2019 Ford Transit Connect 1.5L Diesel · EW19 FWD

A single but significant safety episode defines the mechanical record of this 2019 Ford Transit Connect, with a dangerous failure recorded at the 2024 test for both rear brake pads falling below 1.5 mm thickness. The vehicle subsequently passed the next three tests in 2024, 2025, and 2026 with no defects recorded, which suggests the braking system received immediate attention following the dangerous defect, yet the earlier tyre advisories on the offside rear in both 2022 and 2023 indicate a recurring wear pattern on that corner that has not been resolved through wheel alignment or rotation. The contrast between the dangerous brake pad failure and the otherwise clean recent record means a buyer cannot rely on the post-2024 clean tests alone; the underlying rear braking wear and the persistent offside rear tyre issue remain relevant mechanical considerations for a commercial vehicle of this age and weight class. With 69,456 miles accumulated over approximately seven years, the vehicle is averaging roughly 9,922 miles annually, a figure broadly consistent with typical commercial or fleet usage for a Transit Connect. There are no extended gaps in the annual MOT history, indicating the vehicle has remained in continuous service throughout its recorded life, which generally equates to greater wear on consumables such as brake friction material, clutch components, and suspension bushes than a lower-mileage example. The relatively steady testing cadence combined with mileage that sits within expected parameters for a working van suggests mechanical wear commensurate with regular duty rather than any abnormal accumulation that might indicate long-distance towing or atypical use. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the rear braking system during inspection, listening for any metallic scraping or grinding from the rear wheels which would indicate pad wear sensors contacting worn discs, and feeling for pulling to one side under firm braking that might suggest a binding caliper or uneven pad wear following the 2024 pad replacement. The offside rear tyre wearing close to the legal limit in 2022 and again in 2023 is a recurring flag worth investigating by checking the current offside rear tyre for uneven shoulder wear, which would indicate a camber or tracking issue that has not been rectified; uneven inner or outer edge wear on the nearside rear would suggest the problem has migrated. A test drive should include a section of uneven road surface where any knocking or clonking from the rear suspension could indicate worn bushes, a common Transit Connect issue at this mileage, and the buyer should also check for signs of a binding handbrake or rear brake drag after a short drive by feeling the rear wheels for excessive heat. Beyond the flagged items, a physical inspection should examine the rear brake discs themselves for lipping, scoring, or corrosion pitting, as the dangerous pad failure recorded could have caused permanent damage to the disc surface that was not flagged at subsequent tests if the discs were skimmed or replaced at the same time as the pads. The front braking system has not been flagged in the MOT record but should still be inspected visually for pad thickness and disc condition given the rear pads were allowed to wear to a dangerous level, which raises questions about overall brake maintenance discipline. Under the vehicle, check for any signs of fluid leaks from the rear axle area or brake hydraulic lines, as corrosion on brake pipes is a common MOT failure point on vans of this age. Finally, verify that the spare tyre or tyre repair kit is present and serviceable, and confirm whether the offside rear alignment issue has been addressed since 2023, as the absence of any advisory on this corner in the most recent test could mean the tyres were simply replaced rather than the underlying geometry fault corrected.