Britain's best-selling van with unmatched dealer support
The Transit Custom has been the UK's best-selling van for over a decade, dominating the medium panel van segment. First-generation models (2013-2023) start from around £8,000-£20,000 used. The all-new second generation launched in 2023 with a completely redesigned cab and the option of an all-electric E-Transit Custom. Ford's UK dealer network is the largest of any manufacturer, ensuring parts and service availability nationwide. Retains 40-50% value after three years.
We track 7 known issues across the Ford Transit Custom range, including 2 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Ford Transit Custom? Enter the reg to see which of our 7 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
V362 (2012–2024) — Engine options included the 2.0 EcoBlue, 2.0 EcoBlue, 2.0 EcoBlue, 2.2 TDCi, 2.2 TDCi.
Transit Custom brake pipes suffer accelerated corrosion, particularly affecting 2.0L diesel models. MOT data shows failure rates 46.1x the national fleet average, with the trend worsening over recent years. The issue appears most severe at 40,000-60,000 miles but extends across all mileage bands above 40,000 miles. Commercial usage patterns with frequent loading and exposure to road salt exacerbate the corrosion. This is a critical safety defect that can lead to complete brake failure.
Corroded brake pipes can rupture without warning, causing immediate loss of braking on the affected circuit. While the dual-circuit system provides backup, commercial loading means stopping distances increase dramatically. Complete brake pipe renewal typically costs £400-800 depending on extent of corrosion. Vehicle is unsafe to drive if brake pipe integrity is compromised.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
Transit Custom suspension components, particularly lower control arms and subframe mounting points, suffer severe corrosion that compromises structural integrity. MOT data shows failure rates peaking at 53.6x the national fleet average on 2.0L diesel models. The combination of commercial loading, road salt exposure, and steel construction creates accelerated corrosion of safety-critical suspension mounting points. This affects vehicle stability and steering control.
Severely corroded suspension components can fracture without warning, causing immediate loss of vehicle control and potential wheel detachment. Partial failure leads to poor handling, irregular tyre wear, and compromised braking stability. Suspension component replacement typically costs £400-1,200 depending on extent of damage. Vehicle is unsafe to drive if structural corrosion is present.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
Ford EcoBlue diesel injectors develop internal wear and seal degradation, causing rough running, increased emissions, and reduced fuel economy. The issue is particularly prevalent on high-mileage commercial vehicles due to extended idling periods and stop-start driving patterns that prevent injectors reaching optimal operating temperature. Contaminated diesel fuel and extended service intervals exacerbate injector wear. Individual injector replacement is possible, but multiple injector failure is typical.
Failed injectors cause reduced power, poor fuel economy (typically 20-30% increase in consumption), excessive emissions leading to MOT failure, and potential engine damage from poor combustion. Single injector replacement costs £300-500, but multiple injector failure requiring complete set replacement typically costs £1,200-2,000. Vehicle remains driveable but with significantly reduced performance and economy.
Check for fuel smells around the engine bay and underneath the car. Look for staining or wetness around fuel lines and connections. Injector issues may cause rough running or misfires that are most noticeable at idle.
Ford EcoBlue engines suffer DPF blockage due to urban commercial driving patterns that prevent proper regeneration cycles. The DPF requires sustained high exhaust temperatures to burn off accumulated soot, but stop-start delivery patterns and extended idling prevent this. Warning lights indicate when forced regeneration is needed, but ignored warnings lead to complete DPF failure. Commercial operators frequently experience this issue due to inappropriate duty cycles for DPF-equipped vehicles.
Complete DPF blockage causes vehicle to enter limp mode with severely restricted power and speed. Continued driving with blocked DPF can damage the turbocharger and engine through excessive back-pressure. DPF cleaning costs £200-400, replacement £800-1,500. Professional DPF removal and cleaning may restore function, but complete replacement is often necessary on severely blocked units.
Ask about the car's typical usage — short urban journeys prevent DPF regeneration. Check for DPF warning lights and ask about any previous regeneration issues. A forced regeneration at a garage costs far less than a DPF replacement.
Ford EcoBlue AdBlue systems develop faults in the dosing module, quality sensor, and heating elements that prevent proper DEF injection. Poor quality AdBlue fluid crystallises in the system, blocking injectors and causing sensor failures. The system monitors AdBlue quality and quantity continuously, triggering warnings when faults occur. Extended periods of system malfunction lead to vehicle start prohibition to comply with emissions regulations.
AdBlue system malfunction initially reduces NOx reduction efficiency but allows normal driving. Persistent faults trigger countdown warnings and eventually prevent engine restart to comply with emissions legislation. AdBlue dosing module replacement costs £300-600, complete system service including tank cleaning costs £400-800. Vehicle becomes undriveable if start prohibition is triggered.
Ask about the car's typical usage — short urban journeys prevent DPF regeneration. Check for DPF warning lights and ask about any previous regeneration issues. A forced regeneration at a garage costs far less than a DPF replacement.
For the full breakdown of all 7 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Ford Transit Custom common problems page.
Based on 308k real DVSA MOT tests, the Ford Transit Custom fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is obligatory rear fog lamp missing, or a front or... at 178x the fleet average, followed by tyre load capacity load capacity insufficient f... (82x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Ford Transit Custom MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 20k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
See the full Ford Transit Custom service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Ford Transit Custom has some well-documented weak points, including 2 safety-critical issues that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable. 2018-2021 with the 2.0 EcoBlue engine offer the best reliability and value. The 2018 facelift resolved many early gearbox and differential issues. The 130PS manual is the fleet workhorse; the 170PS auto suits owner-drivers wanting comfort. Avoid 2013-2016 models due to gearbox and rear differential problems. The all-new 2023+ generation is impressive but still proving itself. Always check for full Ford service history.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Ford Transit Custom, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 7 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 7 known Ford Transit Custom issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.