2022 Ford Transit Custom 300 Trend Eblue 2.0L Diesel · CU22 HRL

The vehicle’s roadworthiness history shows a concerning trend of recurring brake-related failures, despite passing the most recent test on 2026-02-16 at 45,592 miles. The tester flagged binding rear brakes in the failed test just three days earlier, indicating a persistent issue that was only rectified at the last moment. Front brake pads were noted as "wearing thin" in February 2025, yet no further action was recorded beyond an advisory, suggesting either deferred maintenance or inconsistent servicing. The absence of defects in the February 2026 pass does not negate the underlying pattern—two brake-related failures in the past year alone, with the most recent one occurring at nearly identical mileages (45,589 vs. 45,592), implies either rushed repairs or a lack of proactive replacement. The windscreen wiper fault from February 2025 remains unresolved, though this is a minor operational issue compared to the brake concerns. Mileage progression reveals a steady but unspectacular usage pattern, averaging around 11,400 miles annually over the vehicle’s four-year lifespan. The gap between tests is consistent at roughly 12,000 miles, with no prolonged periods of inactivity or rapid acceleration in mileage. However, the lack of intermediate servicing records—such as between February 2025 (32,972 miles) and February 2026 (45,592 miles)—raises questions about whether other critical components, like suspension bushes or drivetrain fluids, were addressed. The absence of advisories for suspension, steering, or exhaust emissions in the most recent pass suggests these systems were not flagged at the time, but wear could still be developing. A buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the rear brake calipers and pads, given the repeated binding failure and the proximity of the last test to the failure date. The front brake system, while not currently failed, shows a history of thin pads and should be checked for uneven wear or glazing, which could indicate poor-quality parts or inconsistent braking. The offside windscreen wiper, though not critical, warrants verification that it has been replaced or adjusted since the 2025 failure. Beyond brakes, attention should be given to suspension components—particularly rear bushes and coil springs—for signs of cracking or excessive play, as these are often overlooked until failure. Finally, the vehicle’s underbody should be scrutinised for corrosion, especially around the wheel arches and sills, given the Transit’s tendency for rust in high-mileage examples. The most recent MOT pass does not absolve the need for thorough due diligence.