2004 · 20 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2004 Ford Transit MOT pass rate and common faults

2,039 MOT tests in 2024. 56.5% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

100About average
Passed first time56.5%
Failed or needed repairs43.5%
Typical mileage at test113,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,039 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength12.3%
  2. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced4.7%
  3. Chassis condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced4.6%
  4. Service brake imbalance: across an axle4.1%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded4.0%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.8%
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.6%
  8. Position lamp: not working3.5%
  9. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting3.3%
  10. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced3.0%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics32.9%
  2. Suspension29.7%
  3. Body & chassis26.8%
  4. Brakes26.7%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.2%
  6. Steering5.0%
  7. Seat belts & airbags4.5%
  8. Emissions & leaks4.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded25.7%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine19.7%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn11.2%
  4. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced10.9%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.3%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Ford Transit?

In 2024, 56.5% of 2004 Ford Transit cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,039 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 Ford Transit?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced; chassis condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2004 Ford Transit reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 100, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).