2015 Ford Transit 2.2L Diesel · TF13 DEC

A pattern of chronic advisories affecting the front lower suspension bushes and all four brake discs dominates the mechanical profile of this 2015 Ford Transit, and the latest test on 26 June 2026 confirms that the deterioration is ongoing rather than resolved. Across the 2024, 2025 and 2026 tests, both nearside and offside front lower suspension arm rear bushes have been repeatedly flagged for cracking, perishing and bonding failure, with the 2025 wording describing perishing and the 2026 recording describing bonding as failing on the offside. This is a progressive rubber component issue typical of commercial vehicles that carry load, and the trend from perishing to bonding failure indicates the bushes are now reaching the end of their service life. The brake discs have been flagged at every test since 2024 for corrosion and wear, progressing from generally corroded in 2024 to specifically worn in 2025 and 2026 on both front and rear discs. A single PRF failure was recorded on 20 June 2024 for an obviously incorrect offside headlamp beam image, which was presumably rectified to allow the same-day pass, and a nearside obligatory mirror is currently slightly damaged. No further structural, exhaust or corrosion advisories appear in the record, so the suspension and braking wear is the principal mechanical concern rather than any underlying chassis condition. The recorded mileage of 55,197 miles over an 11-year registration period equates to roughly 5,000 miles annually, which is low for a vehicle of this type and could reflect light commercial use, long periods of standing, or a mixed history of work and downtime. Annual MOT tests have been carried out consecutively from 2020 through 2026 without any gaps, so there is no evidence of the vehicle being declared off the road, written off, or off the public road for extended lay-up periods, which is reassuring from a corrosion and battery perspective. However, low annual mileage on a commercial vehicle can sometimes mask irregular use patterns, including periods of inactivity followed by heavier loading, and the 2020 advisories of outer wall cracking on all four tyres, combined with valve stem damage on all four tyres, suggest the vehicle may have stood for some time at an earlier point in its life. The mileage progression between tests is broadly consistent with steady light use rather than any sudden accumulation that would indicate a high-mileage working life. A prospective buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension components, as the recorded advisories specifically relate to the rear bushes of the lower suspension arms on both sides. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end when traversing speed bumps, potholes or uneven surfaces, and feel for any vagueness or shimmy in the steering that could indicate excessive movement at the worn bushes. With the vehicle unladen, bounce each front corner by hand and watch for damping oscillation, and check the lower arms visually for cracked, separated or perished rubber and any visible daylight between the bush and its housing. The brake discs warrant close attention given three consecutive years of corrosion and wear advisories; on the road, expect to feel any brake judder or vibration through the pedal under firm application, particularly from the front axle, and listen for grinding or scoring sounds that would indicate the discs have worn beyond their service thickness. Inspect all four discs through the wheels for excessive lipping and deep pitting, and confirm there is sufficient material remaining, as corrosion advisories combined with a worn condition often precipitate disc replacement on the next test. Beyond the suspension and brakes, the nearside front tyre previously had two nails embedded, so all four tyres should be examined for previous repairs, sidewall damage and overall condition, with particular attention to tread depth and any uneven wear that could be linked to the suspension bush deterioration. The headlamp aim issue from 2024 should be rechecked to ensure the offside beam pattern is correctly aligned and not projecting excessively, as misaligned headlights are a common PRF failure point on Transits of this era. Finally, a thorough road test under load if possible will help reveal any suspension or braking shortcomings that are masked during an unladen drive, and a borescope inspection or visual check underneath the vehicle for any oil leaks from the engine, gearbox or steering rack would be prudent given the age and commercial history of this particular example.