2015 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · RF15 WHM

The 2015 Ford Ka presents a concerning pattern of recurring mechanical issues that span multiple years, beginning with a serious failure in March 2026 involving severe rear axle corrosion and worn front macpherson strut top bush bearings, followed by another failure in early 2026 that retained advisory status despite a passing result. Prior to that, the vehicle accumulated minor to moderate problems including distorted rear wheels, thin brake pads, front shock oil misting, and steering rack play across the 2024-2025 test cycle, while earlier records from December 2020 onward remained clean until the dangerous 2020-December failure involving insufficient tyres and a faulty windshield wiper. The latest 2026-03-10 MOT passed but carried forward two persistent advisories—subframe and axle corrosion plus continued strut top bush deterioration—demonstrating that while the car cleared the test, underlying structural and suspension weaknesses remain unaddressed. With 66,116 miles recorded on a 2015 model, the average annual consumption sits at approximately 6,011 miles, which aligns with expected usage for this age bracket rather than indicating abnormal wear patterns. However, the gap between the clean 2020-2022 period and the series of failures starting in mid-2023 suggests the vehicle may have spent extended periods parked or under-light use, potentially allowing certain components such as the suspension bushings and brake systems to degrade faster than they would under regular driving. The March 2026 failure occurring just weeks before the current passing test implies the car was already exhibiting progressive deterioration despite having passed the MOT, raising questions about whether the prior service interventions adequately addressed the identified deficiencies. The rear axle corrosion flagged in both the February and March 2026 tests demands immediate attention at the subframe and differential housing; inspect bolt holes for deep rust penetration and check the leaf spring shackles for signs of pitting or detachment. The nearside front macpherson strut top bush, which showed excessive wear and free play in March 2026, should be examined for complete failure—listen for a clunking or skipping sensation over rough pavement and verify that the strut mount moves freely without binding. Additionally, the front and rear brake pads were reported as thin in late 2025, so rotate the wheels to assess rotor surface condition for scoring or warping and confirm the caliper slides move smoothly within their guides. Steering rack inner joint play detected in March 2024 and again in 2026 indicates potential looseness that could manifest as increased steering effort or vibration at low speeds; test the steering response by turning the wheel slowly and noting any resistance changes. The slightly distorted rear roadwheel noted across multiple tests (2024, 2025, 2026) should be checked for rubbing against nearby components or uneven tire contact patches that might accelerate wear. Given the documented sump corrosion concern from early 2026, verify the oil level is correct and visually inspect the sump for any liquid seepage or damp spots beneath the engine bay. Finally, confirm the windshield remains intact and the rear wiper operates correctly, as these areas appeared stable in the cleaner records but should be verified during the test drive given the car's overall history of electrical and fluid-related failures.