Is the Ford Transit reliable?
The Ford Transit has a first-time MOT pass rate of 66.9%, from 1,861,687 tests on cars dating from 2000 to 2023. All cars together manage 71.7%. Age explains some of that but not all: against cars of the same age the Transit trails by 8.2 points, which puts it well below average. The cleanest measure of build quality is the first test at three years old, where the Transit scores 78% against 87.9% for all cars. When a Transit does fail, a number plate light not working is the item recorded most often.
Why Ford Transits fail the MOT
A number plate light not working is recorded on 9.3% of failed Ford Transit tests, followed by a split CV boot at 8.5% and brake pads worn below 1.5mm at 8%. Percentages can add to more than 100 because one failed test often records several defects.
A blown bulb fails the test as surely as a worn brake, and a bulb is a few pounds. Check brake lights with the car reversed up to a wall.
Advisories to expect on a Transit
These are the advisories most often recorded on a Ford Transit: items that passed on the day but were wearing. Tyre tread below the legal minimum is noted on 15.5% of all tests. If one of these is on a car's last certificate, it is the next repair. Nationally, an advisory on lights becomes a failure 36.1% of the time.
Does fuel type matter on a Transit?
The petrol Transit has the better record at 75.8%; the diesel manages 66.9%. 8.9 points is a real difference.
| Fuel | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel | 66.9% | 1,841,454 |
| Petrol | 75.8% | 14,634 |
Ford Transit pass rate by year
Between 2000 (62.7%) and 2023 (84.8%) the pass rate moves mostly with age. Among years with a decent sample, 2022 is the strongest at 78.1% and 2010 the weakest at 50.2%.
| First used | Pass rate | Tests | Miles a year | First MOT pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Transit 2023 | 84.8% | 1,446 | 20,535 | – |
| Ford Transit 2022 | 78.1% | 46,186 | 16,028 | 77.9% |
| Ford Transit 2021 | 78% | 112,259 | 15,378 | 77.3% |
| Ford Transit 2020 | 77.6% | 141,357 | 14,490 | 79% |
| Ford Transit 2019 | 76.5% | 188,865 | 13,914 | – |
| Ford Transit 2018 | 75.1% | 200,150 | 13,502 | – |
| Ford Transit 2017 | 71.1% | 195,247 | 12,981 | – |
| Ford Transit 2016 | 69.6% | 172,154 | 12,687 | – |
| Ford Transit 2015 | 67% | 154,535 | 12,443 | – |
| Ford Transit 2014 | 65.1% | 119,516 | 12,063 | – |
| Ford Transit 2013 | 56.4% | 71,561 | 11,401 | – |
| Ford Transit 2012 | 51.8% | 61,812 | 10,834 | – |
| Ford Transit 2011 | 51.2% | 71,866 | 10,825 | – |
| Ford Transit 2010 | 50.2% | 60,870 | 10,363 | – |
| Ford Transit 2009 | 51.1% | 46,994 | 9,298 | – |
| Ford Transit 2008 | 51.4% | 57,465 | 8,812 | – |
| Ford Transit 2007 | 51.8% | 52,698 | 8,422 | – |
| Ford Transit 2006 | 51.4% | 37,738 | 7,636 | – |
| Ford Transit 2005 | 51.1% | 23,794 | 6,953 | – |
| Ford Transit 2004 | 51.4% | 17,215 | 6,562 | – |
| Ford Transit 2003 | 51.5% | 14,358 | 6,459 | – |
| Ford Transit 2002 | 57.4% | 6,584 | 5,829 | – |
| Ford Transit 2001 | 59.4% | 3,925 | 5,508 | – |
| Ford Transit 2000 | 62.7% | 3,092 | 4,852 | – |
Pass rate by mileage
Take the 2018 Transit, the year with the most tests: cars with under 40,000 miles on the clock pass 83.9% of the time, and that falls to 69.4% over 100,000. A 15-point drop across the mileage range is a bigger effect than the difference between most makes.
| Mileage at test (2018 cars) | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 83.9% | 24,075 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 79.3% | 39,803 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 75.5% | 45,130 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 72.4% | 38,016 |
| Over 100,000 | 69.4% | 53,085 |
Compared with other cars
The average Ford passes 68.5% of tests, so the Transit is below the make's own average. Within the family, see Fiesta common problems (65.9%), Ford Focus MOT pass rate (67.9%), how the Kuga does (79.5%) and how the Mondeo does (66.8%), or every Ford model compared. For a cross-make comparison, the Nissan Qashqai and Vauxhall Astra have similar test volumes and their own pages. The full reliability table puts them side by side, and the national MOT statistics give the baseline.
Year by year
Each year opens to show its own failure list and pass rate by mileage.
Ford Transit 2023 84.8% pass 1,446 tests
On a 2023 Ford Transit, wipers not clearing the screen appears on 25.5% of failed tests, with brake pads worn below 1.5mm next at 16.8%.
2023 cars pass 89.7% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 76.9% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 89.7% | 823 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 80.4% | 362 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 76.2% | 172 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 73% | 63 |
| Over 100,000 | 76.9% | 26 |
Ford Transit 2022 78.1% pass 46,186 tests77.9% at first MOT
On a 2022 Ford Transit, wipers not clearing the screen appears on 19.7% of failed tests, with brake pads worn below 1.5mm next at 13.4%.
2022 cars pass 82.5% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 67.8% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 82.5% | 20,440 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 77.3% | 13,529 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 73.1% | 7,414 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 70.5% | 3,112 |
| Over 100,000 | 67.8% | 1,691 |
By fuel: diesel 78.1% (43,896 tests), petrol 79.9% (2,074 tests).
Ford Transit 2021 78% pass 112,259 tests77.3% at first MOT
On a 2021 Ford Transit, wipers not clearing the screen appears on 24.3% of failed tests, with brake pads worn below 1.5mm next at 13%.
2021 cars pass 82.4% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 71.8% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 82.4% | 40,245 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 77.5% | 32,683 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 75% | 22,218 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 73.2% | 10,448 |
| Over 100,000 | 71.8% | 6,664 |
By fuel: diesel 78% (109,237 tests), petrol 79.6% (2,128 tests), hybrid 78.6% (885 tests).
Ford Transit 2020 77.6% pass 141,357 tests79% at first MOT
On a 2020 Ford Transit, wipers not clearing the screen appears on 19.3% of failed tests, with brake pads worn below 1.5mm next at 12.7%.
2020 cars pass 83% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 71.4% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 83% | 45,666 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 77.4% | 38,294 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 74.6% | 28,202 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 73.3% | 16,187 |
| Over 100,000 | 71.4% | 13,000 |
By fuel: diesel 77.7% (137,637 tests), petrol 74% (3,442 tests).
Ford Transit 2019 76.5% pass 188,865 tests
On a 2019 Ford Transit, wipers not clearing the screen appears on 16.1% of failed tests, with a headlamp not working next at 13.4%.
2019 cars pass 82.1% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 70.6% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 82.1% | 38,778 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 78.3% | 46,666 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 75.8% | 41,592 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 73.6% | 29,418 |
| Over 100,000 | 70.6% | 32,393 |
By fuel: diesel 76.5% (186,114 tests), petrol 76.5% (2,725 tests).
Ford Transit 2018 75.1% pass 200,150 tests
On a 2018 Ford Transit, wipers not clearing the screen appears on 12.6% of failed tests, with a headlamp not working next at 12%.
2018 cars pass 83.9% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 69.4% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 83.9% | 24,075 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 79.3% | 39,803 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 75.5% | 45,130 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 72.4% | 38,016 |
| Over 100,000 | 69.4% | 53,085 |
By fuel: diesel 75.1% (197,929 tests), petrol 74.2% (2,221 tests).
Ford Transit 2017 71.1% pass 195,247 tests
On a 2017 Ford Transit, a split CV boot appears on 14.8% of failed tests, with brake pads worn below 1.5mm next at 11.3%.
2017 cars pass 82.3% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 66.6% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 82.3% | 14,422 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 76.3% | 29,869 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 72.7% | 41,055 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 69.5% | 39,601 |
| Over 100,000 | 66.6% | 70,250 |
By fuel: diesel 71.1% (193,749 tests), petrol 72.9% (1,486 tests).
Ford Transit 2016 69.6% pass 172,154 tests
On a 2016 Ford Transit, a split CV boot appears on 19.4% of failed tests, with brake pads worn below 1.5mm next at 10.2%.
2016 cars pass 83.2% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 65.9% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 83.2% | 8,341 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 76.9% | 19,154 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 71.9% | 30,676 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 68.8% | 34,419 |
| Over 100,000 | 65.9% | 79,511 |
Ford Transit 2015 67% pass 154,535 tests
On a 2015 Ford Transit, a split CV boot appears on 21.1% of failed tests, with a worn suspension bush next at 9.6%.
2015 cars pass 79.6% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 64% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 79.6% | 4,779 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 75.2% | 11,774 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 70.8% | 22,054 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 67.9% | 28,990 |
| Over 100,000 | 64% | 86,838 |
By fuel: diesel 67% (153,975 tests), petrol 68.5% (558 tests).
Ford Transit 2014 65.1% pass 119,516 tests
On a 2014 Ford Transit, a split CV boot appears on 19.3% of failed tests, with a worn suspension bush next at 9.5%.
2014 cars pass 76.7% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 63.2% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 76.7% | 2,203 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 73.2% | 6,123 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 68.6% | 13,483 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 66% | 20,447 |
| Over 100,000 | 63.2% | 77,196 |
Ford Transit 2013 56.4% pass 71,561 tests
On a 2013 Ford Transit, a sidelight not working appears on 21.5% of failed tests, with a split CV boot next at 21.2%.
2013 cars pass 71.7% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 54.9% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 71.7% | 1,323 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 64.8% | 3,137 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 59.3% | 6,910 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 56.7% | 11,093 |
| Over 100,000 | 54.9% | 49,042 |
Ford Transit 2012 51.8% pass 61,812 tests
On a 2012 Ford Transit, a sidelight not working appears on 26% of failed tests, with a number plate light not working next at 21.8%.
2012 cars pass 66.7% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 50.4% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 66.7% | 1,341 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 64.2% | 2,312 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 56.3% | 4,816 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 51.1% | 8,354 |
| Over 100,000 | 50.4% | 44,876 |
Ford Transit 2011 51.2% pass 71,866 tests
On a 2011 Ford Transit, a sidelight not working appears on 17.6% of failed tests, with a number plate light not working next at 16.8%.
2011 cars pass 70.9% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 49.8% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 70.9% | 1,248 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 64.8% | 1,903 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 56.8% | 4,286 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 51.6% | 7,875 |
| Over 100,000 | 49.8% | 56,460 |
Ford Transit 2010 50.2% pass 60,870 tests
On a 2010 Ford Transit, a number plate light not working appears on 17.2% of failed tests, with a sidelight not working next at 16.5%.
2010 cars pass 72.8% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 48.6% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 72.8% | 1,414 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 63.9% | 1,652 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 56% | 3,179 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 50.8% | 5,738 |
| Over 100,000 | 48.6% | 48,752 |
Ford Transit 2009 51.1% pass 46,994 tests
On a 2009 Ford Transit, body mounting corroded at a mounting point appears on 17.7% of failed tests, with a number plate light not working next at 16.6%.
2009 cars pass 69.5% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 49.3% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 69.5% | 1,732 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 64.6% | 1,772 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 54.8% | 2,845 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 50.5% | 4,658 |
| Over 100,000 | 49.3% | 35,805 |
Ford Transit 2008 51.4% pass 57,465 tests
On a 2008 Ford Transit, body mounting corroded at a mounting point appears on 20.3% of failed tests, with a number plate light not working next at 15.8%.
2008 cars pass 69.6% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 49.9% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 69.6% | 1,781 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 63.5% | 1,846 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 57.4% | 3,086 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 50.6% | 5,473 |
| Over 100,000 | 49.9% | 45,033 |
Ford Transit 2007 51.8% pass 52,698 tests
On a 2007 Ford Transit, body mounting corroded at a mounting point appears on 20.3% of failed tests, with a number plate light not working next at 15.8%.
2007 cars pass 67% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 50.3% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 67% | 1,625 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 66.3% | 1,698 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 59.7% | 2,475 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 51.3% | 4,441 |
| Over 100,000 | 50.3% | 42,201 |
Ford Transit 2006 51.4% pass 37,738 tests
On a 2006 Ford Transit, body mounting corroded at a mounting point appears on 22% of failed tests, with a number plate light not working next at 14.9%.
2006 cars pass 63.3% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 49.8% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 63.3% | 1,244 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 64.3% | 1,306 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 56.7% | 2,149 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 52.7% | 3,849 |
| Over 100,000 | 49.8% | 28,822 |
Ford Transit 2005 51.1% pass 23,794 tests
On a 2005 Ford Transit, body mounting corroded at a mounting point appears on 23.4% of failed tests, with a number plate light not working next at 15.3%.
2005 cars pass 58% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 48.9% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 58% | 1,220 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 66.3% | 1,007 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 55.9% | 1,505 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 54.9% | 2,302 |
| Over 100,000 | 48.9% | 17,337 |
Ford Transit 2004 51.4% pass 17,215 tests
On a 2004 Ford Transit, body mounting corroded at a mounting point appears on 25.3% of failed tests, with a number plate light not working next at 18.8%.
2004 cars pass 58% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 49.4% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 58% | 866 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 64.6% | 763 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 58% | 1,144 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 53.3% | 1,834 |
| Over 100,000 | 49.4% | 12,320 |
Ford Transit 2003 51.5% pass 14,358 tests
On a 2003 Ford Transit, body mounting corroded at a mounting point appears on 24.8% of failed tests, with a number plate light not working next at 18.4%.
2003 cars pass 61.2% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 49.2% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 61.2% | 477 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 66.3% | 630 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 61% | 969 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 52.5% | 1,437 |
| Over 100,000 | 49.2% | 10,713 |
Ford Transit 2002 57.4% pass 6,584 tests
On a 2002 Ford Transit, body mounting corroded at a mounting point appears on 24.5% of failed tests, with a number plate light not working next at 14.1%.
2002 cars pass 73.3% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 53.5% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 73.3% | 240 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 71.9% | 572 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 64% | 694 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 58.1% | 718 |
| Over 100,000 | 53.5% | 4,328 |
Ford Transit 2001 59.4% pass 3,925 tests
On a 2001 Ford Transit, body mounting corroded at a mounting point appears on 25.8% of failed tests, with a number plate light not working next at 11.8%.
2001 cars pass 64.9% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 56% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 64.9% | 154 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 70% | 377 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 62.7% | 453 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 64% | 486 |
| Over 100,000 | 56% | 2,445 |
Ford Transit 2000 62.7% pass 3,092 tests
On a 2000 Ford Transit, body mounting corroded at a mounting point appears on 27.1% of failed tests, with wipers not clearing the screen next at 11%.
2000 cars pass 74.7% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 60.5% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 74.7% | 154 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 68.3% | 344 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 67% | 458 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 58.4% | 461 |
| Over 100,000 | 60.5% | 1,673 |
Questions people ask
How reliable is the Ford Transit?
On MOT evidence the Ford Transit is well below average. It passes 66.9% of tests against 71.7% for all cars, and trails cars of the same age by 8.2 points. 78% pass their first MOT at three years old. Figures from 1,861,687 DVSA tests.
What fails a Ford Transit MOT most often?
A number plate light not working (9.3% of failed tests), a split CV boot (8.5%) and brake pads worn below 1.5mm (8%). A blown bulb fails the test as surely as a worn brake, and a bulb is a few pounds. Check brake lights with the car reversed up to a wall.
What is the best year for a used Ford Transit?
Among years with a large sample, 2022 cars have the highest pass rate at 78.1% and 2010 cars the lowest at 50.2%. Newer years pass more because they are younger, so compare a specific car's year against the table above rather than against the overall figure.
What advisories does a Ford Transit usually get?
Tyre tread below the legal minimum is the most frequent, noted on 15.5% of all Transit tests, then corroded brake pipes (12.7%). An advisory passes the car today but marks the item most likely to fail next year.
How many miles a year does a Ford Transit do?
About 12,340 miles a year on average, calculated from the odometer readings recorded at consecutive MOTs. That is above the UK average of roughly 7,400, which is typical of a car bought for commuting or work.
Does the Ford Transit pass rate apply to my car?
The figures describe the whole fleet. For one car, enter its registration in the free MOT check to see its own test history, advisories and mileage, set against these averages for its year.
Own a Transit?
Enter the registration to see its own MOT history, advisories and mileage set against these figures, including whether it has done more or fewer than the 12,340 miles a year typical of the model.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 to 2025. Class 4 cars, normal tests only; a pass after rectification counts as an initial failure. Age-adjusted figures compare the model's pass rate at each age with the national rate at the same age. Methodology.