2018 Ford Transit Custom 2.0L Diesel · CV18 OEL

The 2018 Ford Transit Custom presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a clean pass on 8 May 2026 at 205,656 miles with zero defects recorded. This is a significant turnaround from the 2024 test, which flagged a corroded central rear brake pipe alongside worn front brake discs and perishing rear tyres. The fact that none of those items reappeared in 2025 or 2026 suggests the previous owner addressed the corrosion and braking issues rather than simply patching through successive tests. The record now reads as a vehicle that has been brought back into proper order and maintained consistently over the last two years. The mileage accumulation tells its own story. Between May 2022 and May 2023, the van covered 27,817 miles, then 26,627 miles to May 2024, and 32,927 miles to May 2025, before a comparatively modest 3,393 miles were added in the twelve months leading to the May 2026 test. That sharp drop in the most recent year could indicate a change of use, a period of reduced demand, or the vehicle standing idle for stretches. High annual averages of over 25,000 miles place heavy wear on consumables, suspension bushes, brake components, and drivetrain parts, so the low recent mileage should not be mistaken for low overall wear. Buyers should focus their physical inspection on the braking system and underbody corrosion. The 2024 advisory on a corroded central rear brake pipe covered in grease or contamination is a structural concern that warrants a close look at the full length of the brake pipework, particularly along the chassis rails and at unions where moisture collects. Check the condition of the rear brake discs, pads, and calipers for any sign of binding or uneven wear that might indicate the underlying issue was only partially resolved. The perishing rear tyres noted in both 2023 and 2024 suggest the vehicle may have spent time standing or carrying uneven loads, so inspect the sidewalls and inner edges of all four tyres carefully, including the spare if fitted. The repeated side repeater lens defects across three consecutive tests point to minor cosmetic neglect rather than a mechanical risk, but they do hint at a pattern of overlooking small items. More importantly, the worn front brake pads flagged in 2023 and the worn front discs in 2024 confirm this van has been worked hard under heavy loads. Have the front suspension, including coil springs, drop links, and anti-roll bar bushes, inspected for fatigue. At over 205,000 miles, the exhaust system, particularly the DPF and catalytic converter, should be assessed for efficiency and any signs of cracking or leaking that could affect emissions compliance on the next test.