Ford Transit Custom van review (2023)

• All Transit Customs good to drive, Sport model best
• 2.0-litre engines are more responsive and powerful
• Ride can be bouncy when van is empty

There’s a school of thought that suggests it shouldn’t really matter what a van is like to drive – since carrying stuff in the back with as little fuss as possible is the primary purpose of any LCV.

But ask Transit Custom owners and operators, and they’ll all tell you that one of the things they like the most about Ford’s medium van is how good it feels from behind the wheel.

Basic competence in this area is obviously essential – a van that’s easy to drive reduces driver fatigue. But the Transit Custom is actually fun.

Ford Transit Custom engine choice and history

From launch in 2012 until late 2016, all Transit Customs were powered by a 2.2-litre TDCi turbodiesel 'Puma' engine, available in three power outputs: 100hp / 310Nm, 125hp / 350Nm and 155hp / 385Nm.

This Euro 5 engine was officially replaced when the Euro 6 emissions regulations were introduced in September 2016 – though you will likely find Euro 5 registrations continued well into 2017 as dealerships worked through their stock.

Newer Euro 6 Transit Customs are powered by a 2.0-litre TDCi EcoBlue turbodiesel, known internally as the Panther engine.

Despite its smaller size, this new motor offers more power with less noise. It too came in three versions initially – 105hp / 360Nm, 130hp / 385Nm and 170hp / 405Nm – but what’s particularly impressive is the 20% increase in torque (pulling power) at lower revs, making it easier to get heavy loads moving.

In late 2019 these engines were overhauled for further improvements to efficiency, and a 185hp / 415Nm version was added at the top of the range.

A six-speed automatic gearbox was also introduced for the first time alongside the 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine.

What are the Ford Transit Custom engines like?

There was nothing particularly wrong with the performance of the older 2.2-litre units, so if you’re considering one of those don’t be concerned. But the newer 2.0-litre motors develop more torque much earlier, so feel more energetic and smoother while also being quieter.

Most buyers go for the middle power output – so the 125hp 2.2-litre or the 130hp 2.0-litre – but if you can afford a punchier model with either 155hp (2.2-litre), 170hp or 185hp (2.0-litre) you won’t regret it.

The less potent 100hp and 105hp models will cope with their stated weights ok, but expect them to be slow and thirstier for fuel when fully laden.

Alongside the addition of the 185hp engine, late 2019 also saw the introduction of mild hybrid (mHEV) technology. This EcoBlue Hybrid system is available as an option on select models as means of further improving fuel economy.

The difference this makes to the driving experience is modest, considering how much low-down torque the latest EcoBlue engines already have. But the mHEV Hybrid does feel particularly keen at around 1,000rpm, which is handy for short-shifting and making economical progress around town.

Is the Transit Custom automatic gearbox worth buying?

The manual gearbox Ford fits as standard on all Transit Customs works just fine for a van. In fact, the most recent examples we've driven have been almost car-like in their precision. Earlier ones have felt vaguer, but not so much so that you need a compass to find the next ratio.

In 2016, Ford added an optional six-speed automatic gearbox to the range - attractive to both lifestyle buyers and operators who do a lot of miles, especially where they might get stuck in traffic.

Again, this works fine, but it's not the most modern or decisive automatic transmission available in a van. In addition, the design of the gear selector means you often find you've accidentally stuck it into manual mode instead of drive when setting off, which gets rather annoying after a while.

Ford Transit Custom handling and ride comfort

Where the Custom particularly impresses is in the corners. It isn’t quite on par with a car, but in van terms it's properly agile, resisting body roll like a champ while soaking up most bumps without complaint. In fact, when you've got a bit of load in the back, they actually ride very nicely, though they can be rather bouncy when empty.

The Sport models take cornering a stage further, with upgraded suspension that is very effective at reducing the amount the van leans over in corners. Again, add some payload, and the ride is good in these, too, even with big wheels and stiffer springs and shock absorbers.

For info on what the MS-RT models are like to drive, see our various individual reviews of these, listed at the end of this page.

Is the Ford Transit Custom quiet inside?

This is a reasonably quiet van, which means you should reach the end of most journeys relatively fresh. The 2.0-litre models are generally more refined than the 2.2-litre models, though the revised 2.0-litre engines fitted from late 2019 do seem to have gotten a little noiser again, perhaps due to the higher-pressure injection system.

Regardless, noise from the tyres and road surface is well-suppressed. Although you will find high-roof H2 models produce more wind noise that probably won't be a surprise.

It's not entirely free from vibrations in the cab, which you may feel through the pedals and in some cases the steering wheel.

Still, in van terms it really is pretty good. Certainly less noisy than the VW Transporter, if not as polished as posher versions of the Mercedes Vito.

What's the mLSD like?

A new option for 2020 is the mLSD mechanical limited slip differential. Only available on Transit Customs in combination with the six-speed manual gearbox, this device helps the van get more grip on slippery surfaces.

We've tried it in the Transit Custom Trail - where it's fitted as standard - and found it to be very effective. While it won't turn your van into a full-on off-roader, it is well worth considering if you're regularly faced with tackling muddy work sites or crossing fields.

• High quality, car-like interior on all versions
• But much improved for storage after 2018 facelift
• Lots of high-tech kit available, if you're prepared to pay for it

Ford has elected to give the Transit Custom a more car-like interior than you’ll find in many other vans – this is part of a deliberate attempt to appeal to a wider market, including lifestyle buyers.

As such, even if you’ve never driven a van before you should find yourself at home here. Depending on the exact model, there is plenty of technology, while the quality of the materials is higher than you’ll find in many rivals.

Forward visibility is good, and the large, two-part door mirrors ensure you get a reasonable view to the side and rear of Custom, too.

As for the driving position, even the entry-level Base model includes eight-way adjustment for the driver’s seat in addition to reach and rake adjustment for the steering wheel – which is in turn covered with buttons, putting many secondary controls at your fingertips.

However, putting the heating and ventilation controls – including those for the air-conditioning where fitted – on the far side of the gearlever pod is a bit of a fail from an ergonomics perspective.

And pre-2018 facelift models (above) suffer from fiddly radio controls and limited in-cab storage.

Significant interior improvements for the Transit Custom facelift from 2018

The Transit Custom’s cab has always looked smart, but it’s never been the most practical – or the easiest to use. For the 2018 facelift Ford completely turned this around, boosting the functionality of the interior with what it claims is a ‘class-leading’ amount of in-cab stowage.

It’s also entirely revamped the way the Transit Custom looks inside the cabin, while fitting what it says are much harder-wearing materials, especially in critical areas such as the seats. The seats themselves have been redesigned to be more comfortable as well.

As a result of all these changes, not only are there 25 litres of storage space in the instrument panel alone, but higher-specification versions also get a ‘floating’ touchscreen infotainment system like the latest Ford Fiesta.

Additional storage

While we applaud the additional storage, it is a shame the three new bins on the top of the dashboard don't have lids, meaning everything in them will be on display (and reflecting in the windscreen). They're also not that easy to access when driving.

The new interior door trim design is a triumph, however. Now offering three levels of storage and a sensibly placed grab handle, we think most owners will appreciate this added practicality, even if the lowest level is only accessible when the door is open.

2018-onwards Transit Custom radio and infotainment options

Running Ford Sync 3, the new Fiesta-style 8.0-inch tablet-style screen upgrade is a vast improvement over the pathetically pokey little offering available in pre-facelift Customs – though perhaps still not as user-friendly as the system fitted in the VW Transporter.

Sync 3 includes logical voice control – you can literally press a button and say ‘I need fuel’ or even ‘I need coffee’ and it’ll give you a list of the nearest options – and features both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Can’t stretch to the 8.0-inch screen? There’s also a lesser 4.0-inch screen running what’s been dubbed Sync Light; this does without touch control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, however, and can’t be paired with built-in sat-nav (which remains only optional on the full-fat Sync 3 system).

Given that, if the full Sync 3 set-up isn’t available to you, we’d probably stick with the entry-level DIN-slot sized radio, paired with the MyFord Dock accessory. This sits on top of the dashboard and has been designed to flexibly mount all kinds of smartphones, tablets and sat-navs safely. It works very well.

Taken as a whole, this interior upgrade plugs the only significant chink in the Transit Custom’s armour. Now there’s finally somewhere to put stuff in the cab, there’s one less reason to consider any of the Ford’s rivals…

FordPass Pro and other fleet management tools

In-line with other van makers, Ford is busy trying to increase the level of connectivity inside its light commercial vehicles. To this end, the Transit Custom is now available with FordPass Connect on-board Wi-Fi and late 2019 saw the introduction of FordPass Pro.

Then in June 2020, Ford announced that FordPass Connect would become standard equipment on all its compatible vans and pickups, including the Transit Custom.

An evolution of the regular FordPass tool for car buyers, FordPass Pro is a free smartphone app designed to help small businesses with up to five Ford vans on their fleets.

Intended to be as simple and straightforward as possible, this instantly displays information about any maintenance issues and whether the van is locked or unlocked. If the alarm sounds you get a notification.

You can also check the fuel level, the remaining oil life and other vehicle health items, plus remotely lock, unlock and - on automatic models - even start the van, useful for de-icing in the winter.

What's more, you can view all of the vans in your fleet on a single map screen, which will be handy if you need an off-site colleague to help you complete a job, as it will show you which of them is nearest.

There are more features to come, too, which can be added via Over-The-Air (OTA) updates that don't require a dealer visit, thanks to the on-board modem.

Ford is also working on tools and software for larger fleets (Ford Telematics and Ford Data Services), but aside from the accuracy of the data provided by the on-board connection, this isn't yet much different to the third party software that most large fleets already use.

• Lots of dealers, well-priced parts
• Good range of trim levels and options
• Fuel economy not as great as some rivals

With a wide range of trim levels, all offering quality levels of standard equipment, the Transit Custom represents good value for money.

And although fuel economy isn't the best in the medium van class, service intervals are lengthy and there are plenty of dealers around, which should help minimise downtime.

Ford Transit Custom running costs

Ford has always aimed for competitive running costs, and the Transit Custom should be no different. Parts are well priced and dealer servicing is the same.

Ford even has mobile servicing vans that can come to you now, avoiding the added inconvenience of a trip to the dealer, while the latest connectivity helps you keep track of upcoming maintenance and potential downtime issues.

Ford Transit Custom service intervals

The move to the 2.0-litre EcoBlue Euro 6 engines initially saw official service intervals extended to once every 36,000 miles or two years - whichever came sooner.

However, in 2018 this distance was slashed back to 25,000 miles or two years, following 'real-world experience' with customer oil life.

Even this distance is technically variable depending on usage, meaning that while lightly driven vans may make it two years between dealer visits, it's more likely the on-board systems will request an oil change service much sooner than that.

As such, Ford not only says an annual 'safety inspection' is recommended, but that heavy-duty operators might need a service every 10,000 miles or one year.

The 2.2-litre Euro 5 engines fitted prior to this require a service every 30,000 miles or two years, according to the official schedule. But again, if you use your van hard, maybe see the dealer or at least get the oil changed more often than that.

Ford Transit Custom mpg

General fuel economy is okay, rather than spectacular, with the Transit Custom ranking behind the best for mpg in the medium van sector. If you top 40mpg in real-world driving you’re a saint, and most are lucky if they see mid-30s.

This kind of thing is very dependent on driving style, journey type and load, however.

As with most Euro 6 vans, the 2.0-litre EcoBlue Transit Customs also have an AdBlue tank for exhaust gas after-treatment. This is 21 litres in size and will need refilling every 5,000 miles or so – again depending on how and where you drive – adding to your running costs.

Fuel-saving Ford Transit Custom Econetic, EcoBlue Hybrid and PHEV

The 2018 facelift also saw the return of the Transit Custom Econetic, a variant specifically engineered to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy.

This offers a claimed 49.6mpg using a special engine calibration, low rolling resistance tyres and a system to manage acceleration for maximum fuel savings. Driving it was something of an exercise is self-flagellation, and it has now disappeared from pricelists again.

From late 2019, 130hp and 170hp models can be upgraded to EcoBlue Hybrid status, with a mild hybrid (mHEV) package which replaces the alternator with a 'belt-driven integrated starter-generator' (BISG) and a small lithium ion battery (which sits under the passenger seat) in an effort to save more fuel.

The extra battery is used to store energy that would otherwise be lost under braking. This can then be used to power some electric items, taking the strain off the engine; the starter-generator functions as a more advanced stop-start system, switching the engine off earlier and starting it again more quickly, and even helping assist the engine at low speeds.

The fuel savings are said to be in the region of 8% if mostly driving around town (but more like 3% in more mixed driving).

At 8%, the mHEV pack should pay for itself after 80,000 miles. This seems a long time to us, and it's a shame there's no obvious feedback to the driver when the the system is providing assistance.

However, it does cut the engine off noticeably more quickly, and the engine is able to stay shut down for lengthy periods of time when stationary, such as when waiting at a railway crossing. Restarting is very fast, too.

If you're looking for a really eco-friendly solution, there is also the pricey-to-buy but cheap-to-run Plug-In Hybrid version - which you can read more about in our full Transit Custom PHEV review.

Ford Transit Custom warranty and insurance

All Transit Customs get a three-year, 100,000-mile warranty as standard.

You also get a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty; make sure the inspection for this is recorded during every visit to the dealer, however, or you may find it difficult to claim.

Ford has considered the cost of body repair after minor accidents. The rear bumper, for example, is made from multiple pieces rather than as a single part, so if you accidentally reverse into something you will hopefully only need to replace the area that’s damaged, rather than the whole thing.

After an insurance quote for a Ford Transit Custom? Try our partner company van insurance comparison site mustard.co.uk.

Ford Transit Custom standard equipment

Here’s a basic rundown of the key items of kit you get as standard with each of the Custom’s trim levels at the time of writing in November 2020; all items are in addition to the trim level before unless otherwise stated.

Ford Transit Custom Base (later known as Leader) standard equipment highlights:

• Remote locking
• Side loading door on passenger side
• Bulkhead with load-through facility (van only)
• 4.2-inch infotainment system with DAB radio
• Bluetooth with steering wheel controls
• Dual front passenger seat with underseat storage
• Eight-way adjustable driver’s seat
• Reach-rake steering wheel adjustment
• A4 file storage in the glovebox
• Two 12v power sockets

Ford Transit Custom Trend standard equipment highlights:

• 8.0-inch infotainment screen
• Body-coloured front bumper
• Power-adjustable and power-folding door mirrors
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Automatic lights and wipers
• Cruise control with speed limiter
• Driver’s seat lumbar adjustment
• Dual passenger seat with fold-out table
• Quickclear heated windscreen
• Leather-trimmed steering wheel
• Map lights
• Lockable glovebox
• Easy-clean load floor (van only)

Ford Transit Custom Trail (from late 2020) standard equipment highlights:

• FORD grille
• Body-coloured door handles and rear bumper
• Unique 'tutone' front bumper
• Contrast-colour body cladding
• Specific 16-inch alloy wheels
• Mechanical Limited Slip Differential (mLSD)
• Full leather interior
• Air-conditioning

Ford Transit Custom Limited standard equipment highlights (in addition to Trend):

• Body-coloured side moldings, rear bumper, door handles and mirrors
• Chrome grille surround
• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Heated seat for the driver and outer passenger
• Leather-trimmed gearknob
• Front passenger airbag (with deactivation switch)
• Air-conditioning
• Illuminated sunvisors
• Interior grab handles
• Sunglasses holder in roof
• LED load-area lighting
• Eight load tie-down points
• Alarm

Ford Transit Custom Active (from late 2020) standard equipment highlights:

• Unique Active front grille and lower bumper
• Contrast colour door mirrors
• Satin accents
• Unique 'tutone' rear bumper
• Active SUV-style body cladding
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Silver roof rails
• Active leather interior

Ford Transit Custom Sport standard equipment:

• Sport styling kit, including lower front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper, bonnet stripes and front and rear wheelarch extensions
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• Partial leather upholstery
• 'High series' instrument cluster
• Rear-view camera (with trailer hitch assist)
• Lane Keeping Assist (lane departure warning)
• 185hp engine (previously 170hp and 155hp)

Ford offers a huge range of optional extras for the Transit Custom, including Special Vehicle Operations features that go even further than the regular pricelist.

• Newer 2.0-litre Euro 6 engines have yet to prove long-term reliability
• Older 2.2-litre Euro 5 engines have a (mostly) dependable reputation
• Ford has loads of dealers to help keep you moving

At launch in 2012, Ford revealed it had done the equivalent of three million miles of testing with the Transit Custom prior to sending it to the market – 250,000 of those were undertaken with customers.

However, the Custom has blotted its copybook somewhat in the transition to the new Euro 6 2.0-litre engines, and this has been reflected in its performance in the FN50 van fleet reliability survey.

Ford Transit Custom Euro 6 reliability - oil service issues, injector problems and wet belt recall

The 2.0-litre EcoBlue engines are more powerful, refined and smoother than the 2.2-litre motors they replaced. But many owners have experienced issues with the oil service intervals and the injectors, while 2021 has seen an extensive recall action to check the so-called 'wet belt' engine timing mechanism for premature damage.

Despite official service intervals of 36,000 miles at launch in 2018, some vans began requesting fresh oil after just a few thousand miles – an issue several owners experienced more than once. Revised engine software and changes to the dipstick seem to have resolved this, but it took time.

Ford also went on to change the official maximum service intervals for the 2.0-litre engines to 25,000 miles or two years. It also recommends an annual safety check. See the Costs section above for more details.

Meanwhile, one of the major issues with the injector faults is getting hold of replacements. It would seem that supply is rather erratic, leading to costly extended periods of downtime for some owners.

Ford acknowledged these injector problems in 2019, and responded by undertaking a service action to replace all the potentially faulty injectors in these vans - regardless of whether they had failed or not. It also increased its courtesy vehicle fleet in order to better support customers who need their van to continue working.

The injector issue was caused by a problem with the manufacturing process at the parts supplier (a separate company to Ford), and should now have been resolved.

However, this service action only dealt with injector issues on 2019 vans. Our understanding from owners and other sources is that the Euro 6 Transit Custom has been experiencing injector problems since its introduction. Hopefully Ford is now on top of the failures, but if you're still experiencing issues do let us know.

Piston cracking issues with 2.2-litre engines

While this doesn't yet appear to be a common problem, we have seen several reports now of cracked pistons in Ford's 2.2-litre van engines. Causes have been linked to poor injector seals - which might be related to servicing issues or parts wearing over time.

Beware of remapping

There are suggestions that problems like the above are also being caused by inappropriately remapped engine software. Van drivers, it seems, are always keen to improve performance - either for more power or more fuel economy - but turning to third parties to achieve this may see the motor pushed beyond its engineering limits.

Even with the best of intentions, any remap may cause a higher rate of engine wear, leading to component failure - sometimes quite critically. We'd be cautious about touching any van that had been remapped in the past if buying used, and wouldn't recommend having such work done, especially if your livelihood relies on your van.

Ford Transit Custom brake booster field service action

In late 2018 Ford issued a 'field service action' (similar to a technical service bulletin or TSB) about a potential brake booster fault with some Transit and Transit Custom models.

Since the brakes are very much a safety item, if you're concerned your Transit Custom might be affected by this issue contact your local Ford dealer as soon as possible.

Ford Transit Custom recalls

Considering that Ford has built and sold a truly enormous number of Transit Customs, there have been very few official safety recalls registered on the government's official vehicle recall website.

The first one was to do with an incorrectly torqued seatbelt bolt on vans built in 2017, and involved just three vehicles. The second concerned a battery cable and 151 vehicles.

However, there has been a slight increase in these recently. In 2020, a potentially over-heating water pump issue cropped up relating to 91,814 vehicles (though the fix is as simple as replacing a fuse), while two different problems with suspension arms impacted just over 4,000 vans.

Most recently, there's been a recall in 2021 for a problem with a bolt in the electric power-steering system, but just 20 vans were involved in this.

Over-The-Air updates

Transit Customs fitted with the FordPass Connect mobile Wi-Fi modem can receive a software update wirelessly, without the need to physically visit a dealer. This is not only convenient for reducing downtime, it also promises the possibility that in the future some minor faults may be fixable remotely as well.

• Lots of safety kit available, including latest active aids
• Five-star Euro NCAP crash-test rating (2012)
• Security against theft may be a concern

The Ford Transit Custom places a great deal of emphasis on safety.

Ford carried out over 4,500 simulated and 30 real-world crash tests during the Transit Custom’s development – resulting in a five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating when it was tested in 2012.

Ford Transit Custom safety equipment

Euro NCAP’s standards have gotten stricter, but even so up to six airbags are available in the Transit Custom, and there’s a good selection of active safety electronics as well.

For example, in addition to load-adaptive electronic stability control (ESC), since 2016 the Transit Custom is one of few vans to get crosswind assistance technology (what Ford calls Side Wind Stabilisation) as standard. All models also get a Roll Stability Control system and Trailer Sway Stabilisation.

Optional extras include autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and a forward distance monitoring system that alerts you to dangers ahead, handy should your attention start to wander at the end of a long day.

The 2018 facelift added further safety options, including Intelligent Speed Assist – which can automatically adjust the speed limiter to make sure you stay legal (protecting your livelihood in the process) – and a new Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert.

Both of these latter systems are particularly helpful in vans, where rearward visibility is limited. Upgraded sensor technology means they can also judge the speed of other vehicles more accurately.

The 2018 AEB system has also been upgraded and now includes the ability to spot pedestrians in the dark.

Euro NCAP Silver award

In December 2020, the European crash-testing organisation awarded the Transit Custom a Silver rating as part of its Euro NCAP van safety campaign, designed to highlight the best and worst vans for safety.

High-tech safety accessories now available

In 2021, Ford has added a couple of interesting accessories to further improve Transit and Transit Custom safety.

You can now get electronic high-visibility panels for the back of the van, meaning that instead of merely being reflective, your 'Chapter 8' markings can now light-up. This makes you visibie at the roadside much earlier, as well as being kind of cool.

Meanwhile, a new 'Smart Mirror' system brings permanent rear-view technology to vans that don't have windowed doors, thanks to a camera at the back and a screen where a conventional interior mirror would be fitted.

Both of these can be retro-fitted to older Transit Customs as well as being ordered for new ones.

Ford Transit Custom security: concerns, updates and FordPass Pro Guard Mode

While safety levels have generally been highly commended, Ford has faced some criticism about the Transit Custom’s security.

A spate of thefts from these vans has shown the original door locks to be relatively easily compromised. This subsequently led to a factory update in 2017 to change the way the central locking functions, making it more difficult for would-be thieves to access the load area from the cab.

In 2020 vans fitted with the FordPass Connect on-board modem will be offered a further boost when a new Guard Mode is added for free via the FordPass Pro smartphone app. When activated, this will alert you to attempted break-ins - including not only the doors but the bonnet - and warn you if the engine is started, even if someone uses a genuine key.

Security upgrades such as reinforced locks and doors, and comprehensive alarm systems are always recommended, whatever the van. Ford's own Trade Vehicle Locks (TVL) range includes upgrades for all aspects of Transit Custom security, at extra cost.

Nothing will stop the power cutting tools that some thieves are now using, however. So our advice is still to not leave anything of value inside if you can avoid it.