2022 Ford Transit Custom 2.0L Diesel · DS22 LJA

A 2022 Ford Transit Custom with two recorded MOT tests presents a sparse but currently clean roadworthiness record, with the latest examination on 15 April 2026 returning a pass alongside two noted items. The most recent advisory flagged an oil leak that was deemed not excessive, and a separate minor defect was recorded for a severely deteriorated nearside front outer drive shaft constant velocity boot. The preceding test on 16 April 2025 passed with no defects recorded, so there is no documented failure history or pattern of escalating mechanical concerns in the available DVSA data. That said, the thin testing window means any longer-term trends in wear or structural deterioration cannot be fully established from MOT records alone. Mileage accumulation is notably high for a vehicle of this age, with 59,091 miles recorded over approximately four years of use, equating to roughly 14,773 miles annually. This places the Transit Custom firmly in heavy commercial use territory rather than light private operation, and the annual figure substantially exceeds the typical mileage expected for a four-year-old van. Mechanically, this level of usage accelerates wear on consumables and drivetrain components, including brake pads and discs, clutch assemblies, suspension bushes and bearings, and the rubber boots and seals protecting steering and drivetrain joints. The combination of high annual mileage and a commercial duty cycle means buyers should anticipate that even items not yet flagged by MOT testing may be closer to replacement thresholds than the test history alone might suggest. Given the recent advisory for fluid loss from somewhere within the engine or gearbox, a prospective buyer should undertake a thorough visual inspection beneath the vehicle, ideally with the engine warm and recently run, to identify whether the leak originates from the sump gasket, oil pan, front or rear crankshaft seals, or a transmission joint. Any fresh oil staining on the undertray, lower engine block, or exhaust downpipe should be noted, along with the oil level on the dipstick. On a test drive, listen for any ticking or whining noises that change with engine speed, as these can indicate bearing wear exacerbated by sustained low oil levels, and observe whether any warning lights related to oil pressure or level remain illuminated after startup. The recorded minor defect for the nearside front outer CV boot deterioration is a particular concern worth addressing promptly, as a torn boot allows grease to escape and moisture and dirt to enter the joint, ultimately leading to premature failure of the constant velocity joint itself. On inspection, examine the boot for any fresh grease deposits around its perimeter, signs of recent replacement using a clip rather than a proper boot kit, or any clicking or popping noises emanating from the front of the vehicle during tight low-speed turns. Beyond these flagged items, the high commercial mileage warrants a careful road test over uneven surfaces to detect worn suspension bushes or anti-roll bar links, brake pedal feel for any sponginess or judder under firm application, and steering for any vagueness or knocking that could point to wear in the track rod ends or drop links, all common failure points on a heavily worked Transit Custom.