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Ford · Known Issues

2019 Ford Ka Problems: 4 Known Issues

2019 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated August 2026

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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2019 Ford Ka has 4 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are Oil-Bathed Timing Belt Degradation Causing Oil Starvation (1.0 Ti-VCT 3-Cylinder) ($250-$2,400 repair), Electric Power Steering Failure — 'Direção Elétrica Avariada' Warning and Sudden Loss of Assist ($600-$1,500 repair), Recall: Cracked Driver Airbag Module Mounting Hook in Steering Wheel (2019 Ka Hatch/Sedan) ($0-$0 repair) and Recall: Front Seat Recliner Assembled Without Internal Lock (2019-2020 Ka Hatch) ($0-$0 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $250 to $2,400. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Ka Safety/Recalls2
  • Ka Engine1
  • Ka Steering1
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Safety/Recalls2
  • Engine1
  • Steering1
  • FAQ

All 4 Known Issues

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On the 2019 Ford Ka, in March 2019, Ford Brazil recalled Ka Hatch and Sedan model-year 2019 vehicles manufactured between February 11 and 19, 2019 (chassis range K8293090 to K8327710). During production of the steering wheel frame, a crack may have formed in one of the mounting hooks that secure the driver's airbag module. In a frontal collision that triggers airbag deployment, the damaged module could detach from the steering wheel, compromising airbag function and increasing the risk of injury to occupants. The recall was registered with Procon-SP and publicized by the São Paulo state government.

Common Symptoms

  • No warning signs in normal driving — latent manufacturing defect
  • Vehicle built between February 11 and 19, 2019, within chassis range K8293090-K8327710
  • Driver airbag module may detach from the steering wheel during deployment in a frontal crash

How to Fix

Take the vehicle to a Ford dealership for free inspection and, if necessary, steering wheel replacement. Owners can confirm whether their chassis is affected via Ford Brazil's recall lookup (ford.com.br), the FordPass app, or Ford customer service at 0800 703 3673.

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Call to confirm they service Ford vehicles and check your VIN, recall eligibility, parts availability, and appointment options.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2019-2020 Ford Ka, in September/October 2019, Ford Brazil recalled Ka Hatch model-year 2019 vehicles (manufactured October 10, 2018 to June 1, 2019) and model-year 2020 vehicles (manufactured February 18 to September 19, 2019), together with the EcoSport, because the manual seat-back reclining mechanism of the front seats may have been assembled missing one of its three internal locks. In a rear collision, the absence of one lock can reduce the seat-back's locking force and fail to adequately retain occupants, increasing the risk of injury. Free inspections began October 14, 2019, and the campaign was registered with Procon-SP.

Common Symptoms

  • No symptoms in normal use — defect manifests only in a rear collision
  • Ka Hatch built between October 2018 and September 2019
  • Front seat-back may not lock with full force and can give way under rear impact load

How to Fix

Take the vehicle to a Ford dealership for free inspection of both front seat recliner mechanisms and replacement of the recliner assembly if a lock is missing. Check chassis eligibility via Ford Brazil's recall lookup (ford.com.br) or customer service at 0800 703 3673.

Find a Ford dealer

Choose to share your location for this search, or enter an area below. Your search location is sent to Google to find dealers.

Open Ford dealer map in Google Maps ↗

Call to confirm they service Ford vehicles and check your VIN, recall eligibility, parts availability, and appointment options.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

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.

Typical repair cost:$250 - $2,400

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

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.

Typical repair cost:$600 - $1,500

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Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Ford Ka problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2019 Ford Ka has 4 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, Recall: Cracked Driver Airbag Module Mounting Hook in Steering Wheel (2019 Ka Hatch/Sedan). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Ford Ka reliable?

The 2019 Ford Ka has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 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 and Recall: Cracked Driver Airbag Module Mounting Hook in Steering Wheel (2019 Ka Hatch/Sedan) and Recall: Front Seat Recliner Assembled Without Internal Lock (2019-2020 Ka Hatch). 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 $0 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.

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.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

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.

What is the 2019 Ford Ka Recall: Cracked Driver Airbag Module Mounting Hook in Steering Wheel (2019 Ka Hatch/Sedan)?

In March 2019, Ford Brazil recalled Ka Hatch and Sedan model-year 2019 vehicles manufactured between February 11 and 19, 2019 (chassis range K8293090 to K8327710). During production of the steering wheel frame, a crack may have formed in one of the mounting hooks that secure the… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2019-2020 Ford Ka Recall: Front Seat Recliner Assembled Without Internal Lock (2019-2020 Ka Hatch)?

In September/October 2019, Ford Brazil recalled Ka Hatch model-year 2019 vehicles (manufactured October 10, 2018 to June 1, 2019) and model-year 2020 vehicles (manufactured February 18 to September 19, 2019), together with the EcoSport, because the manual seat-back reclining mech… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.