Ford Transit Connect vs Opel Combo E: which is more reliable?
According to the MotorFiable Score, the Ford Transit Connect (7.7/10) has fewer serious documented faults than the Opel Combo E (5.3/10), mainly because of their engines.
| Item | Ford Transit Connect | Opel Combo E |
|---|---|---|
| Segment | Van and combi | Van and combi |
| Years | 2013–2023 | 2018–today |
| MotorFiable Score | 7.7 out of 10 | 5.3 out of 10 |
| Engine score | 9.3/10 | 4.5/10 |
| Most recommended engine | 1.5 / 2.0 EcoBlue · Buy | 1.5 BlueHDi · Buy |
| Score for the rest of the car | 6.2/10 | 6.2/10 |
| Brakes | 8.1 out of 100 faults | 8.1 out of 101 faultHigh severity |
| Steering | 9.1 out of 100 faults | 7.9 out of 101 faultHigh severity |
| Gearbox and clutch | 6.1 out of 102 faultsCritical severity | 8.6 out of 101 faultCritical severity |
| Electronics and infotainment | 8.6 out of 101 faultMedium severity | 9.3 out of 101 faultMedium severity |
| Bodywork and interior | 8.3 out of 101 faultHigh severity | 7.9 out of 101 faultHigh severity |
| Airbags and safety | No documented faults | 7.1 out of 101 faultCritical severity |
Scores out of 10: the higher, the fewer serious documented faults. How we calculate them
Main faults of the Ford Transit Connect
Outside the engine
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalGearbox and clutchGear selector lever faultFord recalled 145,182 Transit Connect vans built between April 2013 and April 2021 because the gear selector lever can fail and cause unintended vehicle movement, according to Safety Gate alert 1/2022 (A12/00027/22). The sources do not detail the repair.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalGearbox and clutchClutch pressure plate breakageFord has recalled Transit Connect vans over a clutch pressure plate that can break while the vehicle is moving: three Safety Gate alerts (July 2018, January and December 2019) covering 2012 to 2018 production. One of them affects manual-gearbox 1.0 EcoBoost models built between October 2016 and May 2018.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalBodywork and interiorPoor bonding of the panoramic or glass roofTwo Ford campaigns over the bonding of the Transit Connect's roof: one from 2020 (2014 to 2018 production) for insufficient adhesion that could detach the panoramic roof, and another from 2024 (24,812 units from 2016 to 2019) for contaminants in the primer that cause noise, water ingress and possible detachment.
In their engines
All faults of the Ford Transit ConnectMain faults of the Opel Combo E
Outside the engine
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAirbags and safetyFront passenger seat belt with reduced effectivenessA campaign affected around 1,735 Opel Combo E units built in 2018-2019 in which the front passenger seat belt could have reduced restraint effectiveness.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalBodywork and interiorThe engine undershield can trap material (fire risk)A 2022 campaign (ref. KAE/200511EE) covers Combo E vehicles built between 12 March 2018 and 17 September 2021 whose metal engine undershield can trap material next to the exhaust, with a risk of fire.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalSteeringDamaged steering linkage (track rods), with loss of stabilityIn 2019-2020 units, the steering linkage (track rods) can become damaged, with loss of driving stability and a greater risk of an accident; the Peugeot Rifter and the Citroën Berlingo III had an official campaign for a defect in the same component over a similar period.
In their engines
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.5 BlueHDiWear and breakage of the 7 mm chain between the camshaftsIn 1.5 BlueHDi engines built between October 2017 and January 2023, the 7 mm chain linking the camshafts can stretch and break, causing serious engine damage. Stellantis has recalled them and covers the fault for 10 years or 240,000 km.Repair (garage): €730–€820
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequent1.5 BlueHDiAdBlue tank and pump failure1.5 BlueHDi engines built up to August 2020 can suffer failures of the AdBlue tank pump module, with a "no engine start" countdown. The whole tank is usually replaced and Stellantis contributes to the cost up to 8 years.Repair: €1,000–€1,500
- High severityFrequency: Occasional1.5 BlueHDiSeizure of the high-pressure pump and injection systemSome early 1.5 BlueHDi engines have suffered seizure of the Bosch high-pressure pump, with juddering or the engine stalling on the road, sometimes before 50,000 km. The repair means replacing the entire injection system and the fuel tank.