Ford Transit Custom: Complete Buyer & Reliability Guide

Anyone who has spent time on van forums knows the Ford Transit Custom has a mixed reputation. But separating the real reliability headaches from the myths is what matters when you’re buying a used van, and this guide pulls together independent mechanic surveys, owner polls, and data from sources like Honest John Vans to give you a clear picture of what to expect from this popular mid-size van.

Launch year: 2012 · Best reliable year (expert consensus): 2015-2016 · Most common problem reported: DPF issues · Engine options summary: 2.0L EcoBlue diesel, 1.0L EcoBoost petrol · Price range (new Ireland, approx): €32,000 – €49,000

Seven key specs, one pattern: the Transit Custom packs a versatile set of numbers that cater to both urban delivery and light cargo work.

All specifications sourced from Ford official data, Haynes, and Honest John Vans.

Is It Worth Buying a Ford Transit Custom?

Pros and cons of ownership

• Good: Spacious, practical, and relatively cheap to maintain compared to some rivals. (Honest John Vans)
• Bad: Early models (2013-2014) suffer from DPF and electrical issues that can be costly. (Haynes)
• Trade-off: You get lower purchase price than a VW Transporter but face higher depreciation. (DrivingElectric)

Resale value and running costs

Resale value is decent but trails the VW Transporter. According to DrivingElectric, Ford finished 24th in the 2020 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey.

The implication: a well-maintained later model minimizes the biggest headaches, but the DPF concern remains a real constraint for city drivers.

What Are the Common Problems with Ford Transit Custom?

Engine and DPF issues

• DPF clogging is a common issue on diesel models, especially with short-distance driving. (Haynes)
• Some 2.0 TDCi models suffer from poor performance due to a faulty turbocharger actuator. (Haynes)
• Wet-belt cambelt failures are a known concern on some engines, with a recommended replacement interval of seven years or 144,000 miles. (Honest John Vans)

Electrical faults

• Cooling fan faults are reported. (Haynes)
• Sudden remote-key failure is usually solved by replacing the key battery. (Haynes)
• Accelerator-response failure can be caused by chafed wiring from the accelerator position sensor. (Haynes)

Suspension and transmission concerns

• Transmission synchromesh failure affecting first and second gear on some 2013-2017 models. (Haynes)
• 2015-2017 models may show rough shifting due to transmission fluid breakdown or software issues. (The Vansmith)
• Power steering pump failure on early models. (The Vansmith)

The pattern is clear: the most troublesome issues are concentrated in the early years (2013-2014) and the 1.0L EcoBoost engine. Choosing a later diesel model with a full service history mitigates most of these risks.

What’s the Difference Between a Ford Transit and a Ford Transit Custom?

Size and payload

Transit Custom is mid-sized, front-wheel drive; Transit is larger, rear-wheel drive. Payload: Transit up to ~1500 kg, Transit Custom up to 1200 kg. (The Vansmith)

Drivetrain and platform

Custom uses Ford CD platform (FWD), Transit uses RWD. Custom launched 2012; older Transit continues. (Haynes)

Target use case

Custom is for urban delivery; Transit for heavy cargo. Price difference: Custom starts lower. (Honest John Vans)

The choice comes down to payload vs. manoeuvrability. Most small businesses in Ireland find the Custom’s size perfect for city streets.

What Year Ford Transit Custom Should You Stay Away From?

Years with known issues

• 2013-2014: Early production units had DPF and electrical problems. (Haynes)
• 2015: Model year update significantly improved reliability. (Honest John Vans)
• 2018: Some turbo issues reported. (The Vansmith)

Why 2013-2014 are problematic

These early models were the first iteration of the Custom. DPF regeneration was not fully optimized, leading to frequent clogging. Electrical glitches were also common. (Haynes)

Later models improvements

From 2015 onwards, Ford refined the engine mapping and DPF strategy. The 2015-2016 models are widely considered the sweet spot. (Honest John Vans)

If you’re shopping used, 2013-2014 are best avoided unless the price is very low and you have a budget for repairs. The 2015-2016 models are the safe bet.

Which Is Better: VW Transporter or Ford Transit Custom?

Performance and fuel economy

Transit Custom diesel variants offer better fuel economy. VW Transporter is slightly more refined. (DrivingElectric)

Reliability and cost of ownership

Transit Custom is cheaper to buy and maintain. VW Transporter holds higher resale value but parts are more expensive. (Honest John Vans)

Resale value and practicality

Transporter depreciates less. But Transit Custom is more practical for many businesses due to lower running costs. (The Vansmith)

Neither dominates. The choice depends on budget: if you prioritise lower upfront cost and fuel economy, go Ford. If you plan to keep the van for 10 years and care about resale, VW wins.

The catch: you’ll pay less upfront for a Ford, but you’ll lose more on resale unless you keep it long enough to offset the difference.

Five key differences, one pattern: the Transit Custom undercuts the Transporter on price and fuel economy, but the VW holds its value better.

Based on data from Honest John Vans and DrivingElectric.

Which Ford Transit Custom Engine Is Best?

2.0L EcoBlue diesel (130PS / 170PS / 185PS)

• 130PS: most efficient, best for urban use. (Haynes)
• 170PS: balanced for highway towing. (Honest John Vans)
• 185PS: more power but potential for timing chain issues (unclear). (The Vansmith)

1.0L EcoBoost petrol (100PS)

Only for low-mileage city driving. Known timing chain issues. (Haynes)

Electric powertrain

Zero-emission, limited range (380 km), higher upfront cost. (DrivingElectric)

For most buyers, the 2.0L EcoBlue 130PS or 170PS diesel is the practical choice. Avoid the 1.0L EcoBoost unless you only do short city trips.

What Is the Most Reliable Year for a Ford Transit Custom?

2015-2016 as sweet spot

2015 model year recognized as most reliable by owner forums and mechanic surveys. (Honest John Vans)

2017-2018 updates

Post-2017 models have better electronics but more expensive repairs. (Haynes)

2019+ second generation

2021+ models with e-Transit Custom have new electric reliability questions. (DrivingElectric)

If you’re buying used, target a 2015 or 2016 model with a full service history. That’s the year the Custom got its act together.

A closer look at the Transit Custom’s key specs and reliability data.

Clarity Check: What’s Confirmed and What’s Still Unclear

Confirmed facts

• DPF problems are common on early diesel models, especially with short-distance driving. (Haynes)
• 2015 model year is widely cited by owners and independent mechanics as the most reliable. (Honest John Vans)
• VW Transporter holds higher resale value but costs more to buy new and repair. (Honest John Vans)
• Ford Transit Custom is front-wheel drive; full-size Transit is rear-wheel drive. (Haynes)

What’s unclear

• Long-term reliability of the 2021+ electric powertrain is unknown. (DrivingElectric)
• Whether the 2.0L EcoBlue 185PS engine suffers the same timing chain issues as the 1.0L EcoBoost.
• Exact failure rates for newer models (2020+) due to limited time on market.

“The most common repair we see on Transit Customs is DPF replacement, especially on vans that do a lot of short runs.”

— Ford dealership service manager (anonymous, from forum post)

“The 2015 model year is the one to go for. It’s when Ford sorted out the DPF regeneration and the electrical gremlins.”

— Independent van mechanic, VanMan

“In our owner poll, 2015-2016 models scored the highest satisfaction ratings, while 2013-2014 models scored the lowest.”

— Singletrackworld forum owner poll

“The Transit Custom is a better value proposition than the VW Transporter, but the Transporter keeps its value better.”

— What Van? magazine, What Van? review

For buyers in Ireland, the choice is clear: if you need a reliable work van on a budget, a 2015-2016 Transit Custom with a full service history is the safe bet. But if you plan to keep the van for the long term and can afford the premium, the VW Transporter will cost you less in depreciation.

Frequently asked questions