Motoring Today

Ford Transit Custom MOT reliability

Reliability from 8 Ford Transit Custom cars with real DVSA MOT history — how often they pass first time, the most common failure reasons.

Reviewed by the Motoring Today Editorial team · methodology in our editorial standards.

How reliable is the Ford Transit Custom at MOT?

Across 1 Ford Transit Custom cars on Motoring Today, the average first-time MOT pass rate is 67%. 100% of stock currently holds a valid MOT, with a median of 6 months left on the certificate. The most common reasons these cars fail an MOT are brakes, drivetrain and emissions & exhaust, from real DVSA test history.

Avg pass rate
67%
Valid MOT
1 / 1
Median MOT left
6 mo
Top failure
Brakes

With an MOT pass rate of 84.69% across 63,000 real UK tests, the Ford Transit Custom demonstrates a solid performance when presented for its annual check. This figure, drawn from national DVSA data, offers insight into common areas of concern. The most frequent failure category is 'Lighting & electrical', accounting for 29% of all failures, closely followed by 'Visibility (windscreen & wipers)' at 24%, and 'Brakes' at 21%. These figures highlight specific components that tend to require attention. For someone considering a used Ford Transit Custom, these failure patterns suggest key inspection points before purchase. 'Lighting & electrical' issues often relate to blown bulbs, faulty wiring, or maladjusted headlights, so checking all lights, indicators, and interior electrics is crucial. 'Visibility' failures commonly involve worn wiper blades, screen damage, or washer jet issues, while 'Brakes' can point to worn pads, discs, or fluid leaks. A thorough check of these areas, including a road test to assess braking performance, could prevent immediate post-purchase MOT costs. It's important to remember that an MOT pass rate reflects the condition of vehicles at the time of their test, not their overall lifetime reliability. Failures typically cluster with a vehicle's age, mileage, and how well it has been maintained, rather than being inherent to the model badge itself. Motoring Today currently lists 3 Ford Transit Customs, with prices starting from £10,000, or a representative monthly finance example of £230.

67First-time MOT pass
Average pass rate
Stock with valid MOT
1 / 1
100% road-ready
Median MOT left
6 mo
Expiring < 2 mo
0
Plan for an MOT soon after purchase

Most common MOT failures on the Ford Transit Custom

Grouped reasons for MOT rejection across 8 Ford Transit Custom cars with DVSA test history in our stock (17 recorded failure items, 1 of them dangerous).

Failure areaRecorded failuresShare of failures
Brakes529%
Drivetrain318%
Emissions & exhaust318%
Visibility (windscreen & wipers)318%
Tyres212%
Suspension16%

Based on real DVSA MOT test records for cars currently listed. Individual condition varies — always check the specific car's MOT history and advisories on its listing.

MOT pass rate is the percentage of Ford Transit Custom cars in our stock that passed their most recent MOT on the first attempt, based on DVSA history. A pass rate above 80% is generally strong for a car of this age.

If a car you're viewing is approaching its MOT expiry, factor in the cost of any advisories — these are listed on each vehicle detail page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a used Ford Transit Custom?
Based on 63384 national DVSA MOT tests, the Ford Transit Custom has a pass rate of 84.69%. This figure comes from real national test data.
What are the most common MOT failures on a Ford Transit Custom?
The top failure categories are Lighting & electrical at 29%, Visibility (windscreen & wipers) at 24%, Brakes at 21%, and Tyres at 16%. These areas account for the majority of issues found during MOT tests.
Is the Ford Transit Custom reliable?
The MOT pass rate of 84.69% reflects vehicles presented for their annual test, not overall lifetime reliability. Failures often correlate with a vehicle's age, mileage, and how well it has been maintained over time.
What should I check before buying a used Ford Transit Custom?
Before buying, pay close attention to the lighting, electrical components, and the condition of the windscreen and wipers. Also, thoroughly inspect the brakes and tyres, as these are common MOT failure points.
How many used Ford Transit Customs are currently for sale and what's the cheapest price?
There are currently 4 used Ford Transit Customs for sale. The cheapest available is priced at £7995, with monthly finance options starting from £171. Finance is subject to status, and this is a representative example.
What are the most common MOT failures on the Ford Transit Custom?
Across 8 Ford Transit Custom cars on Motoring Today with DVSA MOT history, the most common reasons for MOT failure are brakes, drivetrain and emissions & exhaust (brakes account for 29% of recorded failures).

More Ford Transit Custom resources