Ford Transit Custom (2012–2023)
Ford Transit Custom 1.5 / 2.0 EcoBlue 105-185 hp problems
The Ford Transit Custom used the 1.5 / 2.0 EcoBlue from 2016 to 2023 (2.0 EcoBlue 105, 2.0 EcoBlue 130 and 2.0 EcoBlue 170). 3 documented faults affect it; the most important is “degradation of the wet timing belt (2.0 EcoBlue)” (critical severity, common). Our verdict: “With caution”. Among the documented engines of the Ford Transit Custom, the safest option is the 2.2 / 2.4 / 3.2 TDCi (Puma).
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Engine score on this car
4.1 out of 10Low reliability
Only counting the faults that affect the versions and years of the Transit Custom. How we calculate it
Overall score for the Ford Transit Custom
5.6 out of 10Acceptable reliability
Engines, gearbox, suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car. See breakdown
Ford 1.5 / 2.0 EcoBlue (Panther) · Diesel
- Names
- 2.0 EcoBlue 105 · 2.0 EcoBlue 130 · 2.0 EcoBlue 170 · 2.0 EcoBlue 185
- Faults that affect it
- 3 · 2 of high or critical severity
Verdict for the version it uses
2.0 EcoBlue single-turbo 105/130/150/170/190, with and without mild hybrid (since 2016)since 2016 · 105–190 hp
With cautionIt shares the wet belt design that specialist sources link to cases of degradation and loss of oil pressure on other Ford engines; buy it with the belts inspected or changed and with no oil or temperature warning lights.[3][4]
Faults that affect the Transit Custom
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonTimingDegradation of the wet timing belt (2.0 EcoBlue)Yes: the 2.0 EcoBlue debuted a timing belt that runs bathed in oil on Ford's diesels. Over the years it can degrade and shed debris that affects the lubrication circuit, with a risk of seizure. A roundup by Autopista.es places it in the Focus, Kuga, Transit and Transit/Tourneo Custom.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationWet oil pump belt (2.0 EcoBlue)In addition to the timing belt, the 2.0 EcoBlue drives the oil pump with a second belt that also runs bathed in oil. If it degrades or breaks, the engine suddenly loses lubrication pressure, with the same risk of seizure as the timing belt.
- Medium severityFrequency: RareEmissions controlEmissions system warnings (AdBlue/EGR) and injector wearOn the Ford Focus IV and Kuga III, generations that now only use EcoBlue, some owners report, occasionally (not in the majority), AdBlue system warnings or injector failures. It is a small sample, and we have not found that Ford has announced a campaign of its own for the EcoBlue for this reason.
What to check before buying a used Ford Transit Custom 1.5 / 2.0 EcoBlue 105-185 hp
Each point comes from a documented fault that affects this car. You can tick them off as you inspect it.
If it has the 1.5 / 2.0 EcoBlue (2016–2023)
Degradation of the wet timing belt (2.0 EcoBlue)
Critical severityWet oil pump belt (2.0 EcoBlue)
Critical severityEmissions system warnings (AdBlue/EGR) and injector wear
Medium severityOther engines and gearboxes of the Ford Transit Custom
Score for each one with the faults that affect this car, from best to worst.
Faults of the Ford Transit Custom outside the engine
Suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car: they occur with any engine.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalSuspensionLower suspension arms with missing, partial or insufficiently penetrated weldsTwo 2020 campaigns (20S47 and 20S53) affect the Transit Custom's lower suspension arms: on vehicles from October 2019 to July 2020 welds may be missing or partial, and on vehicles from June to September 2020 the weld penetration of the left arm does not meet the specification. There is a risk of breakage and of an accident.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAirbags and safetyDriver's seat belt height adjuster bolt with incorrect tightening torqueIn 2019 a warning was issued that the driver-side front seat belt height adjuster bolt could be incorrectly tightened on Transit Custom built from 6 February to 29 August 2017, with a risk of the anchorage coming away from the adjuster in a crash.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesBrake pedal pin clip out of specification: the pedal can come away from the brake servoIn 2013 a warning was issued that the first Transit Custom vehicles (built between late September 2012 and early February 2013) had an R-clip on the brake pedal pin that did not meet the material specification and could come off, leaving the pedal disconnected from the brake servo and with no braking.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalElectrical systemDual-battery positive cable incorrectly fitted, with loss of power and risk of overheatingCampaign 20S03 covers Transit Custom built from 20 May to 10 October 2019: the dual-battery positive cable may have been fitted incorrectly and come loose, with loss of engine power or even localised overheating with melting of components. Safety Gate labels it as a fire of electronic origin.
Buying a Ford Transit Custom 1.5 / 2.0 EcoBlue 105-185 hp?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
The Ford Transit Custom has 5 documented recalls and campaigns. See which ones and how to find out if they affect you
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ford Transit Custom 1.5 / 2.0 EcoBlue 105-185 hp reliable?
The Ford Transit Custom used the 1.5 / 2.0 EcoBlue from 2016 to 2023 (2.0 EcoBlue 105, 2.0 EcoBlue 130 and 2.0 EcoBlue 170). 3 documented faults affect it; the most important is “degradation of the wet timing belt (2.0 EcoBlue)” (critical severity, common). Our verdict: “With caution”. Among the documented engines of the Ford Transit Custom, the safest option is the 2.2 / 2.4 / 3.2 TDCi (Puma).
What faults does the Ford Transit Custom 1.5 / 2.0 EcoBlue 105-185 hp have?
The documented ones that affect this car are: degradation of the wet timing belt (2.0 EcoBlue) (critical severity), wet oil pump belt (2.0 EcoBlue) (critical severity) and emissions system warnings (AdBlue/EGR) and injector wear (medium severity).
Which engine should you choose for the Ford Transit Custom?
None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 2.2 / 2.4 / 3.2 TDCi (Puma), with a «With caution» verdict.
Own a Ford Transit Custom 1.5 / 2.0 EcoBlue 105-185 hp? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Nuevo motor Ford 2.0 EcoBlue Diésel: más potente y ahorradorAutopista.es · Motoring press · published April 2016 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Ford Transit CustomWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
- Which Cars Have a Wet Belt? Full UK Engine List (2026)CarOkay · Other source · published 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026
- Todos los coches afectados ya por problemas de motor a causa de correas de distribución en aceiteAutopista.es · Motoring press · published February 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish