Why did Ford stop making diesel Transit?

Ford stopped offering diesel-powered Transit in several markets as part of a broader shift toward electrified commercial vans. The move reflects changing fleet demand, tightening emissions rules, and a strategic push to electric and hybrid powertrains. In Europe, diesel remains available, while Ford has accelerated the rollout of the all-electric e-Transit.

What happened and why it happened

In recent years, Ford gradually reduced the diesel option for the Transit lineup in North America and other markets as fleets shifted toward gasoline and electric variants. The company has positioned electrification as a cornerstone of its commercial-vehicle strategy, aiming to meet stricter emissions targets and respond to changing customer needs.

The following factors shaped the decision:

• Falling demand for diesel vans among fleet buyers in some regions, driven by total-cost-of-ownership concerns and urban emissions policies.


• Regulatory pressure and stricter real-world emissions testing, making diesel compliance more costly and complex.


• A strategic pivot to electrification, including the introduction of the all-electric e-Transit as part of Ford's long-term plan for zero-emission commercial vehicles.


• Competitive incentives and lower operating costs associated with electric and hybrid configurations.


• Maintenance considerations tied to diesel systems (such as AdBlue/SCR) that add complexity for service networks and fleets.

Taken together, these factors explain Ford’s move to curb diesel Transit offerings in certain markets and to double down on electric and hybrid powertrains.

Current status by market

The market mix for Transit powertrains varies by region. Ford continues to offer diesel options in Europe, with its EcoBlue diesel engines remaining a staple alongside the expanding electric lineup. In North America, however, new-vehicle orders have prioritized gasoline and electric configurations, reflecting the company’s electrification push and regulatory environment.

What buyers should consider:

• European buyers often have diesel options (EcoBlue) paired with increasingly efficient powertrains, while also having access to the e-Transit for zero-emission duties.


• In North America, the focus has shifted toward gasoline-powered Transits and the growing availability of the all-electric e-Transit, with diesel no longer a primary option for new orders.


• Other regional markets may vary, depending on local regulations, incentives, and demand for diesel versus electric vans.

These market differences illustrate Ford’s broader strategy: electrify the commercial lineup where feasible, while continuing to offer diesel where it remains viable and compliant with regional standards.

Summary

Ford’s move away from diesel Transit in certain markets aligns with a global push to electrify commercial vehicles, respond to tightening emissions rules, and reflect shifting fleet preferences. Diesel remains available in some regions, particularly Europe, but Ford’s investment in the e-Transit and other electrified options signals a long-term trajectory toward zero-emission commercial transportation. Buyers should weigh total cost of ownership, regulatory context, and charging/infrastructure when choosing a Transit powertrain.

Is the Ford Transit diesel discontinued?

Why Was The Diesel Transit Van Discontinued. The diesel Transit was discontinued due to tightening emissions regulations, changing fleet buyer preferences, and Ford's strategic pivot toward gasoline and electric powertrains.

What is the problem with the Ford Transit 2.0 diesel engine?

The 2.0 TDCi has also been known to suffer an issue where the engine fails to respond when the accelerator is pressed. This is due to chafed insulation on the wiring from the accelerator position sensor, and is a comparatively easy fix once found.

Is the 3.0 V6 turbo diesel a good engine?

Reviews of the 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo diesel engine (often the GM Duramax) highlight its excellent fuel efficiency and strong low-end torque for towing and everyday driving. However, some potential issues include emissions system problems and leaks, which may require significant labor to repair.
 
This video provides an in-depth review of the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine, discussing its performance, fuel economy, and potential issues: 58sGetty's GarageYouTube · May 14, 2025
Pros

• Excellent fuel economy: This is a major advantage, with some reviews noting figures well above 252525 MPG even while towing, and higher MPG in city and highway driving compared to comparable gasoline engines. 
• Strong torque: The engine provides significant low-end torque, making it responsive for towing and accelerating from a stop. 
• Smooth and quiet: Many reviews describe the engine as smooth and quiet once underway, especially compared to larger diesel engines. 
• Good for daily use: The combination of efficiency, quiet operation, and smooth power delivery makes it suitable for daily driving and "tweener" situations for those who need a light-duty truck but want diesel capability. 

Cons

• Emissions system complexity: Modern diesel engines have complex emissions systems (EGR, DPF, SCR) that can lead to potential issues and error codes. 
• Potential for oil leaks: Both older (LM2) and newer (LZ0) versions have been noted to have potential oil leaks from spots like the rear main seal and oil pan. 
• Labor-intensive repairs: Several key components, like the oil pump belt and timing chain, are located at the back of the engine, making replacement extremely labor-intensive and costly, potentially requiring transmission or even cab removal. 
• Oil consumption concerns: Some owners report unacceptable oil consumption, although GM states its acceptable rate is higher for towing and personal use. 
• Lower heavy-duty capacity: While capable, it is not ideal for heavy-duty work like frequently pulling large gooseneck trailers, where larger engines may be more suitable. 

You can watch this video to see the 3.0L Duramax engine in action while towing a heavy trailer: 1mGetty's GarageYouTube · Apr 27, 2025

Why is Ford discontinuing the 3.0 diesel?

Performance. Rather simple lack of interest. And if we look at the engine choices in the F-150. Lineup it's plentiful. So you have the 3.3 L V6.