IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2013 Ford Tourneo Custom

The Ford Tourneo Custom launched in the UK in 2013 as a dedicated 8- or 9-seat people carrier based on the Transit Custom platform, offering car-like refinement and versatile seating.

What changed for 2013

  • •Launch of V362 passenger carrier in 8-seat and 9-seat layouts across L1 and L2 wheelbase lengths
  • •Initial powertrain lineup featuring the 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi Euro 5 engine with 6-speed manual gearbox
  • •Modular rear passenger seating system with individually folding, tumbling, and removable seats
  • •Titanium flagship specification with rear climate controls, sunblinds, and SYNC connectivity

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Worn front lower suspension wishbone rear hydro-bushes and anti-roll bar drop links
  • !Uneven brake pad wear and corroded inner rear brake disc faces from heavy payload use
  • !Excessive exhaust emissions or smoke opacity test failures on urban-driven diesels
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Known Issues
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Serious
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Moderate
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Minor

All Known Issues

Twin Sliding Door Lower Roller Wear and Locking Wiring Break

MinorBodywork & Rust

Because the Tourneo Custom is frequently deployed on busy school runs, commercial taxi duties, and airport passenger transfers, the twin side sliding doors undergo heavy daily usage. The nylon-sleeved bearings in the lower guide hinge assemblies wear down from road grit and weight, causing the heavy door to sag, rattle over bumps, and gouge the painted sill guide channel. Concurrently, the flexible multi-core electrical wiring harness running into each door shears from repeated flexing, causing intermittent failure of the central locking actuators, interior step lighting, or triggering false door open alerts while driving.

Est. Repair Cost: £160–£450
Warning Signs:

Sliding passenger door drops and drags against the bottom door frame channel, Scored paintwork and bare metal showing inside the lower external body guide track, Sliding door fails to lock or unlock with the remote key fob or central locking switch, Intermittent side door open warning chime sounding over rough road surfaces

What to Inspect:
  • Slide both side passenger doors fully open and closed, checking for smooth glide and effortless latching
  • Check the lower sill guide track for nylon roller fragmentation, metal swarf, or bodywork scratches
  • Test the remote central locking to ensure both sliding doors lock securely and alarm arms without error
  • Inspect the flexible rubber wiring boots between the B-pillar and sliding doors for pinching or splits
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2013 Ford Tourneo Custom

  • Confirm complete service history and check whether private hire taxi licensing has caused heavy interior wear
  • Verify smooth clutch engagement and listen for dual-mass flywheel rattle at idle in neutral
  • Check for rust spots on the rear tailgate edges and lower sliding door track sills
2014–2015
Check a 2013 Ford Tourneo Custom by Registration