Ford Transit Connect (2008)

14,957 real MOT outcomes analysed • 69% first-time pass rate

2008 Ford Transit Connect

CarHunch analysed 14,957 real MOT records for the 2008 Ford Transit Connect. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

The 2008 Ford Transit Connect has a 69% first-time MOT pass rate, notably below the UK average of 80%, and over half of these vehicles (52.1%) have recorded a dangerous defect at some point—a serious red flag for any buyer. This is a diesel-only cohort, so fuel type isn't a differentiator here.

At an average mileage of 103,800 miles, these vans are showing their age with an average of 5.46 failures and 29.2 advisories per test, indicating cumulative wear across multiple systems. Before buying one, get a full pre-purchase inspection focused on suspension, braking, and exhaust systems where dangerous defects cluster on this model.

Below average reliability 11% below UK average
69%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
101,547
typical mileage
78,591–125,622 middle half
52.1%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
5.46
avg MOT failures per car
over 16.8 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2008 Ford Transit Connect

Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
  • 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
  • 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
  • ⚠️ 52.1% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
  • 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.

Before you buy a Ford Transit Connect

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

Inspection ClickMechanic Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying

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Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Diesel (100%) 14,909 69% 5.46
Petrol (0%) 44 70.4% 5.11
Electric (0%) 3 71.2% 4.33
Gas Bi-Fuel (0%) 1 88.9% 1

Mileage Distribution

Most 2008 Ford Transit Connect vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

78,591
low mileage
101,547
typical
125,622
high mileage

Half of all 2008 Ford Transit Connect vehicles fall between 78,591 and 125,622 miles.

2008 Ford Transit Connect — Still on the Road

Numbers are declining — 5,485 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (41% of peak).

13,451 5,485 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.

MOT History Averages

16.8
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
5.46
Avg failures per vehicle
29.2
Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific Ford Transit Connect?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — Ford Transit Connect:

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022