Ford Ka: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 54,452 Ford Ka cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1996 and 2019.
In a sample of 397 cars, 76.3% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, more often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre tread depth insufficient (21.7% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 1 recalls for this model; 0% of registered cars still have an open recall.
2.9% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Ford Ka
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 21.7% |
| Exhaust not gas-tight / exhaust gases discharged unsafely | 16.6% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 15.9% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 14.4% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 13.6% |
| Position light not working (properly) | 12.8% |
| Indicator colour deviates or not permitted | 11.6% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 9.8% |
| Tyre damaged | 8.6% |
| Brake light not working (properly) | 7.3% |
Share of 397 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 15.4% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 11.1% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 7.1% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 4.8% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 54,452 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 0% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 2.9% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 1996 to 2019 |
All Ford Ka passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-04-17 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 25 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Ford Ka fail the APK?
In a sample of 397 cars first registered 2012–2021, 76.3% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Ford Ka?
The most common APK defects are: tyre tread depth insufficient (21.7%), exhaust not gas-tight / exhaust gases discharged unsafely (16.6%), number plate light not working (properly) / missing (15.9%).
Does the Ford Ka have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 1 recalls. 0% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Ford models
Fiesta · Focus · Kuga · Puma · C-Max · Mondeo · Fusion · Ecosport · Mustang · B-Max · S-Max · Explorer · Transit · Galaxy · Grand C-Max
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.