1997 Ford Ka 2 from UK and Ireland - Comments

2 larges patches of rust have appeared, one at each side of the car, inside the door frame and underneath the heavy rubber seal which runs around the door frame. The patches are completely symmetrical and have formed around a seam (join) in the metal of the door frame at each side of the car.

Ford UK say that this is not covered by the 6 year rust warranty and are refusing to accept responsibility for what would seem to be a manufacturing fault...

This car has been kept in a garage when not in use and has been cared for in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. It is (apart from the rust) in excellent condition.

Hi I have found exactly the same problem!!

I have been looking at ford ka's for my first car and I have so far seen 5 ford ka's ranging in age with the same problem, I find the rust for me appears basically (will try to describe this as good as possible) but where the door sits on the body round the bottom in the corner below the door handle - does that make any sense? Luckily the Ka that was destined for me is being sold by a garage who have said they will treat all of the rust, but is it a problem with all ford ka's or just a coincidence?! Also did your rust cause you a lot of money on Mots?!

I have had the same problem.

I have a millennium (yellow) ford KA, and it has rust in the same places as described above. On the door frame, in the bottom corner.

I took it to a Ford garage today, where they've taken photos, and I am now waiting to hear back.

Apart from that, its been a very good, reliable car.

I have been into a Ford main dealer today with rust around the rear window wiper arm. Body shop man said it wasn't covered under the 6 year rust warranty.

He said it was probably due to the wiper arm having been taken off at some point so breaking the seal, I said my view is that it probably wasn't and that his excuse isn't good enough. I have insisted that he make a warranty claim to Ford. I also said I expected him to accurately describe the rust rust around the hole for the wiper arm and that there was absolutely no evidence of any previous repair of any kind.

We will have to wait and see.

Keith.

I have an X reg Ford KA and although this vehicle has been in the garage all it's life it is showing rust on the bottom door sill on both sides. The rust is coming through from the inside. Ford don't want to know about it which isn't a surprise. I guess I have the choice of never going back to Ford for another vehicle, but I find it a shame that a smart looking and easy to drive vehicle like the KA has a problem like this that rips value off the car unless I want to go to a lot of personal expense.

Greg.

I purchased an R reg ford KA2 a year ago from a dealer,the road handling and drive is superb its been a pleasure to drive, but it's a shame that ford don't pay more attention to the quality of the bodywork and seating materials. the material on the drivers and passenger seat look frayed and worn,the plastic bumpers are prone to coming away from the body due to excessive road vibration they are held in with brittle plastic clips,the bumper itself is prone to fading and staining,the metal studs in the passenger side windows cause an oxide to stain the glass and its impossible to remove, the rust seems to come as standard,the car has failed its mot due to excessive rust which is everywhere around the petrol cap, side indicators,in the engine compartment,door sills,underneath the car looks as if its being eaten alive by tin worm, it's a real shame because the KA is one of fords most exciting models to come off the production line in years, its cheap to run,extremely reliable,and it really is fun to drive on a long or short journey, but you can, t help feeling let down by the use of inferior materials which puts me off buying another one.

I bought a FORD KA 2 "R" reg a month ago for my wify. I agree with the rust thing, but luckily its only minor. I ain't too sure whether my "R" reg KA 2 came with ABS- but hey... Anyways, my main point is that the car is so much FUN to drive and cheap to maintain and run. I actually drive the KA 2 more than my own car (Mk5 Golf)! The car handles like a go cart and you can chuck it about in the corners and it puts a smile on the old boat race (face) All I am going to do is update the suspension by lowering it 4omm for that extra bit of "fun-factor!!

Hi, I got a brand new 53 plate Ford KA, which has been a fantastic first car to drive, especially living in a city (very nippy & great steering lock for parking).

Like so many comments, the car is rusting... but especially around the petrol cap & particularly bellow the petrol cap right down to the wheel. Ford said they do not cover rusting as it is not a problem!!

We took the car to a local repair / vehicle spray centre... we decided to have the car checked out ourselves & pay for the re spray (apart from the rust the car looks brand new inside & out & will sell well in the future!)

Once the car had been stripped down, the rust was due to the rear left wheel not having a 'correct' mud guard fitted, which is why the rusting was so rapid & vast.

Ford say that no parts where missing & that mud guards are not needed on wheels anyway.

To cut a long story short... the local company we dealt with ordered the mudguard, fitted & re sprayed the whole car - problem solved NOT thanks to ford but to the common sense of local business!

Has anyone else had this problem?

I have a W reg KA bought eighteen months ago by private sale. It has cost me almost as much as I paid for it to get it through two M.O.T's; all to do with rust. I tend to look closely at other KA's and most of them seem to have rust round the petrol cap. Mine is also on the door casing (sorry female description) and underneath. The mechanic described KA's as disposable cars! Unlike my income.

Our 53 plate KA has just cost us £200 to have the rust around the petrol cap made good, all the rest of the bodywork is in good condition. Garage said it was a common fault, so why haven't Ford done something about it and paid for the repairs, I have since seen many other KA's around with same problem, maybe we need Anne Robinson on the case!

This is a very common fault on the Ka, along with underside surface rust.

The fuel filler area was not coated well enough on the inside on the production line and is badly affected by condensation.

Thing is - you could buy the base Ka for £4995 new in 2003, and 6 years use for around £800 per year is cheap, even if you had to throw it away now.

If you have a Ka not affected yet by this rust, it would be wise to gain access inside the panel, dry the area out, apply Kurust, then waxoyl when dry.

The Ka is known for rust issues, but is a very cheap and fun car. You can't expect recall after 6 years for a non-structural rust issue.