Most Reliable Vans And How To Avoid Losing Vans From Theft

By RAM Tracking on 22 Apr 2025

Your business needs reliable vans for daily work - ones that save fuel and meet green standards to help your profits. But remember, the best and most popular vans also catch the eye of thieves looking to steal valuable vehicles.

Top 10 Most Popular Vans (by units sold in 2024)

1. Ford Transit Custom sold 46,967 units. 
2. Ford sold 31,322 of their standard Transit models.
3. There were 19,695 Ford Rangers sold.
4. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter sold 18,753 units.
5. 18,581 Vauxhaul Vivaros were sold last year.
6. Volkswagen sold 15,425 Transporters.
7. The Renault Trafic sold 14,857 units.
8. 12,828 Peugeot Partners were sold in 2024.
9. Vauxhall sold 12,584 units of its Combo series.
10. The Citroën Berlingo sold 12,229 units.

The Ford Transit Custom led the market by a significant margin, continuing its dominance in the UK's light commercial vehicle segment. Ford secured the top three positions, highlighting its strong presence in the UK van market.

Notably, the Citroën Berlingo was the best-selling small van, offering practicality and value for businesses. 

But sales numbers don't show the full picture. When choosing vans, reliability matters just as much as popularity. Each year, the FN50 survey collects data from the UK's biggest leasing companies on breakdowns, warranty claims, and repairs to rank the most reliable vans.

Top 10 Most Reliable Vans 

(Listed from most reliable to least reliable in the top 10).

1. Volkswagen Transporter
   The Transporter leads in reliability, overtaking the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. It's known for its robust build and versatility. A new generation, co-developed with Ford, is expected in 2025.

2. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
   After a nine-year reign at the top, the Sprinter remains a strong contender, praised for its durability and performance.

3. Volkswagen Caddy
   As the most reliable small van, the Caddy offers a smart design and dependable performance, though it lacks an electric variant.

4. Ford Transit Connect
   This compact van is celebrated for its practicality and reliability, maintaining a strong presence in the UK market.

5. Ford Transit Custom
   The UK's best-selling light commercial vehicle, the Transit Custom offers a comprehensive range, including diesel, mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric options.

6. Vauxhall Vivaro
   Part of the Stellantis group, the Vivaro stands out among its siblings for reliability and offers both diesel and electric versions.

7. Ford Transit
   A staple in the UK van market, the Transit is known for its versatility, with multiple configurations and a recent electric variant, the E-Transit.

8. Volkswagen Crafter
   Returning to the top 10, the Crafter is appreciated for its spacious interior and reliability, with a facelift expected in 2025.

9. Toyota Proace
   Sharing its platform with other Stellantis vans, the Proace distinguishes itself with a market-leading 10-year warranty, enhancing its appeal.

10. Renault Trafic
    The Trafic re-enters the top 10, recognized for its solid performance and practicality, with both diesel and electric options available.

These rankings reflect the latest insights into van reliability in the UK, helping businesses and individuals make informed decisions when selecting a dependable vehicle.

Most Stolen Van Models

​Vehicle theft remains a significant concern for fleet managers. According to the latest data from the DVLA, 11,273 vans were reported stolen across the UK in 2024, averaging 31 thefts per day.

Only 39% of these stolen vans were recovered by the police, leaving three in five vans unrecovered.​

The most stolen models were:

1. Ford Transit - 5,906 stolen
2. Mercedes Sprinter - 1,492 stolen
3. Peugeot Boxer - 524 stolen
4. Vauxhall Vivaro - 423 stolen
5. Citroën Relay - 405 stolen

These alarming figures show a clear pattern: popular vans equal stolen vans. With less than half ever found, the financial impact on businesses can be devastating, not just from the lost vehicle but also from downtime and increased insurance premiums. And thieves aren't slowing down, they're getting better at beating standard security measures.

Protecting Your Fleet With Advanced Tracking Technology

With van theft at record levels, basic security isn't enough anymore. You need RAM Tracking.

Our hidden tracking devices are tamper-proof, jam-resistant, and impossible for thieves to spot. When your van moves without permission, you'll know instantly.

Real Results: One of our customers, ASB Delivery Services, faced a nightmare scenario when thieves targeted their fleet, taking three vans in just 24 hours. With RAM Tracking installed, their team quickly pinpointed the exact locations of all three vehicles and provided the precise coordinates to law enforcement. This saved their business over £100,000 and prevented weeks of disruption.

What Our Van Tracking Gives You:

• Instant alerts when a van moves outside working hours

• Virtual boundaries that notify you if a van leaves approved areas

• Remote engine shutdown from your phone if a theft occurs
• Smart software that spots high-risk situations before theft happens
• Easy-to-use vehicle tracking app

With van theft on the rise, protecting your fleet is essential. RAM Tracking makes it simple and affordable. Get a personalised quote for your business today.