What is the problem with the transit custom 2.0 turbo?

The Transit Custom 2.0 turbo commonly encounters turbocharger and related exhaust-management issues. In practice, owners report power loss, rough running, and higher fuel consumption when the turbo and its supporting systems begin to fail.

Understanding the question means looking at how Ford’s 2.0-liter diesel engines in the Transit Custom operate, what faults tend to surface as mileage climbs, and how those faults affect performance, reliability, and maintenance costs. The following sections summarize typical symptoms, likely causes, how to diagnose them, and practical steps to prevent or address problems.

Overview of the Transit Custom 2.0 Turbo and what tends to go wrong

Common symptoms of turbo-related trouble

Owners and technicians frequently identify a cluster of signs that point to turbo and exhaust-system issues. If you notice any of the following, it may indicate a problem worth checking with a mechanic:

• Loss of boost pressure and reduced acceleration, especially at highway speeds



• Increased fuel consumption or irregular engine performance


• Blue or black smoke from the exhaust, indicating oil burn or rich fuel mix


• Engine warning light or fault codes related to boost, EGR, or misfires

These symptoms often reflect a combination of turbocharger wear, boost control faults, or downstream exhaust/ingestion issues, rather than a single isolated failure.

Common failure points and causes

What typically degrades or fails can vary by model year and maintenance history, but certain parts are repeatedly implicated in reports about the Transit Custom 2.0 turbo:

• Turbocharger wear or bearing failures, leading to reduced boost and noise


• Boost-control components such as the wastegate or boost solenoid malfunctioning


• Oil-feed or oil-leak issues around the turbo, often related to maintenance quality or oil specification


• EGR valve sticking or becoming clogged with soot, which can cause underboost and rough running


• Diesel particulate filter (DPF) issues due to incomplete regenerations or heavy soot buildup


• Fuel-injection system wear, including high-pressure pumps or injectors, impacting performance and emission levels

These elements are interconnected; for example, a dirty EGR can cause the engine to work harder, stressing the turbo and increasing emissions-system strain.

Diagnosis and inspection steps

If you’re evaluating a Transit Custom 2.0 Turbo for possible trouble, professionals typically follow a structured check-list rather than relying on a single symptom:

1. Read fault codes with a qualified OBD scanner to identify boost, EGR, DPF, or injector-related codes.


2. Measure actual boost pressure and compare it to specification across RPM ranges to detect underboost or overboost conditions.


3. Inspect turbo hardware for oil leaks, shaft play, and unusual shaft whine; check intercooler pipes for cracks or signs of oil contamination.


4. Evaluate the EGR valve operation, including a soot buildup assessment and, if needed, a cleaning or replacement test.


5. Check DPF status, soot-load, and regeneration history; assess driving patterns that may contribute to DPf blockage (short trips, city driving).


6. Inspect fuel system components (high-pressure pump, injectors) for leaks, misfires, or erratic spray patterns.

Because problems can mimic each other, a comprehensive diagnostic workup by a qualified technician is advisable to confirm the root cause before proceeding with repairs.

Maintenance and prevention tips

Preventive care and mindful operation can reduce the likelihood of turbo-related problems and extend the life of related components:

• Use the manufacturer-recommended oil grade and change intervals; regularly monitor oil quality and level.


• Adhere to scheduled turbo and EGR service guidance; clean or replace EGR components as recommended by Ford service literature.


• Drive on a mix of urban and highway cycles to support regular DPF regeneration and prevent excessive soot buildup.


• Address any oil or coolant leaks promptly to avoid turbo bearing damage and overheating.


• Keep air intake and intercooler piping clean and free of debris; replace damaged hoses or clamps promptly.

Proactive maintenance can help mitigate many turbo-related failures, though some issues may still arise with aging hardware and high mileage.

Recalls, service campaigns, and what to do next

Recall campaigns and service bulletins related to the Transit Custom, its 2.0 EcoBlue engine, or related emission-control systems are issued by Ford and vary by market and VIN. If you own or operate a Transit Custom, check your VIN against Ford’s official recall database or contact an authorized dealer to confirm whether any open campaigns or service updates apply to your vehicle. Even without a recall, routine service history that shows timely maintenance against Ford specifications is important when assessing risk and planning repairs.

What this means for owners and buyers

For prospective buyers, a used Transit Custom with a 2.0 turbo engine should be evaluated for symptoms mentioned above, along with a thorough diagnostic check of the turbo, EGR, DPF, and fuel system. For current owners, addressing warning lights promptly, maintaining oil quality, and following service schedules can reduce the risk of sudden turbo failure and the associated repair costs. If a problem is diagnosed, costs can range from preventive EGR cleaning to turbo replacement, which varies with year, mileage, and warranty coverage.

Summary

The Transit Custom 2.0 turbo is a workhorse that can deliver reliable service, but turbocharger-related problems—often tied to the EGR system, DPF, and fuel-injection components—are among the most commonly reported issues as vehicles age or accumulate miles. Recognizing symptoms early, performing thorough diagnostics, and sticking to Ford-recommended maintenance are the best strategies to minimize disruptions and expense. Always verify recalls and service campaigns for your specific VIN, and consult a qualified technician for a precise diagnosis and repair plan.

What is the problem with the Ford 2.0 turbo engine?

Common problems with the Ford 2.0 turbo engine include coolant leaks leading to overheating, carbon buildup on intake valves, and turbocharger issues. Coolant intrusion is a major issue on earlier models (before 2020) due to an open-deck engine block design that can cause head gasket failure; later versions were redesigned to fix this. Other potential problems include oil leaks, a failing low-pressure fuel pump, and a cracked exhaust manifold.
 
This video explains the common problems with the 2.0 EcoBoost engine: 51s8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Dec 30, 2022
Coolant intrusion and overheating 

• Problem: Early models (especially 2015-2019) are susceptible to coolant leaking into the combustion chamber due to a flawed "open deck" engine block design. 
• Cause: The design allows coolant channels to be too close to the cylinders, leading to gasket failure or cracks between the cylinders. 
• Symptoms: Overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, a sweet coolant smell, or a milky substance in the oil. 
• Resolution: Later 2020 and newer models have a revised design to fix this issue. 

Carbon buildup

• Problem: Direct-injection engines like the 2.0 EcoBoost can accumulate carbon on the intake valves.
• Cause: The fuel is sprayed directly into the combustion chamber, so it doesn't wash over the valves to clean them.
• Symptoms: Rough idling, poor fuel economy, and loss of power. 

Turbocharger and exhaust manifold issues

• Problem: Turbocharger failure and cracking of the exhaust manifold are known problems. 
• Cause: In some models, the exhaust manifold is integrated with the turbocharger, making replacement costly when it cracks. 
• Symptoms: Loss of power, grinding noises, or a turbo warning light. 

This video shows a teardown of a Ford EcoBoost engine and discusses potential issues: 57sspeedkar99YouTube · Jul 22, 2025
Fuel system problems

• Problem: The low-pressure fuel pump can fail prematurely.
• Cause: A clogged fuel filter can cause the pump to work at an unusually high pressure until it fails. 

Oil leaks

• Problem: Some 2.0 EcoBoost engines are known to develop oil leaks.
• Cause: Failing oil seals and gaskets can cause leaks. 

What happens when a turbo fails on a Transit van?

Turbos can have a lengthy death, it will manifest in oil consumption and more noisy turbo. You can also have a abrupt death where the bearings think they are ready for afterlife. You will definitely notice later scenario as it doesn't sound healthy and you will have a loss in power.

What is the problem with the 2.0 L EcoBlue diesel engine?

Also known as an oil-lubricated timing belt, this component is found in the 2.0L EcoBlue diesel engine used in many Transits from 2016 onwards. While designed for quiet operation and improved fuel efficiency, the wet belt system has become a common cause of serious engine damage and unexpected repair bills.

Is the Ford Transit 2.0 engine reliable?

2.0 EcoBlue Diesel (MK8 Facelift and MK9 – 2018+)
This engine does not deserve the title of “most reliable.” Despite improved performance and fuel economy, its wet timing belt design has caused concern across Europe. Dozens of users report belt degradation before 150,000 km — sometimes with catastrophic results.