The passenger-carrying version of Ford's market-leading Transit Custom, the Tourneo Custom offers eight or nine seats on commercial-grade underpinnings. Ford's own 2.0 EcoBlue diesel replaced the older 2.2 TDCi Duratorq in 2016, bringing lower emissions, better refinement, and optional 48V mild-hybrid technology from 2019. Widely used across Europe as a shuttle, taxi, and large family vehicle, the Tourneo Custom combines van-grade durability with more car-like cabin comfort, especially after the 2018 facelift.· more· less
Durable commercial-grade platformRefined engine, wide power range
Wet belt drives need strict monitoringDPF oil dilution cycle on short trips
Buy if: You need a spacious people carrier for regular mixed or long-distance driving and can verify the wet timing belt replacement has been done on schedule.
Avoid if: You mostly drive short urban trips, which triggers the DPF oil dilution cycle that accelerates wear on the wet belt drives and other engine components.
Engine damage from premature wet timing belt failure
€3,000 - 6,0001 of 7
A degraded belt-in-oil drive sheds rubber fragments that block the oil strainer, starving the engine of lubrication · more· less
The 2.0 EcoBlue runs two belt-in-oil drives, one for the camshafts and one for the oil pump, both submerged in engine oil. Over time, oil impurities (especially from diesel dilution during failed DPF regeneration cycles) attack the belt material, causing it to shed rubber fragments. These fragments clog the oil pickup strainer, leading to oil starvation and potentially catastrophic engine damage including scored cylinder bores and bearing failure. Ford originally specified a 10-year/240,000 km replacement interval but revised it downward to 6 years/160,000 km after widespread reports of premature degradation. That revised interval covers the timing belt together with its tensioner and idlers, so quote and verify the job on that basis rather than on the oil pump drive alone. The scheduled replacement itself costs €900-1,400 and is factored into fixed maintenance costs. The risk here is premature failure before that interval, especially on vehicles with poor oil maintenance or frequent DPF-related oil dilution. Symptoms include low oil pressure warnings and startup rattle. If the low oil pressure warning illuminates, stop driving immediately.
DPF clogging and oil dilution cycle
€300 - 1,5002 of 7
Short-trip driving prevents DPF regeneration, dumping unburned diesel into the sump and diluting the engine oil · more· less
When the Tourneo Custom cannot complete a DPF regeneration cycle (typically because the engine is switched off mid-cycle or trips are too short for the exhaust to reach 600+ degrees), extra diesel fuel is injected into the exhaust and can seep past piston rings into the oil sump. This dilutes the engine oil, reducing its lubricating properties and accelerating degradation of both wet belt drives. Ford issued field service actions 18B14 and 19B10 for PCM recalibration to improve regeneration management. A forced regeneration at a workshop costs around €100-200. If the DPF becomes completely blocked, professional cleaning costs €300-500 and replacement runs €800-1,500. The oil dilution issue also contributes to injector fouling and turbo bearing wear. Vehicles used regularly for highway driving of 20+ minutes are far less affected. Check the oil dipstick: if the level is above the maximum mark and the oil smells of diesel, this process is actively occurring.
AdBlue system component failure
€400 - 8003 of 7
AdBlue pump, NOx sensor, or heater element fails, triggering speed limiting and eventual no-start countdown · more· less
All Euro 6 versions of the 2.0 EcoBlue (which is every Tourneo Custom with this engine) use an AdBlue/SCR system. The AdBlue pump is the most common failure point, accounting for roughly 60% of AdBlue-related workshop visits. NOx sensors and the tank heater element are the next most frequent failures. Symptoms include 'AdBlue System Fault' warnings, speed limitation to 90 km/h, and eventually a countdown warning that the engine will not restart after a set number of kilometres. Pump replacement typically costs €450-700 including labor. NOx sensors run €350-500. The tank heater is €200-350. Cold weather crystallization and low-quality AdBlue fluid accelerate failures. Problems typically appear between 80,000 and 150,000 km. The AdBlue system often fails again within 2-3 years of repair, making this a recurring expense for high-mileage examples.
Internal coating detaches from Continental injectors, causing rough running, misfires, and limp mode · more· less
Ford issued a service action covering approximately 19,400 UK vehicles with 2.0 EcoBlue engines, of which around 14,500 were commercial vehicles. February to September 2019 is when the affected injector batch was installed, not a guarantee that every vehicle built in that window is affected, so confirm by VIN against the field service action. The issue was traced to a supplier quality problem: the internal surface coating inside Continental injectors detached and caused blockages, preventing proper fuel delivery. Symptoms include rough running, misfires, poor idle, and increased fuel consumption, with vehicles eventually entering limp mode. Ford replaced affected injectors free of charge under the service action, but vehicles now outside warranty must pay for replacement. A single injector costs €150-300 for the part, and each must be coded to the ECU using Ford IDS/FDRS diagnostic software. Replacing all four injectors including labor runs €800-1,200 at a specialist. Non-2019 models can still develop injector issues from general wear after 100,000+ km, though at a lower rate.
Turbocharger failure from oil contamination
€1,000 - 2,5005 of 7
Oil contamination from the dilution cycle damages turbo bearings, causing oil leaks and shaft play · more· less
The turbocharger on the 2.0 EcoBlue can fail when oil quality deteriorates from diesel dilution or neglected oil changes. Contaminated oil damages the turbo bearings, eventually leading to excessive shaft play, oil leaks into the intake and exhaust, and loss of boost. Some owners report snapped turbo shafts. The turbo actuator can also stick from carbon buildup, causing fault codes and limp mode. A reconditioned turbocharger with fitting costs around €1,000-1,500 at a specialist. A new OEM turbo from Ford runs €2,000-2,500 fitted. Actuator-only repair at a specialist costs €200-400. Issues typically appear after 100,000 km, particularly on vehicles with evidence of oil dilution or irregular servicing. A turbo failure can also shed metal debris into the intake and DPF, creating further downstream damage.
Dual mass flywheel and clutch premature wear
€800 - 1,5006 of 7
Frequent stop-start driving in shuttle or taxi use accelerates DMF and clutch wear beyond normal life · more· less
The dual mass flywheel and clutch assembly on manual Tourneo Customs wears faster than average when the vehicle is used for urban shuttle or taxi duty with frequent stop-start cycles and passengers. Symptoms include vibration at idle, clutch judder, rattling from the bellhousing area, and eventually clutch slippage. A complete DMF and clutch kit replacement costs €800-1,500 depending on whether OEM or aftermarket parts are used. Aftermarket kits with solid flywheel conversion are available for around €400-600 parts only, which eliminates the DMF failure mode but may increase drivetrain vibration. OEM DMF and clutch kits are available for around €600. Typically occurs between 120,000 and 200,000 km depending on driving pattern. Vehicles with complete service history showing regular longer trips are lower risk.
Fuel pressure sensor debond
€150 - 3507 of 7
The fuel pressure sensor top separates from its housing, causing engine sputtering and power loss · more· less
Senior Ford transit technicians have confirmed that the fuel rail pressure sensor debonding is a known component weakness on the 2.0 EcoBlue. The sensor top physically separates from the housing union, causing intermittent or complete loss of fuel pressure readings. Symptoms include engine sputtering, random power loss, stalling, and diagnostic codes related to fuel pressure. The sensor is located in a protected area under the airbox shroud, so the failure is not caused by external damage. Replacement is relatively straightforward and inexpensive at €150-350 including labor. However, the intermittent nature of the fault can make diagnosis time-consuming if the mechanic is not familiar with this known issue on the 2.0 EcoBlue platform.
Capable platform but requires disciplined maintenance
The 2.0 EcoBlue is a more refined engine than the 2.2 TDCi it replaced, but it introduces several interconnected failure modes. The central concern is oil dilution from incomplete DPF regeneration cycles, which cascades into accelerated wet belt degradation, turbo bearing wear, and injector fouling. This makes driving pattern and service history more critical than on the older engine. Vehicles used regularly for highway driving and maintained on schedule (especially oil changes and wet timing belt replacement at Ford's revised 6-year interval) can be very reliable. Vehicles used mainly for short urban trips with gaps in service history carry substantially higher risk. The Continental injector defect on 2019 builds was addressed by Ford's service action, but verify completion on any 2019 model.
Service history
Complete Ford dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes against Ford's schedule and confirm the wet timing belt replacement has been done at the revised 6-year/160,000 km interval.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and ensure commercial C-rated tires are fitted. Uneven wear may indicate suspension or alignment problems from heavy use.
Cold start
Start the engine completely cold. Listen for rattle in the first 10-30 seconds (wet belt or turbo bearing wear) and check for excessive smoke.
Test drive
Drive for at least 30 minutes including highway speeds. This allows full warm-up and may trigger a DPF regeneration cycle.
Specific for this vehicle
Check oil level and condition on dipstick
If oil is above maximum mark and smells of diesel, oil dilution from DPF issues is actively occurring. This is the single most important check on this engine.
Verify wet timing belt replacement date
Ask for proof of the wet timing belt replacement, which Ford specifies together with its tensioner and idlers. Ford revised the interval to 6 years/160,000 km. If the vehicle is older than 6 years and the belt has not been replaced, budget €900-1,400 immediately.
Watch for AdBlue system warnings during test drive
Any AdBlue warning message during the test drive indicates an active fault. Check the dashboard for stored warnings about speed limitation or restart countdowns.
+ 4 more checksShow less
Test for turbo response and power delivery
Accelerate firmly from low speed and check for hesitation, power cuts, or limp mode. Uneven power delivery may indicate turbo actuator, injector, or fuel pressure sensor issues.
Verify 2019 injector service action completed (if applicable)
The affected Continental injector batch was fitted between February and September 2019, but not every vehicle built in that window carries it. Contact Ford with the VIN to confirm the service action was completed.
Test clutch engagement smoothness (manual)
On manual cars, feel for judder, vibration, or slippage when pulling away. Rattling at idle that disappears when the clutch pedal is pressed indicates DMF wear.
Inspect underbody for corrosion
Check floor panels, sills, and rear wheel arches. Commercial vehicles accumulate road salt damage. Look for bubbling paint or surface rust, especially around the rear doors.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Oil dilution PCM recalibration, Ford field service action 18B14 (not a statutory safety recall). Scope is VIN-specificVerify completed
Oil dilution PCM recalibration update, Ford field service action 19B10, follow-up to 18B14. Scope is VIN-specificVerify completed
Continental fuel injector coating defect, Ford field service action covering the injector batch installed February to September 2019. Scope is VIN-specificVerify completed
Timing belt inspection programme 20B44, a VIN-limited Ford field service action for affected 2.0 EcoBlue Transit and Transit Custom vehiclesVerify if applicable
Inadequately fused run-on water pump that can overheat and cause a fire, European safety recall 20S24 covering affected 2016-2020 vehicles; the European type approval includes the Tourneo Custom and applicability is VIN-specificCritical - verify completed
Contact a Ford dealer with the VIN to check which of these apply. Only 20S24, the run-on water pump campaign, is a safety recall; 18B14, 19B10, 20B44 and the injector campaign are Ford field service actions, and all of them are scoped by VIN rather than by build year. Note that 20B44 is a timing belt inspection programme, not an oil pump belt campaign, and that Ford's later general interval revision covers the timing belt, tensioner and idlers.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on all used models
Extended warrantyAvailable through Ford and third-party providers
All Tourneo Custom 2.0 EcoBlue models from 2016-2023 are outside or nearing the end of their original 2-year factory warranty. Extended warranties from third-party providers may still be available for lower-mileage examples, but carefully check exclusions for the wet belt drives, DPF, and AdBlue system as these are common claim items.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.
