Ford Transit Faults

Common problems, known issues, and reliability guide.

View Ford Transit MOT Pass Rates

See the official MOT pass rate (74.3%) and discover the top reasons this model fails its annual inspection. Based on real DVSA testing data.

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Pre-Purchase Buyer's Guide

Expert Verdict

The Ford Transit is a hugely popular choice on the UK used market. While it has some well-documented common faults, regular servicing and preventative maintenance mitigate the worst of the issues. Its repairability score of 81/100 reflects the general availability of parts and ease of access for independent mechanics.

Repairability Score

81/100

Reliability

Running Costs

What to Look For

Full service history (crucial for timing chains/belts)
Smooth gear changes on automatic variants
Evidence of water ingress in the boot or footwells
Dashboard warning lights on cold startup

What to Avoid

Ex-rental or heavily abused examples
Cars with 'lifetime' gearbox oil that has never been changed
Specific early-year diesel engines without DPF/EGR history

Variants

Transit Custom 2.0 TDCi 130bhp

2.0 TDCi 130bhp

2013–present · Diesel · Manual

6 faults

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Top Faults Across All Transit Variants

DPF Blockage from Idling and Short Trips

Moderate

2013-202130,000–80,000 miles£200–£1000

Fleet Transit Customs spend long periods idling at low speed — the worst possible operating profile for a DPF. Blockage is the number one reported fault across UK fleets.

EGR Valve and Cooler Failure

Moderate

2013-202140,000–90,000 miles£300–£700

EGR failure on the Transit Custom 2.0 TDCi is extremely common in fleet use. The valve carbons up rapidly in stop-start environments.

Turbocharger Variable Vane Sticking

Severe

2013-202160,000–130,000 miles£200–£1000

The VNT turbocharger on the 2.0 TDCi Transit Custom develops sticky variable vanes from carbon build-up, causing power loss and limp mode.

Dual Mass Flywheel Failure

Moderate

2013-202180,000–160,000 miles£800–£1300

The Transit Custom carries loads and covers high mileages — both conditions that accelerate DMF wear. A shuddering, rattling van at idle is the typical presentation.

AdBlue System Fault and NOx Sensor Failure

Moderate

2016-202140,000–100,000 miles£150–£700

Post-2016 Euro 6 Transit Customs use AdBlue SCR systems that develop NOx sensor faults, AdBlue pump failures and frozen lines in cold weather.

Injector Failure and Diesel Contamination of Oil

Severe

2013-2021100,000–200,000 miles£300–£1000

High-mileage Transit Customs suffer injector wear, causing diesel to contaminate the engine oil. This is a serious secondary failure that must be caught early.