Used buying checklist
Ford Transit Custom reliability, common problems and used buying checks
A used Ford Transit Custom looks better than average for reliability in UK MOT data: 13.4% of 86,593 tests failed, compared with 18.7% across all indexed models. A good example should have a clean MOT history for windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, lights and electrical, and corrosion and structure.
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, lights and electrical, and corrosion and structure.
Start with windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, lights and electrical, and corrosion and structure, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). MOT data does not capture every reliability issue, especially intermittent engine, gearbox or infotainment faults that do not appear during the test.
- 13.4% MOT failure rate
- Median tested mileage 59,750 miles
- 11,580 failed MOT tests analysed
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is the clearest area to check
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is the clearest named problem area in this model's MOT history (13.6 MOT notes per 100 tests). Example MOT phrases from this area include does not clear the windscreen effectively, damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view, and provides insufficient washer liquid.
Example MOT phrases to search in the car's history:
- does not clear the windscreen effectively
- damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view
- provides insufficient washer liquid
- Non obligatory mirror damaged
- inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
- worn down to wear indicator
- lens defective which has no effect on emitted light
- has a product on the light source so that the light output is severely reduced
- excessively corroded
- is deformed and structural rigidity is significantly reduced
Focus on windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, lights and electrical, and corrosion and structure
The model's recorded failure rate is 13.4%, -5.3 percentage points compared with the average across all models. Use the seller questions below to check whether repeat MOT notes have actually been repaired.
- MOT tests analysed86,593 tests
- Median tested mileage59,750 miles
- Failed MOT tests11,580
Should you buy a used Ford Transit Custom?
86.6% of the MOT tests we analysed for this model passed. The model's recorded failure rate is 13.4%, -5.3 percentage points compared with the average across all models. This is a buying brief for the exact car in front of you: clean repeat history matters more than badge reputation.
- Repeat unresolved MOT notes for windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, lights and electrical, and corrosion and structure
- windscreen, wipers, and mirrors appearing across more than one MOT
- Any dangerous MOT failure on the exact car, especially if the same area appears again later
- No paperwork showing applicable recall work has been completed
- A seller who cannot explain MOT wording such as "does not clear the windscreen effectively"
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, lights and electrical, and corrosion and structure.
Start with windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, lights and electrical, and corrosion and structure, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (13.6 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Past 100k miles on the Ford Transit Custom, MOT records most often point to windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, lights and electrical, and corrosion and structure.
The MOT failure rate rises from 10.4% at 0-3 years to 25.0% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%.
Start with windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, lights and electrical, corrosion and structure, and tyres and wheels. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller.
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
What should I check first?
Start with windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, lights and electrical, corrosion and structure, and tyres and wheels. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller. Each item shows whether it comes from MOT results, recall notices, or a standard used-car check.
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Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors Seen in MOT results
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (13.6 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check windscreen damage, wiper operation, washers, mirrors, and demisting.
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Lights and electrical Seen in MOT results
Lights and electrical is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (8.0 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check every lamp, warning light, horn, battery condition, and dashboard messages.
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Corrosion and structure Seen in MOT results
Corrosion and structure is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (5.7 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Inspect sills, subframes, mounting points, arches, and underside corrosion advisories.
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Tyres and wheels Seen in MOT results
Tyres and wheels is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (3.2 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check tyre age, tread depth, sidewall damage, wheel condition, and alignment wear.
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Emissions, engine, and exhaust Seen in MOT results
Emissions, engine, and exhaust is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (2.0 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check warning lights, smoke, exhaust leaks, recent emissions failures, and service history.
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Suspension and steering Seen in MOT results
Suspension and steering is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (1.9 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and inspect steering play.
What changes with mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Ford Transit Custom, MOT records most often point to windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, lights and electrical, and corrosion and structure.
Common MOT problem areas
Common faults: what usually fails on this model?
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (13.6 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Recall-related areas to verify
Official recall areas
Manufacturer recall notices for the Ford Transit Custom mainly involve 6 areas: mixed recall notices, lights and electrical, seatbelts and safety systems, and suspension and steering. Treat each as something to verify on the specific car you are viewing; the recall table below shows the official notice text.
Mileage and age checks
Mileage changes: what starts showing up after high mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Ford Transit Custom, MOT records most often point to windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, lights and electrical, and corrosion and structure. On lower-mileage cars, the most common named areas are windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, lights and electrical, and corrosion and structure.
| Mileage range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-50k | 31,781 | 27,619 | 10.9%+0.1 percentage points vs all models | 36,480 miles |
| 50-100k | 42,598 | 35,814 | 14.3%-6.5 percentage points vs all models | 69,334 miles |
| 100-150k | 10,038 | 8,184 | 17.1%-9.1 percentage points vs all models | 114,851 miles |
| 150-200k | 1,278 | 1,001 | 20.5%-6.8 percentage points vs all models | 163,080 miles |
| 200k+ | 204 | 160 | 21.1%-5.5 percentage points vs all models | 220,673 miles |
Problem areas by mileage
Past 100k miles on the Ford Transit Custom, MOT records most often point to windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, lights and electrical, and corrosion and structure.
| Mileage range | Car areas most often recorded | Specific MOT defect examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50k |
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| 50-100k |
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| 100-150k |
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| 150-200k |
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| 200k+ |
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Fair comparisons: is this problem normal for its age?
The MOT failure rate rises from 10.4% at 0-3 years to 25.0% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%. The highest failure rate by age is 28.2% for 10-15 years cars, based on 78 tests.
| Age range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-3 years 2023–2026 reg. |
1,094 | 978 | 10.4%+2.0 percentage points vs all models | 3.0 years |
| 3-6 years 2020–2023 reg. |
84,382 | 71,047 | 13.3%+2.7 percentage points vs all models | 4.3 years |
| 6-10 years 2016–2020 reg. |
1,031 | 781 | 20.9%+4.3 percentage points vs all models | 7.5 years |
| 10-15 years 2011–2016 reg. |
78 | 53 | 28.2%+4.7 percentage points vs all models | 10.9 years |
| 15+ years pre-2011 reg. |
8 | 6 | 25.0%-0.9 percentage points vs all models | 17.6 years |
Recall records and data freshness
Recall context: are there safety notices to know about?
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
| 2026-01-30 | 25SE6 – 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. Inspect the battery and replace if required. Fit a battery vent tube to expel any gases. |
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| 2025-11-03 | Transit Custom Double Cab In Van (DCiV): Second Row Bench Seat Manufacturing Defect Affected vehicles may have been manufactured with a bench seat frame with a suspect weld due to a manufacturing defect. This could compromise the occupant restraint during a frontal crash potentially increasing the risk of injury. Replace the bench seat frame. |
| 2025-09-24 | Frozen Rearview Camera Screen On affected vehicles there is a potential software issue causing the rear-view camera not to function as intended. Update the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) software to the latest level. |
| 2025-09-22 | 25S85 Transit Custom - Rear Shock Absorber Inspection On affected vehicles a fracture of the shock absorber's top bush eye ring may result in reduced ride quality and compromised handling. Inspect and replace the rear shock absorbers if required. |
| 2025-09-08 | 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. Update the vehicle software to the latest level. |
| 2025-07-29 | 25S58 – Transit Custom PHEV and Explorer PHEV – Software update On affected vehicles the remedy software for a previous recall may not have been installed correctly. In the event of a high voltage battery cell internal short customers may experience a battery power off resulting in a loss of motive power with coasting and battery thermal venting potentially resulting in a vehicle fire. Update the Battery Energy Control Module software. If a high voltage battery cell capacity anomaly is detected replace the high voltage battery pack. |
Related searches
Common ways people look up the Ford Transit Custom. Each link runs the search and lands on the relevant section of this report.
Related reliability guides
See where this model sits against other Ford reports by MOT failure rate and common problem area.
Compare high-confidence model reports across all makes.
Use the fleet mileage baseline before checking this model's own mileage table.
Compare this model's age pattern with the wider MOT baseline.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). These are patterns from many MOT tests and recall notices. They help you decide what to inspect and what to ask; they do not certify the condition of one specific car.