The second-generation Ka is built on the Fiat 500 platform in Tychy, Poland, sharing its 1.2 FIRE engine and five-speed C514R gearbox. This makes it a genuinely Italian car under a Ford badge, with widely available Fiat-compatible parts keeping maintenance affordable. The 69 PS (51 kW) engine is one of Fiat's most proven units, simple and durable, well suited to city driving and short commutes.· more· less
Robust, proven Fiat FIRE engineVery low running and insurance costs
EPS column failure can be costlyCorrosion on mounts and oil sump
Buy if: You want a cheap, simple city car and can verify the power steering works properly and the suspension mounts are not corroded.
Avoid if: You need a car for regular motorway use or cannot tolerate the risk of an electric power steering column replacement.
Price & maintenance
Used price
€2,900
median asking price, typically 125,000 km
Typical range€2,000 – €3,500
Kilometres drivenAll
Maintenance cost
€650 – €1,200/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€400 – €700 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€250 – €500 /yr
Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Ownership costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Torque sensor degrades over time, causing intermittent then permanent loss of power assistance · more· less
The Ka Mk2 shares its electric power steering column with the Fiat 500, and both suffer the same well-documented torque position sensor failure. The fault typically begins as intermittent heavy steering with the warning light appearing and disappearing, then progresses to complete loss of power assistance. On the Mk2, the motor, sensor, and ECU form one integrated unit that cannot be repaired individually, so the entire column must be replaced. A Ford dealer charges approximately €800-1,100 for the replacement including coding. Specialist remanufacturers offer rebuilt columns for €400-600 with lifetime warranties and no coding required. The issue tends to appear after 6-8 years regardless of mileage, and is more common in cars that have been parked outdoors for extended periods.
Suspension top mount corrosion
€200 - 5002 of 6
Rust attacks the metal around the front strut top mounts, causing squeaking and potential MOT/TUV failure · more· less
This is the most commonly reported Mk2 Ka issue. The top suspension mounts corrode from road salt and moisture, producing a noticeable squeaking or creaking noise when turning the steering wheel, especially at low speeds. In advanced cases, the corrosion weakens the mounting point structurally, which will fail a vehicle inspection. Early-stage surface rust can be treated with sanding and protective coating for around €150-200. If the mount area needs welding or panel replacement, costs rise to €300-500. Cars in coastal or salt-heavy climates are most affected. Regular underbody inspection and preventive rust treatment significantly reduce the risk.
C514R gearbox input bearing wear
€400 - 8003 of 6
Front input bearing wears out, causing grinding noise while driving and oil leakage onto the clutch · more· less
The C514R five-speed manual gearbox is shared with the Fiat 500, Punto, and Panda, and the front input bearing is its known weak point. As the bearing wears, it produces a grinding or whining noise that increases with speed and may be present in all gears. Eventually, the worn bearing distorts the oil seal, allowing gearbox oil to leak onto the clutch assembly, which then causes clutch slip and further damage. Gearbox removal is required for the repair. The bearing replacement itself is straightforward, and specialist gearbox shops typically charge €400-600 for the job. If the oil leak has already damaged the clutch, expect €800-1,200 as both need replacement simultaneously. Upgraded bearings are available that extend the lifespan of the repair. Symptoms typically appear between 80,000 and 140,000 km.
Premature clutch wear
€500 - 9004 of 6
Clutch wears faster than typical for this class, especially in stop-start city driving · more· less
The Ka 1.2 is known for clutch wear, particularly in cars used predominantly for short urban trips with frequent stop-start driving. Symptoms include a high biting point, slipping under load (noticeable on hills or during acceleration), and difficulty selecting gears smoothly. Many owners report needing a clutch replacement before 100,000 km, which is earlier than expected for a car of this size and power. A clutch kit (pressure plate, disc, and release bearing) costs approximately €150-250 for parts. With labor (typically 4-5 hours due to gearbox removal), total replacement costs €500-900 depending on whether an independent garage or Ford dealer performs the work. If the gearbox input bearing has also leaked oil onto the clutch, both should be addressed together.
Oil sump corrosion and leak
€200 - 4005 of 6
Exhaust heat strips the sump coating, leading to corrosion and oil seepage · more· less
The exhaust runs close to the oil sump on this engine, and over time the radiated heat strips the protective coating from the sump surface. Once exposed, the metal corrodes and eventually becomes porous, causing a slow oil leak. This is a known characteristic of many Fiat FIRE engines in the 500, Ka, and Punto. If oil levels drop unnoticed, low oil pressure warnings or accelerated engine wear can follow. Sump replacement is a relatively straightforward job: the part costs €80-150 and labor is typically 1-2 hours, bringing the total to €200-400. Regular visual checks underneath the car and topping up oil between services helps catch the issue early.
Tailgate lock and central locking fault
€100 - 2506 of 6
Tailgate fails to open or close properly, dashboard shows false open warning · more· less
Particularly common on 2010 and 2011 models, the tailgate lock mechanism can fail due to wiring deterioration between the tailgate and the body shell. Symptoms include the tailgate not responding to central locking, the dashboard incorrectly showing the tailgate as open, or the key barrel wearing out internally. Ford has acknowledged this as a design-related wiring issue. A replacement latch assembly costs €80-100 for parts. If the underlying wiring harness between the tailgate and body needs repair, costs can reach €150-250 including labor. The issue is annoying rather than safety-critical but worth checking during purchase.
Generally reliable, but corrosion and steering need monitoring
The 1.2 FIRE engine is one of Fiat's most proven units, with many examples exceeding 200,000 km without major mechanical failure. The main ownership concerns are the electric power steering column (shared with the Fiat 500), the C514R gearbox input bearing, and corrosion on suspension mounts and oil sump. These are all well-documented issues with established repair paths, and most can be detected during a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Cars with complete service history, regular underbody treatment, and verified timing belt changes are the safest purchases.
Service history
Complete service records essential. Verify oil changes at least annually and timing belt replacement every 5 years or 100,000 km.
Tires and alignment
Check tread depth, tire age (date codes on sidewall), and uneven wear patterns that may indicate suspension issues.
Cold start
Start the engine completely cold. Listen for unusual noises during the first 30 seconds and check for rough idle.
Test drive
Drive for at least 15 minutes including low-speed manoeuvring and moderate acceleration. Check all gears engage smoothly.
Specific for this vehicle
Test power steering thoroughly
Turn the steering wheel lock to lock at low speed. Listen for groaning or vibration. Check that the power steering warning light does not appear on the dashboard. Intermittent faults may not show immediately, so repeat this test several times during the drive. On cars built between 24 September and 13 October 2009, also have the steering intermediate shaft recall confirmed against the VIN.
Inspect suspension top mounts for corrosion
Open the bonnet and visually check the metal around both front strut top mounts for rust, bubbling paint, or structural weakness. Listen for squeaking or creaking when turning the steering wheel while stationary.
Listen for gearbox bearing noise
With the engine running in neutral, listen for a whining or grinding noise from the gearbox area. Also check while driving in each gear. Any persistent noise suggests the C514R input bearing is worn.
+ 5 more checksShow less
Check clutch operation carefully
Note the biting point height. A very high biting point or any slipping under load (especially on inclines) indicates a worn clutch. Check that all gears select cleanly without resistance.
Inspect oil sump from underneath
Look at the oil sump for rust, flaking paint, or oil seepage. The exhaust runs close to the sump and heat damage is common. Check the oil level on the dipstick for any drop between services.
Verify timing belt replacement
The 1.2 FIRE is an interference engine. Ask for proof of the last timing belt and water pump replacement. If no records exist and the car is over 5 years or 100,000 km since the last change, budget for immediate replacement.
Check footwells for moisture
Feel the carpets in both front footwells for dampness. Blocked windscreen drain holes allow water into the cabin, which can lead to electrical issues and mould.
Test tailgate lock operation
Lock and unlock the car several times with the remote. Verify the tailgate responds to central locking and the dashboard does not show a false open warning. Particularly important on 2010-2011 models.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Rear brake back plate bolts not tightened to specification (May 2008 - January 2009 production)Verify completed
Steering intermediate shaft can separate, causing complete loss of steering (24 September - 13 October 2009 production)Verify completed
Driver's front seatbelt buckle can open in a frontal impact (October - November 2014 production)Verify completed
Contact a Ford dealer with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The steering intermediate shaft recall is the most safety-critical of the three and affects only cars built between 24 September and 13 October 2009, while the rear brake recall matters for early 2008-2009 cars. All three should have been addressed years ago, but verify with documentation.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on all Ka Mk2 models
Rust perforation warranty (12 years)Expired on most cars; late 2015-2016 registrations may still be covered
Extended warrantyUnlikely to be available for cars this age
All Ford Ka Mk2 models are well outside their original 2-year factory warranty. The 12-year rust perforation warranty runs from first registration, so it has expired on most cars and only the last examples registered in 2015-2016 can still be covered. Extended warranty options are generally not available for cars over 10 years old. Budget for all repairs as out-of-pocket expenses.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.
