in the same test indicates possible uneven wear patterns or accelerated deterioration that warrants closer examination of wheel alignment and suspension geometry. The minor wiper blade defect identified in July 2026 does not represent a safety hazard but should also be verified visually, especially given the frequency of replacement since the last inspection. Buyers should plan for a thorough hands-on inspection focusing on the front suspension assembly, ensuring all ball joints move freely without play and that bushings are intact. The brake system requires visual confirmation that the pads remain properly seated and that no fluid leaks are present at the caliper mounts or master cylinder. Tyre condition should be assessed for even wear across the contact patch—not just the legal minimum—and the pressure should match the manufacturer's specification. Given the history of repeated failures in the critical braking and suspension areas, it is prudent to request documentation of repairs made following each failure and to verify that all components have been replaced rather than merely adjusted or resurfaced. A pre-purchase inspection covering these specific systems will help determine whether the vehicle remains safe for daily use despite passing its current MOT.