ExhaustHigh
DPF and EGR blockage on urban delivery vans
- Typically appears
- 80,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check for limp mode, look for warning lights after a long idle
2012–2024 Ford Transit Custom · common problems & known faults
The UK's default van. High mileages are normal, so condition and DPF/EGR health matter far more than the odometer.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team · last reviewed August 2026
Quick answer
The most commonly reported faults on the 2012–2024 Ford Transit Custom are Wet belt on 2.0 EcoBlue engines, DPF and EGR blockage on urban delivery vans and Clutch and dual-mass flywheel wear on heavily loaded vans. Of the documented issues, 1 rated critical and 4 rated high · these are the ones worth inspecting 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 Transit Custom.
2.0/ 10
- Critical
- 1
- High
- 4
- Medium
- 3
- Low
- 0
Guidance only · reflects reported patterns, not a specific car's condition.
Ford Transit 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
EngineCritical
Wet belt on 2.0 EcoBlue engines
- Typically appears
- 100,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Ask for belt replacement evidence, check oil condition
TransmissionHigh
Clutch and dual-mass flywheel wear on heavily loaded vans
- Typically appears
- 90,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Listen for rattle at idle in neutral, feel for clutch judder
BodyMedium
Sliding door runner wear and rust on the sill and rear arches
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Open and close the side door repeatedly; probe the sills
Electrical / Central LockingMedium
Rear barn doors failing to lock or unlock, often accompanied by a 'door open' warning on the instrument cluster.
- Typically appears
- 50,000-70,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Open the rear doors and squeeze the black rubber wiring bellows at the hinges. Look for splits, pull back slightly to check for chafed or snapped wires, and test the locking fob.
Engine / Fuel SystemHigh
Rough cold idle, prominent diesel knock under load, and potential limp mode due to premature piezo injector failure on 2.0 EcoBlue models.
- Typically appears
- 40,000-80,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Start the engine from stone cold. Listen closely for a sharp, metallic tapping from the top end. Rev slightly to see if the engine hesitates or misfires before settling.
Electrical / Body Control ModuleHigh
Random electrical gremlins (wipers or lights activating on their own) or non-start conditions caused by water ingress into the BCM.
- Typically appears
- 4-6 years
- What to inspect
- Check the passenger-side scuttle panel drains beneath the windscreen for leaf blockage. Look under the passenger footwell behind the glovebox for damp carpets or water staining on the BCM housing.
SuspensionMedium
Clunking noises over speed bumps and vague steering feel caused by worn front lower control arm rear bushes.
- Typically appears
- 60,000-90,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Apply full steering lock and check the extreme inner edge of the front tyres for severe uneven wear. Kick the front wheels firmly at the 9 o'clock position to check for excessive rearward movement.
Inspecting a Ford Transit Custom?
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Check this exact carFrequently asked questions
How many miles is too many on a Custom?
Mileage matters less than history. A 130,000-mile van with belt and clutch records beats an unknown 70,000-mile one.
What is the biggest hidden cost?
A blocked DPF plus EGR on a van that has only done town work.
Do buyers care about ply lining?
Yes. It hides damage, so lift it and inspect the floor before you retail the van.
What is the difference in reliability between the 2.2 TDCi and 2.0 EcoBlue engines?
The earlier 2.2 TDCi uses a robust timing chain but is prone to oil pump and vaporiser valve failures. The later 2.0 EcoBlue is much more refined and efficient but suffers from well-documented wet belt degradation and piezo injector faults. Both demand strict adherence to service schedules to remain reliable.
How can I quickly check if a van has been chronically overloaded?
Inspect the rear suspension bump stops for heavy impact damage, splitting, or missing sections, which indicates the van has frequently bottomed out. Additionally, check the rear leaf springs for flattening or inversion, and look for excessive wear on the outer edges of the front tyres caused by altered geometry.
Are the factory security locks sufficient for trade buyers?
No. The standard driver's door lock barrel is highly vulnerable to forced entry, allowing thieves to bypass central locking and access the OBD port. Trade buyers actively look for aftermarket security. Vans already fitted with high-security replacement barrels, OBD port protectors, or deadlocks will command a premium on the forecourt.
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.