Ford Transit Connect MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 170,280 MOT tests on the Ford Transit Connect carried out in 2023. 36% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 6 in 10 Transit Connects passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2002 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2014 models did best (68% passed, −3.3 points against the average for 9-year-old cars), while 2019 models fared worst (73%, −13.6 points). Tested cars had covered 101,271 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 16.1% of tests (noticeably above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 7.4% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 170,280
- First-time pass rate
- 64%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −7.1 points
- Average mileage at test
- 101,271
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Transit Connect?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Transit Connect MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 354 | 84% | 91% | −6.4 points | 37,294 |
| 2020 | 11,050 | 79% | 88% | −8.5 points | 44,355 |
| 2019 | 15,168 | 73% | 86% | −13.6 points | 55,945 |
| 2018 | 16,882 | 75% | 84% | −9.0 points | 69,175 |
| 2017 | 18,412 | 76% | 82% | −5.6 points | 80,558 |
| 2016 | 14,183 | 74% | 79% | −4.8 points | 93,561 |
| 2015 | 13,321 | 72% | 75% | −3.5 points | 101,812 |
| 2014 | 10,717 | 68% | 72% | −3.3 points | 112,349 |
| 2013 | 4,534 | 61% | 68% | −6.9 points | 108,339 |
| 2012 | 6,105 | 57% | 66% | −8.8 points | 113,415 |
| 2011 | 6,248 | 53% | 63% | −9.9 points | 125,388 |
| 2010 | 5,517 | 49% | 60% | −11.3 points | 131,114 |
| 2009 | 5,646 | 50% | 59% | −8.8 points | 127,437 |
| 2008 | 8,564 | 49% | 57% | −8.2 points | 138,941 |
| 2007 | 9,835 | 48% | 57% | −9.0 points | 143,461 |
| 2006 | 8,894 | 47% | 56% | −8.8 points | 140,704 |
| 2005 | 6,428 | 48% | 56% | −8.3 points | 142,457 |
| 2004 | 4,752 | 48% | 56% | −8.0 points | 141,557 |
| 2003 | 3,326 | 48% | 57% | −9.2 points | 143,891 |
| 2002 | 332 | 49% | 58% | −8.1 points | 143,660 |
Why the Ford Transit Connect fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Transit Connect | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 16.1% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 11.4% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 9.8% | 8.9% |
| Tyres | 8.2% | 6.3% |
| Body and structure | 8.2% | 3.5% |
| Visibility | 7.4% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 5.1% | 3.1% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 2.6% | 1.0% |
| Steering | 1.5% | 1.8% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.6% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working7.4%
- 2does not clear the windscreen effectively3.8%
- 3tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.6%
- 4prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.6%
- 5constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.2%
- 6efficiency below requirements3.0%
- 7less than 1.5 mm thick3.0%
- 8ball joint excessively worn2.8%
- 9inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps2.7%
- 10not working on dipped beam2.5%
Common Transit Connect MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Transit Connect, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 21.5% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 11.9% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 10.6% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 10.6% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 7.7% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 5.3% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 3.9% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 3.7% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 3.2% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 2.8% |
Tips to help your Transit Connect pass
Based on where Transit Connects most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 16.1% of Transit Connect tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 11.4% of Transit Connect tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the Transit Connect ULEZ compliant? See the Ford Transit Connect ULEZ check, or view all Ford models.
Other Ford models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 170,280 first MOT tests of the Ford Transit Connect carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 170,280 first MOT tests of the Ford Transit Connect.
What is the Ford Transit Connect MOT failure rate?
In our data, 36% of 170,280 first MOT attempts on the Ford Transit Connect ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Ford Transit Connect fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (16.1% of tests), brakes (11.4% of tests), suspension (9.8% of tests).
Which Transit Connect year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2014 cars performed best: 68% passed first time, −3.3 points against the average for 9-year-old cars. The weakest was 2019, at 73% (−13.6 points).
How many miles had a typical Ford Transit Connect covered at its MOT?
The average was 101,271 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 37,294 miles and 2002 cars 143,660.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Ford Transit Connect?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 21.5% of tests, in the tyres area. 8.2% of Transit Connects failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Transit Connect's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 170,280 Transit Connects in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 47% to 84% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
Check any Transit Connect's MOT history
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