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2016 Ford Tourneo Custom problems

A 2016 Ford Tourneo Custom is now 10 years old, so an average example has covered around 135,000 miles. A mid-run car · most launch faults had been addressed by this point, and wear items are the main risk at this age. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2016 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.

Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team

Quick answer

The 2016 Ford Tourneo Custom is 10 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 135,000 miles. At that mileage 5 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first.

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Faults a 2016 example has usually reached

Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~135k miles an average 2016 car has covered.

ExhaustHigh

DPF and EGR faults on urban use

Typically appears
90,000+ miles
What to inspect
Run to full temperature and check for warnings
EngineHigh

Wet belt wear on 2.0 EcoBlue diesel

Typically appears
100,000+ miles
What to inspect
Check belt change evidence and oil condition
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.
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.

Faults that appear at any mileage

Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.

BodyMedium

Sliding door runner wear and sill corrosion

Typically appears
Age-related
What to inspect
Operate both doors and probe the sills
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.
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.

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Ford Tourneo Custom · frequently 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.

Other Tourneo Custom model years

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