At a Glance
The Ford Transit has 90 identified common problems across 7 generations, with the Mk5 (2006-2013) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 10.9M MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Ford Transit common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Ford Transit generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Ford Transit Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Mk1
Most common MOT failure: Brake performance below minimum
Mk2
Most common MOT failure: Spring mounting corroded
Mk3
Top issue: Body corrosion or damage
Mk4
Top issue: Spring mounting corroded
Mk5
Top issue: Position lamp not working
Mk6
Top issue: Indicator fault
Mk7
Most Common Ford Transit MOT Failures
Every reason Ford Transit vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Number plate lamp not working | 9.49% |
| 2 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 6.90% |
| 3 | Stop lamp not working | 6.29% |
| 4 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.76% |
| 5 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 5.11% |
| 6 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.93% |
| 7 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 3.99% |
| 8 | Front lamp not working | 3.26% |
| 9 | Track rod end worn | 3.26% |
| 10 | Tyre condition | 3.01% |
| 11 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.00% |
| 12 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.93% |
| 13 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 2.24% |
| 14 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.05% |
| 15 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.84% |
| 16 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.78% |
| 17 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.74% |
| 18 | Position lamp not working | 1.72% |
| 19 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.69% |
| 20 | Fog lamp not working | 1.63% |
| 21 | Rear lamp not working | 1.60% |
| 22 | Indicator fault | 1.53% |
| 23 | Exhaust system fault | 1.50% |
| 24 | Driveshaft fault | 1.49% |
| 25 | Chassis condition | 1.42% |
| 26 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.32% |
| 27 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.20% |
| 28 | Front suspension fault | 1.17% |
| 29 | Headlamp fault | 1.07% |
| 30 | Mirror damaged or missing | 1.07% |
| 31 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.78% |
| 32 | Seat belt condition | 0.77% |
| 33 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.71% |
| 34 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.65% |
| 35 | Horn not working | 0.63% |
| 36 | Parking brake condition | 0.59% |
| 37 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.57% |
| 38 | ABS fault | 0.56% |
| 39 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.54% |
| 40 | Steering rack fault | 0.53% |
| 41 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.49% |
| 42 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.47% |
| 43 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.35% |
| 44 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.32% |
| 45 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.27% |
| 46 | Rear suspension fault | 0.26% |
| 47 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.24% |
| 48 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.23% |
| 49 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.21% |
| 50 | Airbag warning light on | 0.19% |
| 51 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.19% |
| 52 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.19% |
| 53 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.18% |
| 54 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.18% |
| 55 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.17% |
| 56 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.17% |
| 57 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.17% |
| 58 | Engine oil leak | 0.16% |
| 59 | Brake fluid leak | 0.14% |
| 60 | Brake pedal fault | 0.12% |
| 61 | Electrical switch fault | 0.11% |
| 62 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.11% |
| 63 | Brake caliper fault | 0.11% |
| 64 | Brake lever fault | 0.11% |
| 65 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.10% |
| 66 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.10% |
| 67 | Steering free play excessive | 0.10% |
| 68 | Propshaft fault | 0.09% |
| 69 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.09% |
| 70 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.09% |
| 71 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.08% |
| 72 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.08% |
| 73 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.07% |
| 74 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.07% |
| 75 | Steering arm worn | 0.06% |
| 76 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.06% |
| 77 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.06% |
| 78 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.06% |
| 79 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.06% |
| 80 | Steering operation fault | 0.05% |
| 81 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.05% |
| 82 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 83 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.05% |
| 84 | Outline marker lamp not working | 0.05% |
| 85 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.04% |
| 86 | Drag link end worn | 0.04% |
| 87 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.04% |
| 88 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.04% |
| 89 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.04% |
| 90 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.04% |
| 91 | Body security fault | 0.04% |
| 92 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 93 | Driver door fault | 0.03% |
| 94 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.03% |
| 95 | Steering lock fault | 0.03% |
| 96 | Steering column fault | 0.03% |
| 97 | Spare wheel fault | 0.03% |
| 98 | Power steering pump fault | 0.03% |
| 99 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 101 | Transmission oil leak | 0.02% |
| 102 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 103 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.02% |
| 104 | Towbar fault | 0.02% |
| 105 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | 0.02% |
| 106 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 107 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.01% |
| 108 | Passenger seat fault | 0.01% |
| 109 | Load sensing valve fault | 0.01% |
| 110 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.01% |
| 111 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.01% |
| 112 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 113 | Power steering ram fault | 0.01% |
| 114 | Driver airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 115 | Steering coupling worn | 0.01% |
| 116 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 117 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.01% |
| 118 | Speedometer fault | 0.01% |
| 119 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 121 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 122 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 125 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 128 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 129 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 130 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 132 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 133 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Anchor bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 135 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 136 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 140 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 142 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 144 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 146 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 147 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 148 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 150 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 153 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 154 | Spring saddle corroded | <0.01% |
| 155 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 157 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 159 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 160 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 161 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 163 | Leaf spring slipper worn | <0.01% |
| 164 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 165 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 171 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 172 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 174 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 175 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 176 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 177 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 178 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 179 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 180 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 181 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 182 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 183 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 184 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 185 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 186 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 187 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 188 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 189 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 190 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 191 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 192 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 193 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 194 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 195 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 196 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 197 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 198 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 199 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 200 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 201 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 202 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 203 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 204 | Chain drive fault | <0.01% |
| 205 | Steering head bearings worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 205 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Ford Transit MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Ford Transit, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Ford Transit problems?
Based on analysis of 10.9M Ford Transit MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 90 identified common problems across 7 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Body corrosion or damage". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Ford Transit generation has the most problems?
The Ford Transit Mk5 (2006-2013) (2006–2013) has the highest number of identified common problems (70). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Ford Transit?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Ford Transit owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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