2016 Ford Transit 2.2L Diesel · B2 ULU

A clear and consistent theme emerges from the MOT history of this 2016 Ford Transit: a persistent pattern of front brake and suspension wear, with the most recent test on 26 November 2025 passing but once again flagging rear brake pad thinning. Across the recorded tests, brake pad advisories have appeared at virtually every inspection, beginning with front pads wearing thin at the November 2023 test and progressing through rear inner pad wear noted in December 2024 before surfacing again at the rear offside in late 2025. The more concerning defects were recorded at the 2023 inspection, where both front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust covers on the nearside lower and offside upper positions were deemed to no longer prevent the ingress of dirt, classified as Major failures. A further Major was avoided at the December 2024 retest only because the registration plate lamp failure was classed as aPRS rather than a dangerous defect, though the underlying brake wear advisory remained on record. The overall trajectory is one of gradually worsening consumable wear rather than acute failure, but the recurrence of the same component groups year after year suggests these items have not been definitively resolved. With 85,210 miles accumulated over ten years, this Transit averages roughly 8,521 miles annually, a figure broadly typical for a working van of its age and in line with the kind of mixed urban and light commercial use the model is engineered to withstand. There are no significant gaps in the MOT testing record and no anomalous mileage jumps or plateaus that would suggest the vehicle has been off the road for extended periods, clocked inconsistently, or subjected to an unexpectedly harsh duty cycle. For a front-wheel-drive Transit of this generation, the mileage is moderate and should not inherently raise concerns about major drivetrain fatigue, though the weight and load-carrying character of the vehicle mean that braking and suspension components will still be subject to elevated wear relative to a passenger car of equivalent mileage. For a prospective buyer, the principal area of focus must be the front suspension and braking system. The 2023 Major defects relating to anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust covers failing to keep out contamination are particularly significant, as once dirt and moisture penetrate these joints, accelerated internal wear follows and the link itself typically requires replacement rather than just a fresh gaiter. On a test drive, listen carefully for any knocking or clonking from the front end, particularly over uneven surfaces, speed bumps, or when turning at low speed, as this would indicate worn or binding drop link ball joints. Inspect the front anti-roll bar linkages visually for perished, split, or missing dust covers, and check for any excess free movement when the wheels are rocked with the vehicle raised. Similarly, with rear brake pad advisories flagged at both the 2024 and 2025 tests, the pads are likely approaching or at minimum wear limit and should be measured directly or replaced as part of the purchase negotiation. Feel for any judder through the brake pedal, pulling to one side under heavy braking, or a spongy pedal that might suggest worn caliper slides or a binding caliper. Given the recurring brake wear pattern, it is also worth asking for documentary evidence of when the brake discs were last replaced or skimmed, as the 2023 advisory specifically noted that discs should be measured prior to fitting new pads, which implies the existing discs may have been marginal at that time. Inspect the wheels and tyres for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear, which on a heavily loaded van often points to tracking misalignment or worn suspension bushes that have not yet been flagged on an MOT. Finally, conduct a thorough road test including a loaded braking stop if possible, as the Transit's commercial use means the braking system is often worked harder than its mileage alone might suggest, and any warning lights on the dashboard, particularly for ABS, traction control, or the brake system, should be investigated with a diagnostic scan before purchase.