2010 Ford Transit Connect 1.8L Diesel · KP10 EFM

The 2010 Ford Transit Connect passed its most recent MOT on 20 January 2026 at 130,774 miles, yet the maintenance trend is clearly worsening. A clean bill of health in January 2024 gave way to a string of recurring mechanical and structural advisories by January 2025 and January 2026. The tester flagged a defective gearbox mounting and a minor exhaust gas leak in both the 2025 and 2026 tests, indicating these faults were tolerated rather than rectified. Structural corrosion remains a persistent issue; the central vehicle structure was flagged as corroded in the January 2026 test, while the nearside rear and offside front structures show repairs that did not fully eliminate the corrosion concerns. Steering rack free play has also persisted, progressing from inner joint play in 2025 to slight free play at the steering wheel in 2026. Covering roughly 8,173 miles per year, the 130,774 recorded miles align perfectly with the typical lifespan of a 16-year-old commercial van. The mileage accumulation is steady and consistent. Between the January 2023 test at 118,627 miles and the January 2026 test at 130,774 miles, the van covered approximately 12,147 miles. There are no glaring gaps in the record to suggest the vehicle stood idle for extended periods, nor are there spikes indicating extreme annual use that would accelerate drivetrain wear beyond normal parameters. Prospective buyers must inspect the structural integrity and suspension components closely. The repeated corrosion advisories on the sills and vehicle structure demand a thorough underside inspection to verify the quality of the previous repairs and assess the extent of any remaining rot. The offside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover deteriorated significantly between the January 2024 and January 2026 tests, suggesting basic servicing was neglected. Excessive steering rack free play is a distinct possibility given the persistent readings across multiple tests. The powertrain also requires close scrutiny. The tester flagged a defective gearbox mounting in both the 2025 and 2026 tests, a fault that causes drivetrain vibration and can accelerate wear on constant velocity joints and exhaust components. The minor exhaust gas leak noted in both years likely stems from this movement or deteriorating flexi joints. The parking brake efficiency failure in January 2024, followed by rear tyre perishing in 2025, paints a picture of a vehicle that has seen minimal preventative maintenance recently. A comprehensive inspection of the braking system and a thorough check of the exhaust system for gas leaks are essential before purchase.