2017 Ford Transit 2.0L Diesel · SS13 MEN

The most recent MOT test for the 2017 Ford Transit occurred on 2025-09-19 and resulted in a clean pass, marking a significant improvement from the previous test on 2025-09-17, which failed with two dangerous defects—offside front tyre exposure of ply or cords and nearside rear shock absorbers likely to detach—alongside a thin front brake pad condition and a minor registration plate lamp failure. While the 2024 tests showed only advisories related to brake pipe corrosion and disc wear, the 2025 failure highlights a concerning pattern of severe tyre and suspension issues, suggesting either a lack of timely maintenance or underlying structural or installation problems that require immediate attention. The vehicle’s overall maintenance trend appears to have stabilised post-2025 failure, but the need for urgent corrective action on the exposed tyre and detached shock absorber risks compromising roadworthiness if not addressed promptly. The recorded mileage of 64,829 miles for a vehicle aged nine years represents a reasonable annual usage rate of approximately 7,203 miles per year, which is typical for a Transit of this class under mixed operational conditions. However, the presence of advisories from 2021—including near and offside front and rear tyres worn close to legal limits with edge feathering—suggests either prolonged periods of low usage followed by heavy demand or inconsistent tyre management. Tyres worn to the legal limit or beyond without recent replacement increases the risk of sudden blowouts, especially when combined with the exposed ply observed in the 2025 failure. Additionally, the nearside rear shock absorber advisory implies potential long-term standing or improper servicing, which can lead to uneven suspension travel, uneven tyre wear, and reduced handling stability over time. As a prospective buyer, you should commence a thorough physical inspection of the vehicle, focusing on the tyre condition and suspension components identified in the MOT history. Begin by checking the front and rear tyres for signs of further ply exposure or uneven wear beyond the edge feathering noted in 2021. Look for cracks or bulges in the sidewall, which may indicate internal damage from impact or age-related perishing. On the suspension, inspect the shock absorbers and strut mounts for oil leaks, swelling, or signs of detachment, and listen for abnormal clunking or rattling when driving over bumps, which may reveal loose or failing components. The brake system presents critical concerns: verify that the brake pipes are free of corrosion and grease buildup, and check for binding calipers or corrosion on the discs, which could lead to reduced braking efficiency or even failure. Test the braking action on a drive, paying attention to any shuddering, pulling, or reduced stopping distance, which may signal worn pads, warped discs, or hydraulic issues. Given the vehicle’s age and the advisories related to brake pipe corrosion and disc wear, it is advisable to schedule a professional inspection of the brake system within the next 10,000 to 15,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first. The brake pipe corrosion could compromise the hydraulic integrity, leading to brake failure if not addressed, and the worn discs may require replacement to prevent further pitting or warping. Additionally, since the vehicle has accumulated over 60,000 miles, consider a full fluid service for the brake, cooling, and power steering systems, as these fluids degrade over time and can affect performance and safety. For the tyres, if they are nearing the legal limit or show signs of excessive wear, replacement is strongly recommended to avoid sudden failure. Lastly, check the 12-volt battery and associated electrical systems, as prolonged standing or low usage can lead to battery discharge or corrosion, which may require replacement before the battery fails completely. Ensure the service history is up to date, particularly for suspension and brake components, and verify that any previous repairs were correctly executed to prevent recurring issues.