Ford Transit Courier MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 24,047 MOT tests on the Ford Transit Courier carried out in 2023. 28% failed at the first attempt, which is roughly in line with the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Transit Couriers passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2014 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2021 models did best (89% passed, −2.3 points against the average for 2-year-old cars), while 2016 models fared worst (65%, −13.5 points). Tested cars had covered 72,099 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 14.8% of tests (slightly above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 6.8% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 24,047
- First-time pass rate
- 72%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +0.1 points
- Average mileage at test
- 72,099
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Transit Courier?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Transit Courier 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 | 122 | 89% | 91% | −2.3 points | 28,005 |
| 2020 | 3,371 | 78% | 88% | −9.5 points | 45,062 |
| 2019 | 4,659 | 78% | 86% | −8.1 points | 54,632 |
| 2018 | 4,419 | 75% | 84% | −9.0 points | 64,729 |
| 2017 | 4,031 | 69% | 82% | −12.4 points | 78,872 |
| 2016 | 2,782 | 65% | 79% | −13.5 points | 86,803 |
| 2015 | 3,553 | 62% | 75% | −13.2 points | 101,038 |
| 2014 | 1,101 | 62% | 72% | −9.5 points | 110,095 |
Why the Ford Transit Courier fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Transit Courier | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 14.8% | 11.3% |
| Tyres | 7.0% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 6.3% | 4.8% |
| Suspension | 4.3% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 3.9% | 6.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.7% | 3.1% |
| Body and structure | 1.0% | 3.5% |
| Steering | 1.0% | 1.8% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.4% | 0.4% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.3% | 1.0% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working6.8%
- 2tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.4%
- 3not working on dipped beam3.1%
- 4does not clear the windscreen effectively2.7%
- 5fractured or broken2.1%
- 6inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps2.1%
- 7inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.0%
- 8less than 1.5 mm thick2.0%
- 9projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.8%
- 10provides insufficient washer liquid1.7%
Common Transit Courier MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Transit Courier, 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 | 19.8% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 6.8% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 4.2% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 3.5% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.9% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 2.5% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 2.2% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 2.1% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.9% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 1.7% |
Tips to help your Transit Courier pass
Based on where Transit Couriers most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 14.8% of Transit Courier 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.
Visibility · 6.3% of Transit Courier tests
Clear the view
Replace wiper blades that smear, fill the washer bottle and get chips in the windscreen repaired early, especially in the area directly in front of the driver.
Compare with other models
Is the Transit Courier ULEZ compliant? See the Ford Transit Courier ULEZ check, or view all Ford models.
Other Ford models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 24,047 first MOT tests of the Ford Transit Courier 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 24,047 first MOT tests of the Ford Transit Courier.
What is the Ford Transit Courier MOT failure rate?
In our data, 28% of 24,047 first MOT attempts on the Ford Transit Courier ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Ford Transit Courier fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (14.8% of tests), tyres (7.0% of tests), visibility (6.3% of tests).
Which Transit Courier year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2021 cars performed best: 89% passed first time, −2.3 points against the average for 2-year-old cars. The weakest was 2016, at 65% (−13.5 points).
How many miles had a typical Ford Transit Courier covered at its MOT?
The average was 72,099 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 28,005 miles and 2014 cars 110,095.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Ford Transit Courier?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 19.8% of tests, in the tyres area. 7.0% of Transit Couriers failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Transit Courier's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 24,047 Transit Couriers in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 62% to 89% 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 · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.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 Courier's MOT history
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