Ford Transit: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 5,295 Ford Transit cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1966 and 2026.
In a sample of 394 cars, 76.9% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, more often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre tread depth insufficient (20.1% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 30+ recalls for this model; 6.7% of registered cars still have an open recall.
4% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Ford Transit
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 20.1% |
| Drive shaft boot damaged and not sealing | 15% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 14.7% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 14.2% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 13.2% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 12.2% |
| Indicator colour deviates or not permitted | 10.4% |
| Brake light not working (properly) | 7.6% |
| Tyre damaged | 6.9% |
| Dipped/main beam not working (properly) | 6.6% |
Share of 394 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 14% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 7.6% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 1.5% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 5,295 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 6.7% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 4% |
| Used as a taxi | 20.1% |
| First registered | 1966 to 2026 |
All Ford Transit passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 503 |
| 2026-08-20 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 4,911 |
| 2026-08-10 | transmission and drivetrain | – | 1 |
| 2026-07-21 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 11 |
| 2026-07-10 | lights | – | 734 |
| 2026-06-26 | suspension | serious | 1 |
| 2026-06-24 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 3 |
| 2026-05-28 | bodywork | – | 4,240 |
| 2026-04-09 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 0 |
| 2026-04-02 | windows and wipers | – | 0 |
| 2026-03-26 | brakes | serious | 1 |
| 2026-03-13 | electrical system | – | 8,602 |
| 2026-03-12 | electrical system | serious | 246 |
| 2026-01-23 | brakes | serious | 1 |
| 2025-10-17 | seats | – | 1 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Ford Transit fail the APK?
In a sample of 394 cars first registered 2012–2021, 76.9% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Ford Transit?
The most common APK defects are: tyre tread depth insufficient (20.1%), drive shaft boot damaged and not sealing (15%), number plate light not working (properly) / missing (14.7%).
Does the Ford Transit have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 30 recalls. 6.7% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Ford models
Fiesta · Focus · Kuga · Ka · Puma · C-Max · Mondeo · Fusion · Ecosport · Mustang · B-Max · S-Max · Explorer · Galaxy · Grand C-Max
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.