2021 Ford Transit: known problems and what to check
Too few Ford Transit cars first registered in 2021 had an MOT during 2025 for reliable MOT figures. Here’s what we do know about the 2021 Ford Transit, and what to check before you buy one.
Known faults on the 2021 Ford Transit
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- All engines
Water pump and injector recalls
About 92,000 Transits were recalled for a run-on water pump that could overheat, nearly 14,000 for faulty injectors and about 5,000 for badly welded lower control arms.
At the viewing: Ask a Ford dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
- 2.0 EcoBlue diesel (most Ford 2.0 diesels from about 2018)
Oil pump belt that runs in oil (2.0 EcoBlue diesel)
The 2.0 EcoBlue diesel drives its oil pump with a belt that runs in the engine oil. As it wears it can shed rubber and cut oil pressure, which can wreck the engine. Ford has shortened the change interval on the Transit to 6 years or 100,000 miles.
At the viewing: Ask when the oil pump belt was last changed, and watch for an oil-pressure warning light.
Source: Parkers: everything you need to know about the Ford wet belt
- Manual gearbox
Clutch and flywheel wear
Clutches wear out early, especially on vans that tow. The fix is a new clutch and flywheel.
At the viewing: Accelerate hard in a high gear and feel for slip.
- Diesel
Sluggish and poor on hills
A clogged fuel filter, faulty injectors or a blocked particulate filter (common on town vans) cause poor pulling.
At the viewing: Drive it up a hill and watch for warning lights.
- Diesel
NOx sensor warning light
An engine warning light is often a faulty NOx sensor in the exhaust.
At the viewing: Make sure the engine warning light goes out.
- All engines
Fast-wearing rear brake pads
Misaligned rear pads can rub the discs and wear quickly.
At the viewing: Look at the rear pads and discs.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Ford Transit
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Have the water pump, injector and control arm recalls been done?
- Has the oil pump belt been changed, and is there a full service history?
- Has the clutch been replaced, and does it tow?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
What to check on a 2021 car
- MOT history
Check the reg below: its MOT history shows what has been failed or advised, and whether the mileage adds up.
- Service history
Look for regular servicing and receipts for big jobs like a cambelt or clutch.
- Finance and write-offs
MOT records don’t show outstanding finance or insurance write-offs. A history check does.
- Test drive
Listen for knocks over bumps, check every warning light goes out, and make sure the gears and brakes feel right.
Looking at a Ford Transit?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Ford Transit compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | – | Too few tests |
| 2020 | – | Too few tests |
| 2019 | – | Too few tests |
| 2018 | – | Too few tests |
| 2017 | – | Too few tests |
| 2016 | – | Too few tests |
| 2015 | – | Too few tests |
| 2014 | – | Too few tests |
| 2013 | – | Too few tests |
| 2012 | – | Too few tests |
| 2011 | – | Too few tests |
| 2009 | – | Too few tests |
| 2008 | – | Too few tests |
| 2007 | – | Too few tests |
| 2006 | – | Too few tests |
| 2004 | – | Too few tests |
| 2003 | – | Too few tests |
| 2002 | – | Too few tests |
| 2001 | – | Too few tests |
| 2000 | – | Too few tests |
| 1995 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: how many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics (DVLA records), counted by the year each car was first registered. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score