What are the most common Ford Ka problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2015-2021 Ford Ka has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Oil-Bathed Timing Belt Degradation Causing Oil Starvation (1.0 Ti-VCT 3-Cylinder), Electric Power Steering Failure — 'Direção Elétrica Avariada' Warning and Sudden Loss of Assist, Recall: Cracked Driver Airbag Module Mounting Hook in Steering Wheel (2019 Ka Hatch/Sedan). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford Ka reliable?
The 2015-2021 Ford Ka has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Oil-Bathed Timing Belt Degradation Causing Oil Starvation (1.0 Ti-VCT 3-Cylinder) and Electric Power Steering Failure — 'Direção Elétrica Avariada' Warning and Sudden Loss of Assist and Recall: Cracked Driver Airbag Module Mounting Hook in Steering Wheel (2019 Ka Hatch/Sedan) and Recall: Front Seat Recliner Assembled Without Internal Lock (2019-2020 Ka Hatch). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Ford Ka problems?
Repair costs for known Ford Ka issues range from $0 to $2,400, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Oil-Bathed Timing Belt Degradation Causing Oil Starvation (1.0 Ti-VCT 3-Cylinder), typically costs $250-$2,400 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Ford Ka is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Ford Ka. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2015-2021 Ford Ka with 4 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.
What is the 2015-2021 Ford Ka Oil-Bathed Timing Belt Degradation Causing Oil Starvation (1.0 Ti-VCT 3-Cylinder)?
The Brazilian-built Ka III's 1.0 Ti-VCT three-cylinder engine uses a wet timing belt that runs immersed in engine oil, with a nominal replacement interval of 260,000 km. Brazilian mechanics and the automotive press document a chronic failure pattern: when oil changes are stretche… Repairs typically run $250-$2,400. Severity: high.
What is the 2015-2021 Ford Ka Electric Power Steering Failure — 'Direção Elétrica Avariada' Warning and Sudden Loss of Assist?
Brazilian Ka III owners report a recurring electric power steering (EPS) fault in which assist suddenly cuts out while driving: the steering becomes very heavy, multiple instrument cluster warning lights illuminate, and the message 'Direção elétrica avariada' (electric steering d… Repairs typically run $600-$1,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2019 Ford Ka Recall: Cracked Driver Airbag Module Mounting Hook in Steering Wheel (2019 Ka Hatch/Sedan)?
In March 2019, Ford Brazil recalled Ka Hatch and Sedan model-year 2019 vehicles manufactured between February 11 and 19, 2019 (chassis range K8293090 to K8327710). During production of the steering wheel frame, a crack may have formed in one of the mounting hooks that secure the… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2019-2020 Ford Ka Recall: Front Seat Recliner Assembled Without Internal Lock (2019-2020 Ka Hatch)?
In September/October 2019, Ford Brazil recalled Ka Hatch model-year 2019 vehicles (manufactured October 10, 2018 to June 1, 2019) and model-year 2020 vehicles (manufactured February 18 to September 19, 2019), together with the EcoSport, because the manual seat-back reclining mech… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
