ExhaustHigh
DPF and EGR faults on urban use
- Typically appears
- 90,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Run to full temperature and check for warnings
2012–2023 Ford Tourneo Custom · common problems & known faults
A people carrier version of the Transit Custom, judged on drivetrain and door condition.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team · last reviewed August 2026
Quick answer
The most commonly reported faults on the 2012–2023 Ford Tourneo Custom are DPF and EGR faults on urban use, Wet belt wear on 2.0 EcoBlue diesel and Rhythmic chuffing noise from the top end and exhaust fumes in the cabin caused by failed copper injector seals, primarily on the earlier 2.2 TDCi units. 3 of the documented issues are rated high severity · inspect these first. Full inspection points, onset mileage and what to check are listed below.
Reliability snapshot
Based on the documented faults on this page for the Ford Tourneo Custom.
4.3/ 10
- Critical
- 0
- High
- 3
- Medium
- 4
- Low
- 1
Guidance only · reflects reported patterns, not a specific car's condition.
Ford Tourneo Custom problems by year
Which faults an average example has usually reached depends on its age. Pick a model year for the faults that matter on that build.
Known faults to check
EngineHigh
Wet belt wear on 2.0 EcoBlue diesel
- Typically appears
- 100,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check belt change evidence and oil condition
BodyMedium
Sliding door runner wear and sill corrosion
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Operate both doors and probe the sills
TransmissionMedium
Clutch and gearbox wear on high mileage examples
- Typically appears
- 110,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check bite point and gear selection when hot
SuspensionMedium
Clunking noises over bumps, vague steering feel, and uneven wear on the inner edges of the front tyres due to failed lower suspension arm rear bushes.
- Typically appears
- 40,000-60,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Apply the handbrake, engage first gear, and rock the vehicle forcefully back and forth. Watch the front wheels for excessive fore and aft movement within the wheel arch.
ElectricalMedium
Intermittent failure of the central locking, dead electric windows, or speaker cut-outs caused by chafed or broken wiring in the front door looms.
- Typically appears
- 5-7 years
- What to inspect
- Open both front doors fully. Squeeze and manipulate the rubber wiring bellows between the door and the A-pillar while operating the windows and locking buttons to check for drop-outs.
EngineHigh
Rhythmic chuffing noise from the top end and exhaust fumes in the cabin caused by failed copper injector seals, primarily on the earlier 2.2 TDCi units.
- Typically appears
- 70,000-100,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Start the engine from cold, lift the bonnet, and listen closely over the engine cover for a 'ts-ts-ts' sound. Look for black, tar-like carbon deposits around the injector bases.
InteriorLow
Rear passenger seats refuse to fold flat, tumble forward, or unlatch from the floor rails due to stretched or snapped internal release cables.
- Typically appears
- 4-6 years
- What to inspect
- Manually test every rear seat by pulling the red release straps to fold the backrest flat, then attempt to tumble the seat forward to ensure the floor latches disengage smoothly.
Inspecting a Ford Tourneo Custom?
Get a full, tickable pre-purchase checklist for this exact car · what to look at, what it costs and how serious it is. Free preview, full report $9.
Check this exact carFrequently asked questions
Popular with which buyers?
Private hire and large families, so seat condition matters.
Main risk?
Wet belt condition on EcoBlue engines.
Best pre-purchase check?
A long hot run plus a sliding door test.
Which engine is more reliable, the older 2.2 TDCi or the newer 2.0 EcoBlue?
The older 2.2 TDCi uses a robust timing chain but suffers from injector seal leaks and occasional oil pump issues. The newer 2.0 EcoBlue is much more refined and fuel-efficient but requires strict adherence to timing belt replacement intervals due to its wet belt design, making the 2.2 slightly more forgiving of poor maintenance.
Are there any security vulnerabilities dealers should address before sale?
Yes, the Tourneo Custom is highly targeted for theft. The standard driver's door lock barrel is easily bypassed using a grip tool, which unlocks the vehicle and disables the alarm. Dealers should check if an upgraded anti-pick lock barrel is fitted, or recommend one to the buyer as a crucial security upgrade.
What is the difference between the Tourneo Custom and the Transit Custom?
The Tourneo Custom is the dedicated passenger-carrying minibus version of the Transit Custom panel van. It features full interior trimming, sound deadening, rear climate control, and flexible seating for up to nine occupants. Mechanically they are identical, but the Tourneo has softer rear suspension tuning to prioritise passenger comfort over heavy payload capacity.
Sources & further reading
Faults are compiled from documented recalls, technical bulletins, owner reports and mechanic sources, then reviewed for accuracy. This is guidance only · not a substitute for a professional inspection.