2016 Ford Transit 2.2L Diesel · SG16 PVL

The vehicle’s roadworthiness record shows a concerning instability in the past year, with a recent failure on January 14, 2026, just eight days before its final pass. The failure was critical—failing the roller brake test for insufficient parking brake effort and a minor but persistent fuel system leak at the nearside pipe connection. While the January 2026 pass suggests the issues were rectified, the narrow window between failure and retest raises questions about whether the work was thorough or merely temporary. The December 2024 and earlier tests show no defects, indicating a stable period until the recent spike in problems. Buyers should treat this as a red flag, particularly given the lack of prior brake-related advisories in the history. The mileage pattern here is unusual for a vehicle of this age, with 143,859 miles logged in just under ten years—an average of over 14,000 miles annually. This is well above the typical range for a commercial van of this era, suggesting either heavy usage or inconsistent maintenance. Notably, there’s a gap of 22,821 miles between the December 2024 test (121,038 miles) and the January 2026 failure (143,817 miles), covering just over a year. Such rapid accumulation implies wear on high-stress components like brakes, suspension, and drivetrain, which may not have been addressed consistently. The lack of advisories in earlier tests contrasts sharply with the recent failures, hinting at deferred maintenance rather than a gradual degradation pattern. Given the recent brake failure and fuel leak, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the parking brake system, including the rear caliper binding and hydraulic components. The roller test failure suggests either worn-out self-adjusting mechanisms or a lack of proper servicing, so inspecting brake fluid condition, rear wheel cylinders, and calliper pistons is essential. The fuel system leak at the nearside pipe connection warrants checking for corrosion or improper sealing, particularly around the fuel tank connection. Additionally, with the high mileage, scrutinise suspension bushes, coil springs, and steering components for wear, as these are often overlooked until they fail. The absence of earlier advisories makes this vehicle a higher-risk purchase, and any discrepancies in maintenance records should be verified before proceeding.