2011 Ford KA 1.2L Petrol · SH11 YFD

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history indicates a trend of reactive rather than proactive care. While it passed its most recent test in August 2025 at 59,702 miles, it had failed earlier that same day due to multiple safety-critical defects. The transition from a failure involving a serious fluid leak in the shock absorber and thin brake pads to a pass suggests that the owner only addresses faults when strictly necessary to maintain an MOT certificate, rather than performing routine mechanical inspections. At 15 years old, the recorded mileage of 59,702 miles averages out to approximately 4,000 miles per year. This low usage profile often correlates with age-related degradation of rubber and metal components rather than wear from distance. Between September 2022 at 47,549 miles and August 2025 at 59,702 miles, the vehicle covered roughly 12,000 miles, showing consistent low-speed usage that explains the presence of corrosion and fluid issues noted throughout the record. A physical inspection must focus on the structural integrity of the chassis and the suspension assembly. The record shows persistent corrosion on the rear sub-frame and suspension components dating back to 2023, which is a common failure point for this model as it ages. You should check for deep structural rust beyond the surface-level corrosion mentioned in earlier tests. Additionally, the previous report of blue smoke in 2022 suggests potential engine wear or oil seal failure, which should be monitored during a cold start despite the low overall mileage. The front end also requires close scrutiny. The history notes recurring issues with the nearside shock absorber and MacPherson strut, indicating potential alignment issues or worn mounting points. Given that the 2025 failure included an airbag warning lamp fault, you must verify that the supplementary restraint system has been properly rectified and that the light does not remain illuminated, as this represents a significant safety risk.