Van · 1996–2021 cars
Ford Transit reliability
The Ford Transit fails 36.7% of first MOT tests, 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 1,081,940 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Ford Transit before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 36.7%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 15% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 1,081,940
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 13,400
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
What this means for buyers
The Ford Transit has a mixed MOT record. 36.7% of first tests end in a fail, against 28.4% for all cars. Compared with cars of the same age and mileage, it has 15% more MOT fails, and it ranks 20 of 40 van models. 1999 is the best year, with 8% fewer MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage, while 2012 is the weakest, with 33% more. The body, chassis and structure is the weakest area, with 154% more fails than comparable cars.
A high fail rate doesn't rule the Transit out. A well-kept one can be a good buy. Look closely at the body, chassis and structure. Then check the most common faults: the CV joint boot, split or insecure (4.57% of tests), the position lamp (4.12%), the stop lamp (3.74%) and the registration plate lamp (3.57%).
MOT fail rate by age
How the Ford Transit ages
Each point is the share of Ford Transits of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Ford Transit | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 19.8% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 22.3% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 24.7% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 27.8% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 30.3% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 33.6% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 37.4% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 43% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 48% | 34.6% |
| 12 | 49.8% | 37.3% |
| 13 | 49.1% | 39.5% |
| 14 | 48.2% | 41.1% |
| 15 | 46.9% | 42.3% |
| 16 | 44.9% | 42.9% |
| 17 | 43.2% | 43.4% |
| 18 | 45.1% | 43.5% |
| 19 | 44.6% | 43.4% |
| 20 | 43.7% | 42.8% |
| 21 | 41% | 41.4% |
| 22 | 40.3% | 40.6% |
| 23 | 36.8% | 38.9% |
| 24 | 34.4% | 37.1% |
| 25 | 37.8% | 35.8% |
By year
The best and worst Ford Transit years
1999 cars come out best and 2012 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 727 | 20.4% | 41% more fails | 38,099 |
| 2020 Transit | 2,667 | 18.7% | 17% more fails | 48,689 |
| 2019 Transit | 8,012 | 22.6% | 32% more fails | 53,950 |
| 2018 Transit | 66,847 | 23.4% | 20% more fails | 66,724 |
| 2017 Transit | 152,836 | 26.8% | 22% more fails | 76,811 |
| 2016 Transit | 145,797 | 28.3% | 13% more fails | 87,216 |
| 2015 Transit | 126,558 | 31.4% | 10% more fails | 100,160 |
| 2014 Transit | 104,741 | 33.6% | 6% more fails | 110,065 |
| 2013 Transit | 73,107 | 43.3% | 26% more fails | 118,186 |
| 2012 Transit | 55,818 | 49.3% | 33% more fails | 127,510 |
| 2011 Transit | 69,248 | 49.1% | 24% more fails | 136,137 |
| 2010 Transit | 59,458 | 49.3% | 20% more fails | 141,802 |
| 2009 Transit | 42,993 | 48.4% | 15% more fails | 140,969 |
| 2008 Transit | 50,452 | 48.1% | 11% more fails | 138,625 |
| 2007 Transit | 41,092 | 46% | 5% more fails | 141,511 |
| 2006 Transit | 24,197 | 44.9% | 1% more fails | 134,098 |
| 2005 Transit | 12,735 | 44.6% | 1% more fails | 118,417 |
| 2004 Transit | 9,130 | 44.3% | 0% fewer fails | 116,892 |
| 2003 Transit | 9,471 | 46% | 4% more fails | 127,459 |
| 2002 Transit | 7,923 | 42.8% | 1% fewer fails | 125,573 |
| 2001 Transit | 5,117 | 41.5% | 2% fewer fails | 123,960 |
| 2000 Transit | 3,705 | 37.6% | 7% fewer fails | 111,058 |
| 1999 Transit | 4,171 | 34.7% | 8% fewer fails | 94,033 |
| 1998 Transit | 3,373 | 37.1% | 1% more fails | 95,594 |
| 1997 Transit | 1,316 | 39% | 6% more fails | 101,425 |
| 1996 | 449 | 39% | 8% more fails | 98,015 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Ford Transit
Its weak spot is body, chassis and structure: 154% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics17.6%31% above avg
- Suspension12.9%22% above avg
- Brakes11.5%45% above avg
- Body, chassis and structure10.1%154% above avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7.4%50% above avg
- Tyres5.1%29% below avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.7%21% above avg
- Steering2.5%9% above avg
- Seat belts and airbags1.9%54% above avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
CV joint boot split or insecure 4.57% of tests
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
- 2
Position lamp not working 4.12% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 3
Stop lamp not working 3.74% of tests
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
- 4
Registration plate lamp not working 3.57% of tests
A dark number plate lamp makes the plate hard to read at night, which is illegal and must be fixed.
- 5
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 3.26% of tests
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
- 6
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 3.02% of tests
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
- 7
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.8% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 8
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.69% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Ford Transit's MOT certificate most often.
- Brake pipes corroded and greasy15.55%
- Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear12.91%
- Brake disc pitted or scored12.28%
- Tyre worn close to legal limit11.39%
- Brake pads wearing thin9%
- Engine oil leak, not excessive8.25%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Ford Transit
- 1
CV joint boot split or insecure
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
- 2
Position lamp not working
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 3
Stop lamp not working
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
- 4
Registration plate lamp not working
A dark number plate lamp makes the plate hard to read at night, which is illegal and must be fixed.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Ford Transit covers about 13,400 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Diesel99.7%
- Petrol0.2%
- LPG0.1%
- Hybrid0%
- Other0%
- Electric0%
Most common colours
White, Silver, Blue, Grey, Black
Average engine size: 2.2 litres.
Compare
How the Ford Transit compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Transporter | 31.7% | 5% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Volkswagen Caddy | 30.5% | about average for its age |
| Ford Transit Connect | 36% | 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Ford Transit | 36.7% | 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Peugeot Partner | 38.1% | 32% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Vauxhall Vivaro | 43.6% | 33% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Citroën Berlingo | 41.9% | 37% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every van ranked in the van reliability index, or all Ford models.
Questions
Ford Transit questions, answered
Is the Ford Transit reliable?
On MOT results, the Ford Transit is below average: it fails 36.7% of first MOT tests, 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 20 of 40 van models in our index.
What fails most on a Ford Transit MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Ford Transit are cv joint boot split or insecure (4.57% of tests), position lamp not working (4.12% of tests), stop lamp not working (3.74% of tests). By area, lights and electrics fails 17.6% of its tests.
Which Ford Transit year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 1999 cars do best (8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2012 cars do worst (33% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Ford Transit do a year?
A typical Ford Transit covers about 13,400 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Ford Transit before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
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