Ford Transit MOT pass rate and common problems
70.8% of 462,499 Ford Transit MOT tests pass.
The Transit passes 70.8% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the average across all Ford models (76.4%).
The Ford Transit passes 70.8% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Ford Transit?
This is the average across every Ford Transit in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Ford’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate drops sharply with age: the Ford Transit tested at 0–3 years pass 90.0% of the time, compared with just 65.2% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 90.0% | 1,248 | 37,464 miles |
| 3–6 years | 82.6% | 19,676 | 73,030 miles |
| 6–10 years | 75.7% | 221,982 | 102,681 miles |
| 10–15 years | 64.2% | 134,401 | 137,823 miles |
| 15+ years | 65.2% | 85,192 | 127,609 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Ford Transit
The most common reason the Ford Transit fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 67.2% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 67.2% | Not working |
| Suspension | 57.6% | Prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength |
| Brakes | 50.0% | Excessively corroded |
| Body, chassis, structure | 40.9% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Visibility | 19.1% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Tyres | 14.2% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 11.9% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Steering | 6.6% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 5.7% | Prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.5% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
Buying a used Ford Transit: what to check
These checks follow the Ford Transit’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Ford Transit comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 75.7% to 64.2%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 30,000–60,000 mi to 60,000–90,000 mi: 79.8% down to 73.9%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 67.2% of failed Ford Transit MOTs. 39.5% of tests at 10–15 years failed on lights and electrics, against 7.7% at 0–3 years.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
2. Suspension
Recorded in 57.6% of failed Ford Transit MOTs. 43.6% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension, against 1.3% at 0–3 years.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 50.0% of failed Ford Transit MOTs. 23.7% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 4.6% at 0–3 years.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
4. Bodywork and corrosion
Recorded in 40.9% of failed Ford Transit MOTs. 29.9% of tests at 15+ years failed on bodywork and corrosion, against 2.8% at 0–3 years.
Look underneath and along the sills for corrosion, especially near suspension and seat-belt mountings. Uneven panel gaps or mismatched paint can indicate accident repair.
5. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 19.1% of failed Ford Transit MOTs. 8.8% of tests at 15+ years failed on windscreen and wipers, against 1.8% at 0–3 years.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Ford service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Ford models
- Ford Fiesta — 73.9% pass rate
- Ford Focus — 76.3% pass rate
- Ford Kuga — 85.6% pass rate
- Ford Mondeo — 73.4% pass rate
- Ford Ka — 72.6% pass rate
- Ford Transit Connect — 74.0% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Ford Transit?
- 70.8% of Ford Transit MOT tests pass, based on 462,499 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Ford Transit?
- The most common reason the Ford Transit fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 67.2% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Ford Transit?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Ford Transit are lights and electrics; suspension; brakes. 39.5% of tests at 10–15 years failed on lights and electrics, against 7.7% at 0–3 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Ford Transit?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; suspension; brakes; bodywork and corrosion; windscreen and wipers. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Ford Transit's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Ford service history guide for how to check and keep one.