FORD TRANSIT Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 14,262 MOT tests from 997 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore. The figures below describe that VehicleScore sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are not a claim that every FORD TRANSIT has the same fault.

FORD TRANSIT's have a slightly over average reliability rating of 552/999. The score was calculated from the average of every FORD TRANSIT that has had a registered MOT.

We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.

Also check BHP & performance, road tax, fuel economy, and CO2 emissions for the FORD TRANSIT.

FORD TRANSIT (example)

Check a Ford Transit before you buy

Enter your registration to see available vehicle history information including service records, MOT, mileage, write-off status, outstanding finance and more.

Service history
Dealer & service records
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Past & current MOT data
Write-off check
Check for insurance write-offs
Finance check
Outstanding finance & theft checks

Fuel Type	Year	Reliability Score	Avg Mileage	Sample Size
N/A	N/A	712/999Very good	82,188 miles	29,552 vehicles
N/A	N/A	669/999Good	121,534 miles	577 vehicles
N/A	N/A	665/999Good	109,112 miles	749 vehicles
N/A	N/A	665/999Good	99,560 miles	668 vehicles
N/A	N/A	665/999Good	82,609 miles	43,895 vehicles
N/A	N/A	648/999Good	124,291 miles	684 vehicles
N/A	N/A	643/999Good	124,646 miles	532 vehicles
N/A	N/A	630/999Good	83,397 miles	56,338 vehicles
N/A	N/A	577/999Above average	127,817 miles	503 vehicles
N/A	N/A	543/999Above average	137,464 miles	1,338 vehicles
N/A	N/A	520/999Above average	86,446 miles	46,562 vehicles
N/A	N/A	499/999Average	121,754 miles	4,145 vehicles
N/A	N/A	412/999Average	103,148 miles	22,098 vehicles
N/A	N/A	401/999Average	88,667 miles	29,148 vehicles
N/A	N/A	387/999Fair	94,444 miles	22,329 vehicles
N/A	N/A	384/999Fair	91,386 miles	22,107 vehicles
N/A	N/A	364/999Fair	88,789 miles	21,809 vehicles

How reliable is the FORD TRANSIT?

Based on 14,262 MOT tests from 997 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore.

Vehicles

997

MOT tests

14,262

Pass rate

70.5%

Median mileage

123,157 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every FORD TRANSIT has the same fault. The median VehicleScore in this sample is 523 out of 999.

Common FORD TRANSIT MOT problems

These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.

Corrosion

VehicleScore MOT data includes 1,449 advisory comments and 225 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record corrosion the tester could see on the body or structure. Corrosion already named on a spring, brake, or other component is counted with that component.

What to inspect

Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE FRONT BRAKE PIPE CORRODED, COVERED IN GREASE OR OTHER MATERIAL (1.1.11 (C))

Tyre wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 867 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.

What to inspect

Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE FRONT TYRE WORN CLOSE TO LEGAL LIMIT/WORN ON EDGE (5.2.3 (E))

Oil leak

VehicleScore MOT data includes 852 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an oil leak noted by the tester. Shock absorber misting is counted as a damper issue, not as an engine oil leak.

What to inspect

Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

Example MOT wording: OIL LEAK, BUT NOT EXCESSIVE (8.4.1 (A) (I))

Brake disc wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 696 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake discs that were worn, scored, pitted, or corroded.

What to inspect

Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.

Example MOT wording: FRONT BRAKE DISC WORN, PITTED OR SCORED, BUT NOT SERIOUSLY WEAKENED (1.1.14 (A) (II))

Lamp and bulb faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 621 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a lamp or bulb other than a headlamp or indicator.

What to inspect

Switch on the side, brake, fog, and number-plate lamps.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE FRONT POSITION LAMP NOT WORKING (4.2.1 (A) (II))

Brake pad wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 517 advisory comments and 62 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake pads that were worn or below the inspection limit.

What to inspect

Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.

Example MOT wording: FRONT BRAKE PAD(S) WEARING THIN (1.1.13 (A) (II))

Suspension arm issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 456 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a worn, corroded, or damaged suspension arm or its pin.

What to inspect

Look for play or corrosion at the arm and ask whether it has been replaced.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE FRONT SUSPENSION ARM PIN OR BUSH WORN BUT NOT RESULTING IN EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT (5.3.4 (A) (I))

Parking brake faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 286 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a parking brake that did not hold well enough or had a component defect.

What to inspect

Test that the parking brake holds the car on a slope and releases cleanly.

Example MOT wording: PARKING BRAKE EFFICIENCY BELOW REQUIREMENTS (1.4.2 (A) (I))

FORD TRANSIT MOT reliability by year

A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore has at least 5 vehicles from that year.

Year	Vehicles	MOT tests	Pass rate	Recurring issues seen
2026	6	0	—	No recurring grouped MOT issue in this year sample
2025	20	4	100%	No recurring grouped MOT issue in this year sample
2024	10	4	75%	Brake pad wear
2023	6	8	62.5%	No recurring grouped MOT issue in this year sample
2022	10	21	81%	Headlamp faults, Tyre wear
2021	26	103	68.9%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2020	16	81	77.8%	Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
2019	31	166	80.1%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2018	41	302	79.5%	Brake disc wear, Brake pad wear
2017	44	364	78%	Brake pad wear, Brake disc wear
2016	50	468	77.8%	Tyre wear, Corrosion
2015	61	615	77.7%	Corrosion, Tyre wear
2014	53	654	75.2%	Brake disc wear, Corrosion
2013	62	896	70.1%	Suspension arm issues, Lamp and bulb faults
2012	77	1253	65.9%	Corrosion, Lamp and bulb faults
2011	76	1264	68.6%	Corrosion, Tyre wear
2010	76	1296	71%	Corrosion, Tyre wear
2009	44	844	69.2%	Corrosion, Brake disc wear
2008	44	916	66.2%	Corrosion, Lamp and bulb faults
2007	47	975	67.5%	Corrosion, Oil leak
2006	25	482	69.3%	Corrosion, Oil leak
2005	13	316	70.3%	Corrosion, Oil leak
2004	10	245	69%	Corrosion, Lamp and bulb faults
2003	16	405	70.4%	Suspension arm issues, Windscreen damage
2002	11	266	69.9%	Corrosion, Tyre wear
2001	13	317	74.1%	Corrosion, Tyre wear
2000	8	211	74.9%	Tyre wear, Corrosion
1999	11	277	74.4%	Corrosion, Oil leak
1996	8	200	64.5%	Oil leak, Corrosion
1995	10	182	74.7%	Shock absorber issues, Corrosion

What to check when buying a used FORD TRANSIT

This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.

Corrosion. Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.
Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.
Oil leak. Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.
Brake disc wear. Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.
Lamp and bulb faults. Switch on the side, brake, fog, and number-plate lamps.
Brake pad wear. Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.
Suspension arm issues. Look for play or corrosion at the arm and ask whether it has been replaced.
Parking brake faults. Test that the parking brake holds the car on a slope and releases cleanly.

Buying a FORD TRANSIT?

Common problems tell you what can affect FORD TRANSITs generally. VehicleScore can check the history of the actual car you're considering.

Where does this data come from?

VehicleScore analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.

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