Credov's researched list of the 6 faults the Ford Transit VM is known for (2006–2012), 6 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
What to look for: Look under the rear axle with a torch for a loose brake pipe bracket bolt, a hanging pipe or wet fluid.
Why it matters: A failed rear brake pipe means a sudden loss of braking, which is a crash risk on a loaded van.
Typical repair: NZ$100–NZ$600 in New Zealand · A$100–A$620 in Australia
What to look for: Look with a torch at the power steering pump pipe joint for wet fluid, and feel for heavy or uneven steering.
Why it matters: Losing power steering suddenly makes a heavy van hard to steer, and fluid on a hot manifold can start an engine fire.
Typical repair: NZ$100–NZ$800 in New Zealand · A$100–A$820 in Australia
Sources: 1
What to look for: Look inside each front wheel arch with a torch for tyre rub marks, and listen for clunks or rubbing on full lock.
Why it matters: A strut moving in its knuckle changes the wheel angle, can cut a tyre or damage a driveshaft, and can upset the steering.
Typical repair: NZ$150–NZ$1,200 in New Zealand · A$150–A$1,240 in Australia
Sources: 1
What to look for: Idle the hot engine and watch for the oil light flickering, and ask whether the oil pump has been replaced.
Why it matters: A broken pump vane starves the engine and turbo of oil, so ignoring a flickering oil light can turn an oil pump job into a turbo and engine replacement.
Typical repair: NZ$1,500–NZ$9,000 in New Zealand · A$1,550–A$9,270 in Australia
Sources: 1
What to look for: Listen for a hunting or lumpy idle, and feel for flat spots, smoke or limp mode on a hard pull.
Why it matters: A set of injectors, or a full fuel system if contaminated diesel has been through it, is a big bill on a work van.
Typical repair: NZ$1,500–NZ$7,000 in New Zealand · A$1,550–A$7,210 in Australia
What to look for: Listen for a rattle or knock at idle that changes when the clutch is pressed, and feel for clutch slip or judder.
Why it matters: A clutch and dual-mass flywheel together is a gearbox-out job and one of the bigger running costs on a used van.
Typical repair: NZ$2,000–NZ$4,500 in New Zealand · A$2,060–A$4,640 in Australia
Sources: 1
Got a question about a Ford Transit VM? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.