Ford Transit Transit Custom 2.0 TDCi 130bhp Known Faults

2.0 TDCi 130bhp2013–presentDieselManualVan6 known faults

The UK's best-selling van. The 2.0 TDCi is a workhorse but DPF and EGR issues from urban use are endemic in fleet vehicles.

What To Check Before Buying

✓Check service history — was oil changed regularly?
✓Look for blue/black smoke on startup and under load
✓Listen for rattles, knocking, or turbo whine
✓Test all electrics including windows, AC, and central locking
✓Check for DPF warning light or recent regenerations
✓Inspect for rust underneath and around wheel arches
✓Request a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic

Known Faults

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.

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.

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.

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.

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