Known Faults Database

Ford Transit problems, reliability and years to avoid

If you are considering buying a used Ford Transit, these are the common problems worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 2 known faults for this model, 2 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.

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Is the Ford Transit reliable?

The Ford Transit has 2 known faults in our database, 2 of them rated high severity. The most serious are bodywork (inner and outer sills rot from the inside out) and bodywork (rot in the rear inner wheel tubs and floor). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.

That is a count of the faults we hold, not a reliability score. Popular cars get written about more, and a newer generation has had less time to show its faults.

Which Ford Transit years should you avoid?

No year is a write-off on its own. What matters is which serious faults a given year and engine can have, and whether the car in front of you has had them fixed.

Years and engines with a serious known fault

  • 2000 to 2014, All: inner and outer sills rot from the inside out

Each one is set out in full below, with the symptoms, the typical mileage and a rough repair cost.

Bodywork/ChassisHigh severity💬 Owner reports

Inner and outer sills rot from the inside out: the sliding door's lower channel drains water straight into the inner sill, so the spot-welded seam between inner and outer sill corrodes where it cannot be seen. The cab steps rot unseen beneath their plastic step liners, and rust also breaks out where the driver's door shuts against the striker. Sill corrosion is structural and a common Transit MOT failure.

Rough guide
£300-1500

Typical symptoms

  • bubbling along the sill seam or the edges of the cab steps
  • crusty metal or rust flakes under the plastic step liners
  • rust bloom around the driver's door striker plate
  • corrosion advisories in the MOT history

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All
Years:
2000-2014
Typically appears:
8-15 years
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
Bodywork/ChassisHigh severity💬 Owner reports

Rot in the rear inner wheel tubs and floor, and in the chassis rails at the reinforced bump-stop and spring-hanger sections, where trapped mud and damaged underseal hold salt against the metal. The front wings also corrode behind factory sponge sound-deadening pads that trap moisture. Spring hangers and chassis rails are load-bearing, so perforation here is an MOT structural failure.

Rough guide
£400-2000

Typical symptoms

  • flaking rust on the chassis rails around the rear spring hangers
  • bubbling on the lower front parts of the rear arches
  • rust staining on the front wings with no stone-chip damage
  • welded patches or thick fresh underseal on the rails

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All
Years:
2000-2014
Typically appears:
8-15 years
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →

Sellers rarely admit these faults outright

We track 8 specific phrases sellers use in adverts to soft-pedal these exact issues. Paste any Ford Transit advert and we check it in seconds.

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Ford Transit recalls

Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. These are the 38 DVSA recalls for the Transit, newest first. They do not tell you whether this particular car has had the work: for that, put the registration into the free GOV.UK MOT history check, which shows a recall status where the manufacturer shares it, or ask a franchised dealer to check the VIN.

🏛️ July 2026Cars built May 2024 to January 2025

Transit - Vehicle Identification Number Label Missing Mandatory Weight Information

On affected vehicles the B-pillar label displays the Vehicle Identification Number but the fields for mandatory vehicle weight information may be blank.

Put right by: Remove the existing label clean the area and install a new replacement displaying the correct mandatory information.

DVSA R/2026/31228 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2026Cars built October 2025 to May 2026

Transit and Transit/Tourneo Custom - Automatic Transmission Snap Ring

Affected vehicles may have an Electronic One-Way Clutch Assembly built with an unseated snap ring which may lead to a sudden and unexpected loss of forward or reverse movement.

Put right by: Disassemble the transmission to check the snap ring is correctly seated and replace any necessary parts.

DVSA R/2026/30631 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2026Cars built December 2025 to February 2026

Transit M2 - Missing MOIS (Moving Off Information System

On affected vehicles the Moving Off Information System (MOIS) has been disabled so it is unable to warn of pedestrians or cyclists close to and in front of the vehicle.

Put right by: Update the software to enable the MOIS.

DVSA R/2026/29712 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2026Cars built March 2026 to May 2026

Multi Vehicle Line: Unintended High Beam Behaviour - Compliance

Affected vehicles may experience erratic behaviour of the Glare Free High Beam function under certain circumstances.

Put right by: Update the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Electronic Control Unit software.

DVSA R/2026/2683,895 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2026Cars built March 2022 to January 2024

Transit - Potential Incorrect CO2 Emissions Recorded On The Certificate Of Conformity

On affected vehicles the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) may contain inaccurate CO2 data. As a result the CoCs state a lower CO2 value than intended.

Put right by: Dealers will exchange CoC papers and help owners update their vehicle's registration documentation. Ford will reimburse any underpaid purchase tax due as a result of the vehicle's re-registration.

DVSA R/2026/178602 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2026Cars built December 2020 to October 2021

Transit - Instrument Panel Cluster Configuration Update

According to Ford's records certain Transit vehicles may not have the remedy for Compliance Recall 21C32 installed correctly but were recorded as having received the repair successfully. Because the correct configuration update may not have been installed on these vehicles the underlying condition may still exist therefore these vehicles may still have the incorrect configuration loaded onto the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC). On affected vehicles an incorrect Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) configuration may have disabled the Advanced Emergency Braking System warning messages. Although the system remains functional the instrument cluster may not display the required warning message and no chime may sound which could result in the vehicle not complying with applicable regulations. Dealers will update the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) configuration to the latest available level.

Put right by: Dealers will update the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) configuration to the latest available level.

DVSA R/2026/17217 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2026Cars built January 2025 to June 2025

Transit - Lower Arm Rear Bolt Replacement

On affected vehicles one of the front suspension bolts may have been overtightened during manufacturer which may cause it to weaken and fracture over time.

Put right by: Replace the affected front suspension bolt.

DVSA R/2026/1374 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2026Cars built May 2024 to October 2025

Transit Automatic Transmission Wiring Damage

On affected vehicles insufficient clearance between the wiring harness and transmission housing may lead to damaged wiring or chafing which can cause a short circuit and arcing increasing the risk of fire.

Put right by: Check the wiring harness. Repair reposition and secure if necessary..

DVSA R/2026/0321,408 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2026Cars built August 2025 to December 2025

Transit - Double Chassis Side Marker Lamps Missing

Affected vehicles have been produced without the required front side marker lamps.

Put right by: Remove the existing front door body side mouldings and replace with new body side mouldings that include the side marker lamps.

DVSA R/2026/02494 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2026Cars built May 2024 to June 2024

Transit - Body Control Module Software Update

On affected vehicles the software repair for previous recall 25C80 may not have been delivered properly and incorrect Body Control Module (BCM) software may prevent the side parking lights from functioning as intended

Put right by: Update the BCM software and perform an additional verification process to ensure the configuration has been installed correctly.

DVSA R/2026/0484 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2026Cars built May 2022 to January 2026

Transit and Transit Custom - 12V Battery Venting

Affected vehicles may have 12V batteries that have been incorrectly vented allowing any potential venting to be directed into the cabin.

Put right by: Inspect the battery and replace if required. Fit a battery vent tube to expel any gases.

DVSA R/2026/01891,461 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2025Cars built April 2025 to June 2025

Transit M2 Bus - Software Update

On affected vehicles information on safety instructions (location of emergency exits fire extinguishers and emergency hammers) is missing in the SYNC information screen.

Put right by: Update the SYNC system software to add the necessary information and diagrams.

DVSA R/2025/429120 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ September 2025Cars built July 2023 to May 2024

Frozen Rearview Camera Screen

On affected vehicles there is a potential software issue causing the rear-view camera not to function as intended.

Put right by: Update the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) software to the latest level.

DVSA R/2025/3614,867 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ September 2025Cars built March 2021 to March 2021

CrossCar: Sync3 Rear-View Camera Software Update

On affected vehicles a software problem may result in issues with the rear-view camera that reduce the driver's view or with it remaining on after a reversing event.

Put right by: Update the vehicle software to the latest level.

DVSA R/2025/3591 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2025Cars built October 2023 to January 2024

Transit - Chassis Inspection

Ford constantly monitors production processes and vehicles in operation. While monitoring vehicles in operation we have become aware of a number of Transit Chassis vehicles which may require a strengthening plate to be fitted to the vehicle's chassis. The strengthening plate is precautionary and will provide additional strength and durability for the life of the vehicle.

Put right by: The Ford dealer will visually inspect the affected chassis section for any initial damage and will install a reinforcement plate to prevent any potential future deformation.

DVSA R/2025/226140 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2025Cars built September 2024 to May 2025

Transit Transit Custom - Potential Panther Engine Timing Idler Gear Loose

On affected vehicles the engine idler gear bolt may shear resulting in the idler gear dropping and primary drive failure. This can result in complete engine failure leading to a stall and/or no start condition.

Put right by: Replace the idler gear and idler bolt.

DVSA R/2025/3522 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2025Cars built February 2025 to March 2025

Transit Transit Custom - Potential exhaust manifold nut incorrectly torqued

On affected vehicles the correct tightening torque was not reached on some of the exhaust manifold nuts during the manufacturing process. This could lead to exhaust gas leaking and the melting of the nearby plastic oil separator causing oil to leak on to hot surfaces and the risk of fire.

Put right by: Visually check to confirm all nut positions and condition. Remove the engine and replace the nut and stud if not ok.

DVSA R/2025/1995 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2024Cars built June 2024 to June 2024

Transit - Side parking lights not operating correctly

On affected vehicles the incorrect software could prevent the Side Parking Light function from operating as intended therefore failing to comply with existing regulations.

Put right by: Update the Body Control Module software.

DVSA R/2024/44090 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2024Cars built October 2023 to April 2024

Transit Skeletal Chassis Inspection

On affected vehicles there may be damage to a section of the vehicle's chassis.

Put right by: Check the vehicle chassis and if found with a defect in the areas shown the manufacturer will buy back the vehicle.

DVSA R/2024/4135,352 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ September 2024Cars built October 2023 to April 2024

Transit Rear hub bearing

Affected vehicles may experience a lack of lubrication to the rear wheel bearings leading to premature failure.

Put right by: Check of vehicles current mileage and where necessary inspect bearing to ensure full lubrication with parts replaced as necessary.

DVSA R/2024/34618 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2024Cars built October 2022 to August 2023

Transit - Incorrect trailer tow installed

A small number of Transit vehicles have been manufactured with an incorrect tow bar that does not meet the correct load specifications. It is important for the affected vehicles to be returned to a Ford Authorised Dealer. If the tow load is in excess of 2600kg this could potentially result in the trailer becoming detached or the tow bar assembly being damaged. A detached trailer or a damaged tow bar could increase the risk of an accident.

Put right by: Install the correct tow bar free of charge parts and labour.

DVSA R/2024/2003 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2024Cars built December 2023 to December 2023

Transit Rear Brake Line Inspection

The wrong brake line hose may have been installed on the right rear. The longer brake line could create a touch condition with the rear wheel which could in turn cause a brake fluid leak. In the event of a leak you may notice a soft brake pedal feel and a red warning light will illuminate in the cluster. The brake system has two separate diagonal brake line circuits and in the event of one brake line circuit failure the vehicle is able to stop with the functionality of the secondary brake circuit. If the brake lines on both sides were to fail it may lead to a loss of brake function.

Put right by: Inspect and replace with correct hose.

DVSA R/2024/1906 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2024Cars built October 2023 to January 2024

Transit Skeletal Chassis Inspection

While monitoring vehicles in operation we have become aware of a number of Transit Chassis vehicles may have damage to a section of the vehicle's chassis. The chassis is the structural element of the vehicle.

Put right by: Inspect and replace vehicle if required possible reworking.

DVSA R/2024/194130 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2023Cars built October 2021 to October 2023

The SYNC screen may display a blue or black image when the vehicle is placed in reverse or when the 360 degree view is selected and available (during low-speed operation).

The SYNC screen may display a blue or black image when the vehicle is placed in reverse or when the 360 degree view is selected and available (during low-speed operation).

Put right by: Replace rear camera and update software

DVSA R/2023/3366,952 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2022Cars built June 2020 to November 2021

Due to an instrument panel cluster misconfiguration the advanced emergency braking system warning messages have been disabled

Due to an Instrument Panel Cluster misconfiguration the Advanced Emergency Braking System warning messages have been disabled.

Put right by: Update the Instrument cluster configuration.

DVSA R/2022/037111 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ August 2021Cars built June 2021 to June 2021

The fuel injector fuel return line connection may not be fully secure

There is a possibility that the fuel injector fuel return line connection/s may not be fully secured.

Put right by: Inspect the fuel injector fuel return line connections to ensure that the connections are fully secured and the locking tags are engaged.

DVSA R/2021/2812 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2021Cars built June 2019 to April 2021

Some vehicles may have been built with an additional bolt that may be loose within the electric power assisted steering

Some vehicles may have been built with an additional bolt that may be loose within the Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS).

Put right by: Replace the steering gear on all vehicles affected.

DVSA R/2021/18320 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2021Cars built September 2019 to August 2020

A rear driveshaft bearing support bracket has not been fitted with the intended internal bushes

On affected vehicles the rear driveshaft bearing support bracket has not been fitted with the intended internal bushes.

Put right by: Fit a new driveshaft bearing support bracket.

DVSA R/2020/3612 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ September 2020Cars built June 2020 to September 2020

Weld penertration on left lower control arm might not meet specification

The left-hand lower control arm may be fitted to vehicles where the weld penetration does not meet specification.

Put right by: Inspect the left-hand lower control arm and replace if within the affected date range.

DVSA R/2020/2752,180 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ August 2020Cars built October 2019 to July 2020

The lower control arms may be fitted with missing or partial welds

The lower control arms may have missing or partial welds

Put right by: Inspect the lower control arms and replace if required.

DVSA R/2020/2472,675 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2020Cars built May 2016 to May 2020

The run on water pump may overheat

The Run On Water Pump (ROWP) fitted to Transit and Transit Custom vehicles may overheat

Put right by: Replacing the 15 Amp fuse with a 7.5 Amp fuse to prevent the possibility for the ROWP to overheat.

DVSA R/2020/18391,814 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2019Cars built February 2017 to August 2017

Incorrectly torqued left hand seatbelt to seatbelt shoulder height adjuster bolt

An incorrectly torqued left hand seatbelt to seatbelt shoulder height adjuster bolt.

Put right by: Replace the left hand seatbelt and shoulder height adjuster with new parts.

DVSA R/2019/0503 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2016Cars built March 2015 to October 2015

Vehicle handling may be compromised by rear stabiliser fault

The Rear Stabiliser bar may not be to specification. This could result in the Rear Stabiliser bar cracking and failing which will result in the vehicle handling characteristics being adversely affected.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and fit a new rear stabiliser bar.

DVSA R/2015/2151,747 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ September 2015Cars built November 2012 to May 2015

Tow bar may fail

A non approved tow bar was fitted during manufacture. The rating of the fitted towbar is below the vehicles approved gross train mass (GTM) and could fail if the vehicle is loaded to it's maximum GTM.

Put right by: On affected vehicles Replace tow bar with an approved towbar of the correct rating.

DVSA R/2015/17722 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2015Cars built September 2014 to January 2015

Engine may cut out

A batch of fuel injector may have been assembled correctly. The internal valve can fail and cause reduced fuel pressure and engine shutdown shutdown with no restart.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the injectors. If the injectors of concern are fitted they will be replaced.

DVSA R/2015/02513,853 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2013Cars built September 2012 to February 2013

Possible brake failure

It is possible that the material specification of the brake pedal pin retaining R clip is not correct. This can cause the spring tension of the clip to reduce. If not rectified there is a possibility that the R clip could become detached which can result in the separation of the brake pedal and the brake booster push rod. This will result in brake failure.

Put right by: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the R clip with a new quality assured one.

DVSA R/2013/02816,348 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2013Cars built May 2010 to August 2012

Brake fluid may leak - braking efficiency may be affected

The rear brake pipe bracket to axle securing bolt may fail due to inconsistencies in bolt manufacture. Low clamp load of the joint could lead to bolt failure and subsequent fatigue failure of the rear brake bundy pipe. This would result loss of brake fluid and significantly reduced brake performance (single circuit brake operation only and soft brake pedal).

Put right by: The original bolt will be replaced with a new bolt and locking nut.

DVSA R/2013/007127,882 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2012Cars built June 2011 to October 2011

Wiper arm may detach

Wiper arm may detach due to the wiper arm pivot pins not being to specification. If the wiper arms detach view to the front could be impaired.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the wiper arm pivot pins.

DVSA R/2012/1305,021 vehicles affected in the UK

Recall data published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency under the Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall listed here may not apply to every car of this model: the build dates and the registration check are what decide it.

Ford Transit cambelt or timing chain, and service intervals

An overdue cambelt is the most expensive thing a seller can fail to mention on a used Transit. These are the figures UK specialists work to.

Timing chainChain
Mk6, Mk7, 2.2 TDCI
No fixed replacement interval

The traditional Ford Transit 2.2 TDCi uses a timing chain with no fixed replacement interval, and chains commonly exceed 300,000 miles. The failure pattern is tensioner and guide wear from poor oil servicing, so listen for a cold start rattle; trade guidance is to inspect from around 10 years old.

Timing belt (cambelt)Wet belt
2.0 ECOBLUE
100,000 miles or 6 years, whichever comes first

Ford revised the 2.0 EcoBlue wet belt (belt-in-oil) interval down from 10 years / 150,000 miles to 6 years / 100,000 miles across Transit, Transit Custom and Tourneo, because fuel dilution of the oil during DPF regeneration degrades the belt early. This is an interference engine: failure bends valves and cracks pistons, with typical repair bills of GBP 4,000-7,000 or more. Independent specialists advise changing by 60,000-80,000 miles.

Always confirm against the vehicle handbook. Intervals vary by engine, and several manufacturers revised theirs after failures in service.

Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: August 2026

Ford Transit buying questions

What should I check when viewing a used Ford Transit?

Ask the seller about the bodywork faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for bubbling along the sill seam or the edges of the cab steps and flaking rust on the chassis rails around the rear spring hangers. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against its known faults before you travel. Check a Ford Transit advert →

Are there any recalls on the Ford Transit?

The DVSA lists 38 safety recalls for the Ford Transit issued between 2012 and 2026. The most recent, from July 2026, is "Transit - Vehicle Identification Number Label Missing Mandatory Weight Information". Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. This list is by model, so it cannot tell you whether one particular car has had the work: the free GOV.UK MOT history check shows a recall status from the registration where the manufacturer shares it, and a franchised dealer can check the VIN.

What is the real MPG of a Ford Transit?

Owners report 30.3 mpg on average across the Ford Transit engines with data, about 86% of the official combined figure. The gap between official and real-world economy varies a lot by engine, so the Real MPG page lists every engine and generation separately, from 309 owner submissions. Ford Transit Real MPG by engine →

Looking at a Ford Transit right now? Check the advert before you go and see it.

Where this Ford Transit fault data comes from

If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the Ford Transit owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.

CarAdCheck is not affiliated with Honest John or Volkswagen Financial Services. What happened to Honest John, and where each feature lives now.

Before you go and see it

Knowing what a Ford Transit goes wrong with is half of it. The rest is reading the advert and checking the car's history before you hand any money over.

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