IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2016–2017 Ford Tourneo Custom

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 2016–2017 Ford Tourneo Custom. 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

3
Known Issues
1
Serious
1
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

2.0 EcoBlue Wet Timing Belt Degradation and Oil Starvation

SeriousEngine

The 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine introduced in late 2016 employs an oil-submerged timing belt and oil pump drive belt (wet belt). Fuel dilution resulting from aborted DPF regenerations, extended oil service intervals, and non-conforming engine oil rapidly deteriorate the rubber belt material. Flaked rubber particles wash down into the sump and form a dense mat over the oil pick-up strainer mesh. Oil flow to the camshaft journals, rocker arms, and turbocharger bearing assembly is choked, triggering low oil pressure alerts. If ignored, catastrophic engine seizure or turbo failure results.

Est. Repair Cost: £1,200–£2,500
Warning Signs:

Low Engine Oil Pressure warning message displayed on the instrument cluster, Engine Service Oil Now warning triggered prematurely between regular service intervals, Metallic whining or rattling noise from the lower front engine casing, Engine drops into limp mode with turbocharger underboost diagnostic trouble codes

What to Inspect:
  • Examine maintenance invoices for adherence to Ford Castrol WSS-M2C950-A 0W-30 engine oil specification
  • Request documented evidence of wet belt replacement if the vehicle has exceeded 5 years or 60,000 miles
  • Remove the oil filler cap and use an endoscope or bright torch to check belt edges for fraying
  • Check for DPF soot loading and fuel dilution on the engine oil dipstick
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

AdBlue SCR System Heater and NOx Sensor Faults

ModerateExhaust & Emissions

Euro 6 EcoBlue models use Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) with AdBlue diesel exhaust fluid. The AdBlue tank heater element integrated into the pump assembly frequently burns out, preventing the reductant fluid from thawing or heating to operational temperature in British winter weather. Furthermore, upstream and downstream NOx sensors become fouled with soot, while the AdBlue injector nozzle in the exhaust downpipe crystallises and blocks. When the powertrain module detects emission system faults, it initiates a non-resettable mileage countdown, preventing engine restarts once the countdown reaches zero.

Est. Repair Cost: £400–£1,100
Warning Signs:

Engine start not possible in XXX miles warning message on the dashboard, AdBlue System Malfunction or Amber engine management warning light illuminated, White crystalline crust buildup around the AdBlue injector nozzle on the exhaust pipe, Vehicle fails to restart after being turned off once the fault countdown expires

What to Inspect:
  • Scan the OBD-II diagnostic port for SCR-related fault codes such as P20BA, P204F, or P229F
  • Confirm that no AdBlue warning messages or mileage countdown alerts appear on the dashboard
  • Visually inspect the AdBlue tank and doser lines beneath the vehicle for leaks or white crystallised deposits
  • Verify whether revised NOx sensors or a replacement AdBlue tank pump have already been fitted
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

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 2016–2017 Ford Tourneo Custom

  • On 2.0 EcoBlue diesel models (2016 onwards), check service records for regular oil changes to avoid wet timing belt degradation and oil strainer blockage.
  • Slide both passenger side doors repeatedly to inspect the lower nylon rollers and check that central locking and electric step functions operate smoothly.
  • Ensure the AdBlue tank and SCR heater system show no warning lights or countdown messages such as No engine restart in XXX miles.
  • Inspect the rear conference seating system; verify that all modular seats release, swivel, fold, and latch securely into the floor mounting tracks.
  • Look underneath at the rear leaf springs, bump stops, and dampers for sagging or cracks caused by heavy passenger and luggage payloads.
2014–20152018
Check a 2016–2017 Ford Tourneo Custom by Registration