2017 Ford Transit 2.0L Diesel · WX67 CTK

The 2017 Ford Transit presents a concerning pattern of progressive brake system deterioration alongside intermittent electrical indicator failures that compound the mechanical reliability concerns. The most recent MOT on 2023-09-28 returned a pass despite four distinct advisories covering both front and rear brake pipes being corroded and greased, along with three separate directional indicator colour mismatches on the failed 2022-09-26 test. While the 2021 through 2022 period showed marginal improvement with two passes, the 2022 failure introduced directional display faults that suggest either electrical wiring degradation or internal bulb burnout within the indicator assemblies. These recurring issues indicate a persistent underlying problem rather than isolated incidents, and the continued presence of brake pipe corrosion despite remediation efforts raises questions about the completeness of prior repairs. The recorded mileage of 123,097 miles on a nine-year-old vehicle translates to approximately 13,677 miles per annum, which is substantially higher than typical expectations for a model of this age and represents accelerated wear on critical systems. This elevated utilisation rate likely contributed to the progressive corrosion of braking line fittings, particularly at the nearside and offside positions where the 2023 and 2022 tests each identified pipe-related failures. The high annual accumulation rate also places additional stress on suspension components, brake disc life, and drivetrain tolerances, meaning that even minor mechanical inefficiencies will manifest much faster than they would on a lower-mileage counterpart. The combination of rapid mileage growth and documented brake system failures creates a compounding effect that could quickly degrade remaining component lifespans. Buyers should treat the brake pipe corrosion flags as a primary red flag requiring immediate professional assessment before committing to purchase, as the corroded fittings may have compromised fluid pathways and could still harbor hidden damage beneath surface grease buildup. The direction indicator failures on the 2022 failure should be verified during the test drive, as faulty bulbs or associated wiring can cause erratic light behaviour that affects readability at night and may mask other electrical issues. Given the high mileage, inspect the rear axle assembly and subframe for rust penetration around mounting points, as prolonged exposure combined with heavy use often leads to structural fatigue and corrosion that can compromise wheel bearings and steering geometry. A thorough visual examination of the brake pipe connections under normal operating conditions, coupled with a road test monitoring for pedal travel consistency and noise during deceleration, will help determine whether the current condition warrants further investigation or repair before driving the vehicle.