2021 Ford Transit Custom 280LIMITD Eblue 2.0L Diesel · AV06 AGV

The 2021 Ford Transit Custom shows a stable but inconsistent maintenance record, with the most recent MOT on 5 January 2026 confirming full compliance at 41,904 miles. While the vehicle passed without defects in January 2026, the preceding tests reveal a pattern of avoidable failures tied to neglect rather than mechanical failure. The May 2025 failure—just two days before passing—highlighted repeated issues: frayed seat belt webbing, coolant level monitoring, and tyre damage (including a near-legal limit tread on the near-side rear inner). These faults suggest basic upkeep was intermittently overlooked, particularly with tyres and fluid checks. The 2024 failure, though unrelated to major systems, underscored wiper effectiveness and belt inspection accessibility, reinforcing a trend of minor but recurring non-compliance. Mileage progression indicates moderate usage, averaging around 8,381 miles annually, which aligns with typical light-to-moderate commercial or fleet operation. The gap between the 2024 (28,367 miles) and 2025 (38,865 miles) tests reflects roughly 10,500 miles in under a year, implying consistent driving rather than prolonged storage. However, the lack of intermediate MOTs or service records means critical components like suspension bushes, coil springs, or brake calipers cannot be confirmed as recently serviced. The absence of advisories in the January 2026 pass suggests no immediate structural concerns, but the tyre history—particularly the near-side rear inner—demands verification of current tread depth and lateral wear patterns. A buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of all tyres, focusing on the near-side rear inner for edge wear and the offside front for nail damage. The coolant system’s reliance on manual monitoring (noted in 2025) warrants confirmation of leaks or corrosion in the expansion tank and hoses. While the seat belt webbing failure was minor, the central front child seat obstruction in 2024 implies potential restricted access to adult restraints, which could obscure underlying issues. Suspension components—especially rear bushes and shock absorbers—should be checked for uneven wear or binding, as these are rarely flagged in MOTs until failure. Exhaust emissions and brake binding (common in older Transit models) should also be tested dynamically, as these are not captured in static MOT checks. The January 2026 pass provides no recent evidence of structural rust or frame damage, but a thorough underbody inspection is essential given the vehicle’s age and exposure history.