2016 Ford Transit 2.2L Diesel · HJ66 PKK

A pattern of recurring drive shaft boot failures combined with an engine management issue and an emissions-related failure dominates the mechanical narrative of this 2016 Ford Transit. Across the six MOT events recorded since 2021, the vehicle has failed three times, with two of those failures occurring on the same day as a corresponding pass. The 2024 test recorded major defects on the nearside front prop shaft CV boot and an inoperative engine MIL, and the 2025 test flagged a split offside front outer drive shaft boot alongside excessive smoke emissions preventing completion of the emissions check. Such repeated CV boot splits on opposite sides of the front drivetrain, together with the engine warning light and smoke output, point towards underlying wear in the constant velocity joints and possible engine or turbo-related concerns that warrant closer examination. Against a ten-year age, the recorded mileage of 23,862 miles equates to an annual average of roughly 2,386 miles per year, which is notably low for a commercial vehicle of this class. The MOT testing history shows annual tests from 2021 through 2025 with no multi-year gaps, indicating the vehicle has been kept on the road continuously, even if its use has been light. Low annual mileage in a Transit often reflects short local trips, periods of light commercial use, or extended standing between jobs rather than continuous high-mileage work. Mechanically, this profile reduces wear on higher-mileage items such as the clutch, main bearings and turbo seals, but it can accelerate issues associated with infrequent running, including corrosion on brake discs, deterioration of rubber components, and the build-up of moisture in the engine oil and exhaust system, which can contribute to elevated smoke readings. For a prospective buyer, the most pressing areas to investigate are the front drivetrain boots and the engine management and emissions systems flagged in 2024 and 2025. On a test drive, listen for clicking or knocking noises from the front wheels during full-lock manoeuvres, which would indicate worn CV joints beyond just the perished boots, and check the engine bay for fresh grease deposits around the boots that could signify a recent repair or a continued leak. The 2025 smoke failure should prompt a cold-start inspection for excessive exhaust smoke, particularly blue smoke suggesting oil combustion or black smoke indicating running rich, alongside a diagnostic read of any stored fault codes related to the MIL, diesel particulate filter or turbocharger. Inspect the prop shaft area for signs of oil contamination or recent component replacement that may not have addressed the underlying cause. The 2022 advisory regarding both front tyres being worn close to the legal limit on inner and outer edges suggests a tracking or suspension geometry issue, and this is worth re-examining even though subsequent tests recorded no tyre advisories. Uneven inner and outer edge wear typically points towards incorrect camber, worn suspension bushes, or damaged struts, so during inspection pay attention to any pulling to one side under braking, uneven tyre wear patterns on the current set, and any knocking or creaking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces. Additionally, given the very low usage, the brake discs may have developed a lip of corrosion; verify that the pedal feels firm and that the vehicle stops squarely without pulling, and examine the discs visually for scoring or heavy surface rust that could necessitate replacement.