How do I know what MK my Transit Custom is?
The Transit Custom’s generation is primarily split between Mk1 (roughly 2012–2018) and Mk2 (2018 onward). You can confirm which MK you have by decoding the VIN, checking visual design cues, and consulting official build data.
VIN-based identification
To determine the MK from the numbers, begin with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN encodes model year and production data that point to the generation. Here are the steps you can take.
Where to find the VIN
Locate the VIN on the Transit Custom: it’s typically on the driver-side A-pillar, visible through the windscreen; you’ll also find it on the driver’s door jamb sticker and on the vehicle’s registration documents.
- Inspect the VIN plate on the dashboard near the windshield or the driver-side door jamb for the full 17-character code.
- Note the 10th character of the VIN, which encodes the model year; cross-check this with Ford’s year-code table or a reliable VIN decoder.
- Use Ford’s official VIN decoder or a reputable third‑party decoder to translate the VIN into model, body style, engine, and year of manufacture.
- Compare the production year with known Mk1/Mk2 windows. Mk1 is generally associated with 2012–2018, while Mk2 begins around 2018 and continues with updates; a build date in late 2018 or later typically indicates Mk2.
Interpreting the VIN can be technical, but most decoders clearly indicate the Transit Custom and the approximate generation based on the build year and plant code.
Visual cues to differentiate Mk1 and Mk2
Design changes between Mk1 and Mk2 are visible on the exterior and inside the cabin. The differences are most evident in the front end, the interior, and trim updates.
- Front fascia: Mk2 typically features a refreshed grille and updated headlights; Mk1 has the earlier, more traditional exterior styling.
- Body lines and shape: Mk2 shows sharper lines and revised bumper shapes, whereas Mk1 reflects the older design language from the early 2010s.
- Interior updates: Mk2 introduces an updated instrument cluster, revised infotainment options, and newer switchgear; Mk1 interiors look more dated by comparison.
- Badging and trim: Look for updated Ford logo styling and trim levels that were introduced with Mk2 lifecycles.
Visual identification is quick and useful when VIN access is not available, though facelifts or mid-cycle updates can blur the line between generations.
Official documents and build data
Registration paperwork and build plates can corroborate your MK. Examine official markings and codes on the door jamb sticker and in the V5C registration document.
- Door jamb/build plate: Look for a model designation (Transit Custom) and a version or trim code that often aligns with the generation.
- V5C (vehicle registration certificate): Check the model name and year of first registration; the listing can imply generation, especially when cross-checked with build date.
- Owner’s manual and service history: Some manuals reference the generation, particularly if the vehicle was purchased during Mk2’s lifecycle.
When in doubt, provide the VIN to your Ford dealer or an authorized workshop; they can verify the MK using factory data specific to your vehicle.
When to contact Ford or a dealer
If VIN decoding and visual cues don’t yield a clear answer, a dealer can confirm reliably. Have the VIN, build plate data, and registration documents ready to speed up verification.
Dealers have access to Ford’s network data that ties VINs to exact generation, production date, and factory options. This can also help when sourcing parts that are generation-specific.
Summary
To determine which MK your Transit Custom is, start with the VIN and use a reputable decoder to identify the model year and production. Then compare visual cues from the front end and interior, and verify against official documents like the build plate and V5C. If uncertainty remains, consult a Ford dealer with your VIN for definitive confirmation. Knowing the MK helps ensure correct parts, manuals, and service guidance for your van.
Additional resources
For precise decoding, consult Ford’s official VIN decoder resources, refer to the owner’s manual, and use trusted automotive databases that document Transit Custom generation timelines.
