2017 Ford Transit 2.0L Diesel · FD04 SSS

The 2017 Ford Transit most recently passed its MOT on 16 January 2026 with a single advisory concerning front brake pads wearing thin on both sides, indicating that while the vehicle remains roadworthy, friction material is approaching the threshold where replacement will be required in the near term. Reviewing the seven-year DVSA history, the vehicle has passed every annual inspection without a single failure, which is a reassuring signal of consistent maintenance. However, the advisory pattern shows a mild worsening trend. The 2022 and 2024 tests both flagged worn suspension arm pins or bushes on the front axle (nearside front inner in 2022, offside front inner in 2024), suggesting progressive degradation of the front suspension linkage rather than a one-off finding. Additionally, rear tyre perishing was noted in both 2024 and 2025, pointing to age-related rubber deterioration rather than simple wear-out. The front brake pad advisory in 2026 is the first brake-related item recorded, which is consistent with pad wear progressing gradually with mileage. With 62,494 miles recorded over approximately nine years, this Transit has covered roughly 6,944 miles annually, which sits squarely within the typical usage band for a vehicle of its age and type, neither suspiciously low nor excessively high. There are no large unexplained gaps in the mileage progression across the MOT records, suggesting the odometer reading is likely continuous and the vehicle has been in regular service rather than left standing for prolonged periods. This steady accumulation is mechanically favourable, as it implies consistent warm-up cycles, regular fluid circulation through the braking and drivetrain systems, and fewer opportunities for the corrosion issues that commonly afflict low-use commercial vehicles. That said, at this mileage the engine, clutch, gearbox, and turbo components (if applicable) will have absorbed meaningful wear, and major service items such as timing belt replacement, if fitted, should be confirmed against the manufacturer schedule. Regarding the recurring advisories, the front suspension bushes are worth close attention. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks over speed humps, uneven or potholed surfaces, and during full-lock manoeuvres, all of which would indicate that the worn pins or bushes have progressed to a point of excessive play. Uneven inner or outer tyre tread wear across the front axle would corroborate this, as the geometry disturbance caused by slack suspension components often presents as feathered or inconsistent wear patterns. The front brake pads, noted as thin on both sides, should be inspected for remaining friction material thickness; symptoms to listen and feel for include increased stopping distance, a grinding or squealing noise under light or moderate braking, or brake judder under firm application. Given the advisories appeared on both sides, it is worth budgeting for a full axle pad replacement along with a check of disc condition, as worn pads frequently accelerate disc wear. Beyond the recorded advisories, several age-related checks are appropriate for a nine-year-old commercial vehicle of this mileage. Inspect both sides of all four tyres closely for sidewall cracking, perishing, or bulging, particularly given the recurring tyre wall advisories in 2024 and 2025, and replace any tyre over five years from its DOT date stamp regardless of tread remaining. Examine the brake calipers for signs of seizing, sticking pistons, or uneven pad wear across each axle, which is common on Transits that see mixed urban and motorway use. Check the underside, inner arches, and load floor for surface corrosion, paying particular attention to suspension components, brake lines, and the exhaust system, as Transits of this generation can suffer from structural rust in the rear load area and around the rear axle. Verify the age of the 12V battery, the date of last coolant, brake fluid, and gearbox oil changes, and confirm the service book has been stamped at the correct intervals, as calendar-based fluid degradation is a common oversight on vans that accumulate mileage steadily without owner attention to time-served items.