Known APK problem

Ford Ka II: exhaust and emissions

On the Ford Ka II the APK inspector finds exhaust and emissions problems 5.1× as often as on cars of the same age: at 11–12 years 7.2%, against about 1.4% nationally.

Window: Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 · Updated: 16 Oct 2026

What is it?

A leaking exhaust, high emissions or problems with the catalytic converter or particulate filter.

Repair indication: mediuma targeted repair at the garage.

How to check it at the viewing

Start the engine cold and watch for smoke and an uneven idle. Listen for blowing noises under the car.

Ask the seller: Has any work been done on the exhaust, catalytic converter or particulate filter?

By age

Share of inspected Ford Ka IIs with this defect, compared with all cars of the same age.

Age	Type	Ka II	95%-CI	National	Difference	n
9 – 10 years	A	0.2%	0.1 – 0.5%	0.3%	0.8×	2,140
9 – 10 years	B	5.2%	4.3 – 6.2%	0.8%	6.4×	2,140
11 – 12 years	A	0.2%	0.1 – 0.5%	0.4%	0.5×	3,028
11 – 12 years	B	7.2%	6.3 – 8.1%	1.4%	5.1×	3,028
13 – 15 years	B	8.4%	8.0 – 8.7%	2.7%	3.1×	25,884
16+ years	A	0.2%	0.2 – 0.3%	0.7%	0.3×	12,988
16+ years	B	9.2%	8.7 – 9.7%	5.1%	1.8×	12,988

A = structure, safety or costly mechanics; B = fail, usually simple; C = advisory. An age is missing when this defect is not among the most common there.

Comparable cars at 11–12 years

Model	Exhaust and emissions	Vs. national
Ford Ka II	7.2%	5.1×
Peugeot 107	3.1%	2.2×
Hyundai i10 I	0.2%	0.6×
Citroën C1 I	3.7%	2.6×
Citroën C1 II	1.7%	1.2×
Fiat 500 (312)	0.3%	0.8×

Looking at a Ford Ka II? Check that car

Enter the plate and see the APK history, open recalls and how this car compares with other Ford Ka IIs of the same age.

All weak spots of the Ford Ka II · Exhaust and emissions: which models more often · Checklist for this model

Frequently asked questions

Does the Ford Ka II often have exhaust and emissions problems?

Yes, more often than average at the APK. At 11–12 years the inspector found a exhaust and emissions defect on 7.2% of inspected Ford Ka IIs, against about 1.4% of all cars of the same age (5.1×). Source: RDW Open Data, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.

How do you check the exhaust and emissions on a used Ford Ka II?

Start the engine cold and watch for smoke and an uneven idle. Listen for blowing noises under the car.

Repair indication: small, medium or large. An indication of the usual repair, not a quote: the real cost depends on the car, the cause and the garage.

Source: RDW Open Data (CC0), analysis CarXray.nl. 6,857,004 inspected passenger cars aged 3 years and older, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026. Each car counts once. How we know