2017 Ford Transit 2.0L Diesel · OW66 KBK

A chronic pattern of front suspension ball joint dust cover deterioration is the defining mechanical concern in this Transit’s MOT record. The issue first surfaced as advisory-level wear in January 2023 when both nearside and offside front lower ball joint covers were flagged, before escalating to major failure status on the same test for both sides, meaning the deteriorated covers could no longer prevent dirt ingress. By January 2025 the condition had returned as minor advisories on both sides, and then progressed once more to a major failure on the offside front in January 2026, just one day after the vehicle passed an MOT with no defects recorded. This repeated cycle of deterioration, repair or partial replacement, and renewed degradation strongly suggests the underlying ball joints themselves are wearing or that the replacement components fitted are of inferior quality, and the buyer should treat the front suspension as the primary area requiring scrutiny and budget. Annual mileage of roughly 7,566 miles across nine years is broadly consistent with light commercial use, though the recorded gaps in testing history should be noted. There is no MOT data for 2020 or 2021, with the earliest entry on file being January 2022, which could indicate the vehicle was either registered late, off the road, or exempt from testing during that period. The mileage progression between recorded dates appears steady rather than showing sudden jumps, suggesting consistent light-to-moderate use that places this Transit in a lower-wear category than high-mileage fleet examples. However, even at this modest annual accumulation, the recurring suspension wear demonstrates that age and exposure to road grime rather than high mileage alone are driving the component degradation. For a prospective buyer, a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension is essential before purchase. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front wheels when traversing speed humps, uneven surfaces, or potholes, and pay particular attention to any slack or clunking felt through the steering wheel when turning at low speed. Visually inspect both front lower ball joint boots for splits, perished rubber, or grease contamination, and check the offside front specifically given its most recent failure. Ask for evidence of what remedial work was carried out between the January 2026 failure and pass, and confirm whether replacement ball joints or full suspension arms were fitted rather than just dust covers being repacked, as the latter would not address the root cause of the recurring wear pattern. The remaining advisories and defects warrant secondary but still meaningful attention. Front brake discs have been flagged as worn, pitted, or scored at both the 2023 and 2024 tests, indicating progressive disc surface deterioration that may now be approaching the minimum thickness threshold. On test, listen for brake squeal or grinding under light and heavy pedal application, and feel for any judder or vibration through the steering wheel or brake pedal during moderate stops from around 30 mph. The January 2022 exhaust emissions failure, where recorded values exceeded manufacturer limits, should be queried to confirm whether a catalytic converter or lambda sensor issue was rectified, as persistent emissions problems in diesel Transits of this era commonly stem from EGR or DPF-related faults. Finally, inspect the nearside rear tyre for cracking or perishing, check all side repeater lenses for damage, and examine the windscreen for any stone chips encroaching on the driver’s swept area, as even minor screen damage can fail at subsequent tests if positioned within the critical vision zones.