According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2018 Ford Ka has 2 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Oil-Bathed Timing Belt Degradation Causing Oil Starvation (1.0 Ti-VCT 3-Cylinder) ($250-$2,400 repair) and Electric Power Steering Failure — 'Direção Elétrica Avariada' Warning and Sudden Loss of Assist ($600-$1,500 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $250 to $2,400. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2015-2021 Ford Ka, 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 stretched or oil outside Ford's 5W-20 specification is used, the belt's rubber degrades and sheds debris into the sump. The debris clogs the oil pump pickup strainer, causing low oil pressure, hydraulic lifter noise, accelerated wear of bearings and cylinder walls, overheating, and in advanced cases complete engine failure requiring a rebuild. Repair shops report rebuild costs that can approach the market value of the car. The same engine and failure mode also affects the Brazilian EcoSport.
Common Symptoms
Ticking or knocking noise from the engine, especially at cold start
Low oil pressure warning light
Excessive vibration at idle
Rubber or metallic debris found in the oil at oil changes
Engine overheating or loss of power in advanced cases
How to Fix
Strictly follow oil changes every 10,000 km/6 months with Ford-spec SAE 5W-20 (every 5,000 km/3 months under severe use such as city-only driving). Many Brazilian mechanics recommend replacing the wet belt preventively around 100,000-150,000 km rather than the 260,000 km factory interval. If lifter noise or low oil pressure appears, immediately inspect and clean the oil pump pickup strainer and check for belt debris in the sump; engines run long with a clogged pickup typically need bearing replacement or a full rebuild.
On the 2015-2021 Ford Ka, 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 damaged) is displayed. The fault is often intermittent — assist returns after switching the car off and on — and dealers frequently fail to reproduce it or misdiagnose it as a weak battery. Complaint-site records on Reclame Aqui include cases diagnosed as manufacturing defects in the steering rack/column and owners experiencing the failure repeatedly after repairs, including in vehicles still under warranty.
Common Symptoms
Steering suddenly becomes very heavy while driving
'Direção elétrica avariada' (electric steering damaged) message on the dash
Multiple warning lights illuminate at the same time
Fault is intermittent — steering works normally after restarting the car
Problem recurs even after dealer repairs or battery replacement
How to Fix
Have the EPS system scanned for fault codes and the battery/charging system verified first, since low system voltage can trigger assist cutout. Persistent cases typically require replacement of the electric steering column motor/ECU or the complete steering rack assembly. Document occurrences and pursue warranty or consumer-protection channels for newer vehicles, as the failure mode (loss of assist while moving) is safety-relevant.
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2018 Ford Ka has 2 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. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford Ka reliable?
The 2018 Ford Ka has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 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. 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 $250 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 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.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
