Ford Transit Reliability and Common Problems
What the Ford Transit fails its MOT on, with rough repair costs, and its MOT pass rate for each model year. Based on 586,245 MOT tests across 32 model years (DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024, retests included).
Segment: large car | Fuel: Diesel, Petrol
76%
Ford Transit pass rate
85%
Ford average
82%
All-model average
The Ford Transit has an average MOT pass rate of 76%, which is 9 points below the Ford average and 6 points below the average across all models in our data. Newer Ford Transits pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Check Your Ford Transit's MOT History
Enter your reg plate to see the specific issues found on your car, plus a health score and running cost estimate.
What the Ford Transit Fails Its MOT On
Of the 104,613 MOT tests on the Ford Transit that failed at the first attempt in 2025, the share that failed on each part of the test, next to the share for all cars and vans of the same ages. A test that failed on two areas counts in both.
Lights and electrics
46%Cars and vans the same age: 38% · Typical repair £15-£200
Suspension
36%Cars and vans the same age: 34% · Typical repair £150-£600
Body, chassis and structure
32%Cars and vans the same age: 12% (the Transit fails on this more often) · Typical repair £200-£1200
Brakes
31%Cars and vans the same age: 22% (the Transit fails on this more often) · Typical repair £80-£450
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors
19%Cars and vans the same age: 15% (the Transit fails on this more often) · Typical repair £10-£350
The 3 single faults it failed on most
- Drive shaft CV boot split or insecure (19% of failed tests, body, chassis and structure)
- Position lamp: not working (11% of failed tests, lights and electrics)
- Stop lamp: not working (11% of failed tests, lights and electrics)
Source: CarCostCheck analysis of DVSA anonymised MOT test results and failure items for 2025: first attempt at each MOT, fail and pass-after-repair defects, DVSA's defect categories (names shortened). Repair costs are rough UK ranges, not quotes. Method and national figures: MOT failure reasons 2025.
Buying a Ford Transit? Check it first
See that car's own MOT history and mileage free, then check it for outstanding finance, an insurance write-off and a stolen record before you pay.
History check £4.99, one-off. No subscription.
Ford Transit Reliability by Year
MOT pass rate for each model year, from DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024 (retests included). Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger. Highest and lowest are marked among years with 100+ tests that were at least three years old when tested. Fuel and engine size are a guide only.
| Year | Fuel | Engine | Pass Rate | Fail Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Diesel | 2.0L | 89% | 3% |
| 2020 | Petrol | 1.0L | 93% | 6% |
| 2019 | Diesel | 2.0L | 84% | 15% |
| 2018 | Diesel | 2.0L | 83% | 16% |
| 2017 | Diesel | 2.0L | 81% | 18% |
| 2016 | Diesel | 2.2L | 80% | 20% |
| 2015 | Diesel | 2.2L | 78% | 21% |
| 2014 | Diesel | 2.2L | 77% | 22% |
| 2013 | Diesel | 2.2L | 74% | 25% |
| 2012 | Diesel | 2.2L | 71% | 28% |
| 2011 | Diesel | 2.4L | 70% | 29% |
| 2010 | Diesel | 2.4L | 69% | 29% |
| 2009 | Diesel | 2.4L | 69% | 29% |
| 2008 | Diesel | 2.4L | 69% | 28% |
| 2007 | Diesel | 2.4L | 70% | 27% |
| 2006 | Diesel | 2.4L | 70% | 27% |
| 2005 | Diesel | 2.4L | 70% | 28% |
| 2004 | Diesel | 2.4L | 70% | 28% |
| 2003 | Diesel | 2.4L | 68% | 29% |
| 2002 | Diesel | 2.4L | 71% | 26% |
| 2001 | Diesel | 2.4L | 71% | 27% |
| 2000 | Diesel | 2.5L | 73% | 25% |
| 1999 | Diesel | 2.5L | 73% | 24% |
| 1998 | Diesel | 2.5L | 72% | 27% |
| 1997 | Diesel | 2.5L | 71% | 27% |
| 1996 | Diesel | 2.5L | 72% | 27% |
| 1995 | Diesel | 2.5L | 72% | 27% |
| 1994 | Diesel | 2.5L | 72% | 26% |
| 1993 | Diesel | 2.5L | 73% | 24% |
| 1992 | Diesel | 2.5L | 66% | 32% |
| 1991 | Diesel | 2.5L | 69% | 30% |
| 1990 | Diesel | 2.5L | 71% | 27% |
Ford Transit Running Costs
Want to know the full annual running costs for the Ford Transit? Including fuel, road tax, the MOT and predicted repairs based on MOT pass rates, plus an estimated insurance group.
View Ford Transit Running CostsCar history check for £4.99
Finance, stolen and write-off checks
Outstanding finance with the lender's details, stolen, write-off and keeper changes. One payment, no subscription.
Comparing checks first? See the cheapest car check in the UK and the best car check providers compared.
Ford Transit FAQ
What are the most common Ford Transit problems?
In 2025, MOT tests on the Ford Transit that failed at the first attempt most often failed on lights and electrics (46% of the 104,613 failed tests), suspension (36%) and body, chassis and structure (32%). The single most common fault was "Drive shaft CV boot split or insecure" (19%). Across 586,245 MOT tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included), 76% ended in a pass.
Is the Ford Transit reliable?
The Ford Transit has an average MOT pass rate of 76%, from 586,245 MOT tests. That is 6 points below the average across all models in our data (82%), so budget for potential repairs. Pass rates fall as cars age, so compare it with cars of a similar age.
Which year Ford Transit is the most reliable?
Of the years with at least 100 tests that were old enough for a routine MOT, the 2020 Ford Transit has the highest MOT pass rate: 93% of its 396 tests ended in a pass. The 1992 has the lowest at 66%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so the pass rate is only part of the picture.
How much does it cost to fix common Ford Transit faults?
As a rough guide, brake work on a Ford Transit typically costs £80-£450 and suspension repairs £150-£600, while exhaust and emissions fixes can cost £80-£800. Lighting and wiper fixes are usually under £200.
Check a Specific Ford Transit
Enter any reg plate to see the exact MOT history, defects found, health score, and running cost estimate for that specific car.
Other Ford Models
Common problems pages for other Ford models