2004 Ford Transit · 9,130 MOT tests
2004 Ford Transit reliability
2004 Ford Transits fail 44.3% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 24 Transit years (9,130 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Ford Transits: 36.7%)
- 44.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford Transits: 36.7%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 0% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- 116,892
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 9,130
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 4% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- 2005 cars: about average for its age (the 2004 car does better)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 18.4% of tests fail here (84% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 51% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 Ford Transit
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics21.6%
- Suspension21.2%
- Body, chassis and structure18.4%
- Brakes15.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors9.4%
- Seat belts and airbags5%
- Steering4.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 12.23%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Position lamp not working 4.55%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Chassis corroded, rigidity significantly reduced 4.52%
Serious corrosion weakens the chassis, affecting crash safety and handling, so specialist assessment is needed.
Body structure corroded, rigidity reduced 4.21%
Serious corrosion in the body structure weakens crash protection and handling, so specialist inspection is essential.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.19%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 3.95%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (21.52%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (17.22%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (10.15%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (9.64%) · Chassis corroded but still rigid (9.42%) · Body structure corroded but rigid (8.19%)
Other years
Every Ford Transit year
The full picture: Ford Transit reliability. Before you pay for any Ford Transit, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2004 Ford Transit reliable?
2004 Ford Transits fail 44.3% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 24 Transit years (9,130 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 Ford Transit MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (12.23% of tests), position lamp not working (4.55% of tests), chassis corroded, rigidity significantly reduced (4.52% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 Ford Transit have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2004 Ford Transit shows 116,892 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
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