Skip navigation

carsguide.com.au

Car Shortlist What's this?

Ford Territory recall

  • By Neil McDonald
  • Herald Sun
  • 27 March 2009
image The recall affects 83,534 Territorys in Australia, 7739 in New Zealand, 3612 in South Africa and about 60 in Thailand and Brunei. Photo Gallery

Ford is recalling its popular Ford Territory to fix a potentially dangerous brake defect.

The recall affects 83,534 Territorys in Australia, 7739 in New Zealand, 3612 in South Africa and about 60 in Thailand and Brunei.

Details of the defect were uncovered by Carsguide after more than 15 customers reported brake failures to our Ask Smithy guru, Graham Smith.

image
Ask Smithy, Daily Telegraph, March 27, 2009.

Read more of the Ford Territory recall customer complaints

Carsguide answers your questions about the Ford Territory recall

The recall affects the bulk of Territorys on the road, built between February 1 2004 and December 31, 2008.

Territory Turbo, Territory Ghia Turbo and the FPV F6X are not included in the recall.

Ford Australia spokeswoman, Sinead McAlary, said the problem had affected less than 2 per cent of vehicles but the company was recalling most Territorys to replace the hoses

McAlary said the issue was isolated to the Territory and did not affect Falcon models.

The problem relates to the front brake hose, which can wear through, leading to leaking brake fluid that could render the brakes almost useless.

Ford is fitting all Territorys with replacement hoses that are stronger and longer, McAlary said.

An official Ford statement said that the the rear braking system will still bring the vehicle to a halt within Australian Design Rule requirements.

 If the vehicle continues to be operated in this condition, a warning light will appear on the instrument cluster to alert the driver that the vehicle's braking system requires attention, the statement said.

McAlary said that a Ford investigation had shown that a combination of high mileage on the vehicles, along with frequent cornering at full steering lock, could lead to a problem with the brakes.

She said any customers with concerns are advised to contact their nearest Ford Dealer to make arrangements to have their vehicle rectified.

The front brake hoses will be replaced free of charge.


Related stories:

Ford Territory recall: Q&A we recieved

Ford Territory recall - news.com.au

First look: 2009 Ford Territory

Toyota Kluger Vs Ford Territory

GOT A PROBLEM WITH YOUR CAR? - Carsguide Q&A

Comments on this story

Displaying 3 of 31 comments

  • Thank you ford for replacing ball joints on our car free of charge very happy with the service in Tasmania thank you.

    garry and kathy clark of tasmania hobart Posted on 18 January 2012 2:06pm

  • gotta agree with aaron, we've had the rust done, bonnet latch, bearing in the aircon fan, foot pedal adjuster motor, and the severe "knock" in the rear end is next. F.O.R.D "Found On Rubbish Dumps" seems appropriate. ours is a 2004 model bet these things are still happening on the current models. i pull people up on the street and show them the rust. haven't been disappointed yet!

    Mick of Airlie Beach Posted on 05 July 2011 1:44pm

  • i understand if you have issues with a territory but having all of those parts replaced sounds like customer abuse or severe operating conditions that these cars were not designed for. i currently own a SY SR 2006 territory and have had no issues

    Darcy Bowyer of Queensland Posted on 20 June 2011 3:51pm

  • Well for the record, the TOOL who is a so called mechanic should know exactly that Ford made there hoses too short to save a couple of dollars a vechile on hose. In turn the hose gets old and shrinks and hence the leak. As for the Territory, as a WHEELS CAR OF THE YEAR, well I own one and have had these items repaired. DIFF, UPPER LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSH'S, RADIATOR AND GEAR BOX DUE TO LEAK INTO TRANIE, 5 WINDOW SWITCHS, ONE WINDOW MOTOR, REAR BIN LATCH, FRONT DASH LID CATCH, 2X HOOD LATCH, LH & RH BALL JOINTS. Dont get me wrong. I love an Aussie car as much as the next person but a Ford will never sit in my drive way again.

    Andrew Ellis of Brisbane Posted on 10 June 2010 8:30pm

  • Wel to all Ford Territory owners make sure u open your boots and pull the rubber from the bottom and check for rust our territory is just gone 6 years old and ford refuse to fix there problem as its over 5 years old . But yet they will fix my booses territor and its 16 months old with same problem so i urge u all to make this fords problem to fix . i also know of a couple of other territory being fixed with same problem as well . im also going to put photos of this problem on u tube and any where else i can . I told you ford we could fix this your way or mine so my way it is id never bye another Territory again . And i will bet you thousands of people that own them have got this same problem . Good luck with this Ford

    Aaron .. of Brisbane Posted on 04 May 2010 3:43pm

  • There sure are a lot of tools on this forum. I own a Territory and am also a qualified mechanic. I just booked in the car to have the problem rectified. Although there is no problem with my car at this stage. All car makers have recalls! I have spent time working in both Ford and Holden Dealerships and on the whole they are both pretty good cars. The Territory is a brilliant car. Lets just get this "potential" problem fixed and get on with it. And to the tools that like to be negative about Aussie built cars-- go buy a Euro car and pay the price. We who support our home grown products are true Aussies.

    Bill Posted on 07 May 2009 4:35pm

  • i find it amusing that people jump to ford /holden bashing the issue at point was that it appeard ford didnot address this issue untill they were unable to hide it any longer all manufactures have recalls some do it of there own back to save imbaressment like they did with the commodore hence not such a large media beatup for the record i drive one of these two cars and would be very happy with the other of the two i get good economy about .7 ltr per 100 more that i got from my 2006 4 cyl and i find the ride quality and preformance are exelent and would recomend anyone to buy from or own country

    jason of melbourne Posted on 09 April 2009 11:28am

  • Ford aren't good Holden are good

    Michael Hall of meningie Posted on 07 April 2009 2:14pm

  • No surprise there having a slog at Ford, It seems to be the 'IN' thing right now. Mitsubishi new about there own brake problem on their Outlanders for a long period of time and did nothing and Carsguide didn't knock them. I read some idiots post saying it is the 'BIGGEST DISGRACE' grow a brain you deadbeat and the same with all you other morons that are saying 'Typical Ford engineers' its all the same with every manufacter, they are all looking to save a few quid, but Ford did the right thing, recognised the problem, assessed it and have approached this issue head on. Also, the goose that said 'Don't worry Ford, only 2% of people would die' your the worst of the lot, I don't even think you read the article, ''the rear braking system will still bring the vehicle to a halt within Australian Design Rule requirements'' if you missed that entire quote your worse then other ignorant braindead idiots on here.

    Brad Smith Posted on 05 April 2009 2:37am

  • What about the brake problem with the BA series 1 cars? When is Ford going to recall those.

    Martyn of Sydney Posted on 04 April 2009 12:56am

  • Yes once again the australian media is beating up on ford a wholesection dedicated to the territory recall where was this coverage for the: 1) VE commodore recall 2008 fuel hose issue may spark engine bay fire 2) toyota camry recall 2007 (over 140000 affected) 2009 toyota yaris and others recalled (1.2 million world wide) this included the lexus brand and land cruiser 3) Honda odessey and civic recall 2007 4) mazda 3 MPs 2005-2006 recall due to gears changing with out drivers knowledge 2009 mazda 6 recall 29000 affected doors may not latch and may open whilst the car is in motion - some of these issues took time to arise and the recalls took time to arrange the point is all car manufacturers are prone to theses issues and none are more moral than the others in the recoup of cost.

    Jay Monaro of Sydney Posted on 03 April 2009 7:36am

  • Again biased reporting from the australian media against Ford even though it produces excellent cars - given a whole section to cover the territory recall. Where is the coverage on the 2009 toyota recall (1.2 million vehicles world wide) toyoa YAris seatbelt problems affecting cars from back to 2005 - also toyota land cruiser and Lexus models with break issues (quality cars as some like to mention in their comments) Also major recalls affecting honda models including oddesey and others with brake problems and civic fuel lines and off course the billion dollar baby VE commodore with airbag and fuel hose issues - none of these manufacturers were subjected to such coverage - it seems ford is not in favour with the media despite producing superior cars mondeo, fiesta, focus and even the new falcon providing excellent value and quality for money paid when compared to other locally and internationally built vehicles - you all nedd to get of your high horses and realise that every manufacturer is subject to these recall issue and no car company has any higher morality than the others when it comes to this

    James beam of Sydney Posted on 02 April 2009 12:39pm

  • Isn't it amazing how the wingers will come out when it is someone else's problem or cost to repair. Brake hose's are a wear and tear part that is inspected and repoted on every time we do a service on a vehicle and yes this includes Holdens and Tototas [ I run a large Mechanical repair and service centre ] we are forever reporting worn, stretched or freyed brake hoses to customers and yes less than 2% would have them replaced as it is out of there pocket. Plenty out there like that. I would like to inspect your holden hose'e Troppo, suggest being sure before shooting the mouth off mate as you may end up in the back of a Ford Territory one day that just braked hard. Every one should have their brake hose's checked and replaced reguarly full stop. Good on you Ford for offering to do it free. PS the hose's would of been sourced from, most likely the same manufacturer that supplies all Australian brake hose's for vehicles assembled in Australia. Think about that one too.

    Russell Abbott of Darwin NT Posted on 02 April 2009 12:26pm

  • I'll stick with my fords and holden's coz a service only costs me an average of $70 and major repairs usually aren't too bad, not that I've needed them on any ford or holden I've owned. Look after the car and it looks after you.

    kato of Canberra Posted on 01 April 2009 2:41pm

  • How come the recent recall on Landcruiser (the bullbar can cause the front end to crack) has not been mentioned on this website.

    andrew Posted on 01 April 2009 7:10am

  • Hey Ford! Only 2% of the buyers could have been dead, huh? So typical in these days where everyone is cutting corners. Wont have my car serviced by you as you always put the apprentices to work and some items the car has been booked in for...."oh we didn't have time, maybe during the next service, or can you bring it in another day?"

    Chris Moore of Sydney Posted on 01 April 2009 3:55am

  • Typical of Ford Engineers trying to save a buck !!!

    AJ of WA Posted on 31 March 2009 9:14pm

  • I thought the cars were durability tested before being released to the public. I guess that's one area you can't apply accelerated testing to. My other comment would be that with dual circuit brakes one front hose failing shouldn't cause total failure.

    Jamie Bone of Brisbane Posted on 31 March 2009 9:11pm

  • What is concerning is the number of peoplw saying the peddle "went to the floor & we had no brakes". On a proper implementation of an isolated brake system the rear braking system should will still bring the vehicle to a halt. How can it do that with the peddle jammed on the firewall? Also it has been mentioned that the hand brake was required to stop the vehicle, thuis would also indicate that the hydrolic system was effectively unable to operate the rear brakes better than the handbrake did... I'd be curious if it has in fact pass the ADR as required!

    Richard Eves Posted on 31 March 2009 8:15pm

  • Poor design of yet another 'Truck-a-surus' Least this is one way of getting them off the road........... by the manufacturer!

    Phil of Brisbane Posted on 31 March 2009 7:29pm

  • Well what do you know yet another Ford On Road Disaster.

    troppo Posted on 31 March 2009 6:53pm

  • This is the BIGGEST DISGRACE by any car maker in the entire Globe,Ford are Lucky they don't have blood on their hands.Im Livid at this situation,how dare they play God with their non recall till you the press put pressure on them,Imagine if if was your family that was driving one of these time bombs Ford executives.!

    Phil De-Ath of Melbourne Posted on 31 March 2009 6:02pm

  • Why anyone would buy a Ford or a Hoden for that matter, when you can get a better performing, better designed and way better built car from any of the Japanese and European makers is beyond me. Supporting Australian industry is one thing, but when they produce garbage all the time why take the risk?

    Chris of Hastings Posted on 31 March 2009 4:42pm

  • Well done Ford! Brakes arnt very important are they! Maybe you should seek advice from Holden to see how they assemble their brake system!

    The Sword Posted on 31 March 2009 3:56pm

  • Everyone starts crying when Ford does an occasional recall. At least they are fixing the problem. Don't forget the Commodore is the most recalled car in Australian history.

    peter Posted on 31 March 2009 12:38pm

  • I also had this problem occur when going through a drive thru Pedal went straight to the floor and brake fluid and steam everywhere...Cost me to have the car repaired as it was just out of warranty though under 100,000 K. We rang FORD and were told fair wear and tear and now they do a recall this was less than 6 months ago. Maybe we need a class action??? I have no problem with paying for fair repairs etc BUT !!!!!!!! It shouldnt matter who does the repair I should be compensated for what I paid out.............

    Jen of Mornington Victoria Posted on 31 March 2009 11:32am

  • unfortunately australian car = poor quality....i think anyone who has owned a japanese built car in the last decade has reailised this!

    simon muirhead Posted on 31 March 2009 11:04am

  • WOW, What's going on Ford? Where has your product pride and loyalty to Australia gone? If your cars have a fault, fix them before someone gets killed, remember the Pinto!

    Mal Irving of Moss Vale Posted on 30 March 2009 6:41pm

  • Heard about this ages ago. Would have thought people would listen to the recall notice especially when it concerns the brakes.

    Kato of Canberra Posted on 30 March 2009 4:34pm

  • We have a Territory with a build date of 18/6/04 with first delivery April 05. We bought this car at 13000 km in about April 06. When we bought it, it was virtually a new car. We have not treated it roughly or done any frequent cornering on full lock nor done high mileage. At 33907 km (June 07) my wife was backing the car out of our drive, put her foot on the brake and it began to slow. The brake pedal then went quickly to the floor and the car surged backwards and she had no brakes. I came home from work and inspected the underside of the car there was brake fluid sprayed everywhere and the front flexible brake line had burst. It had the appearance of being cut through. There was no sign of wear on the hose. If this happened at speed I would hate to think what would happen. Also recently at 63000 km we have had the transmission rebuilt, front ball joints replaced and split power steering and diff seals replaced. This has all been done under warranty but at 60000 km a car which is driven carefully and rarely taken off road should not do this. Lucky we had extended factory warranty as the work cost nearly $4500.

    Peter McIntyre of Adelaide Posted on 28 March 2009 11:05am

  • My BA Falcon has twice had the rear brake hose fail due to poor design. The brake hose rubs against other parts and eventually fails leaving you with no rear brakes at all. According to the dealer having no rear brakes is perfectly fine as the front ones still work (yeah I'd like to see that pass a road worthy certificate when your stopping distance is suddenly doubled). The problem was fixed free of charge however I believe this is not a new problem, and once again with the Territory I hear the same lame assurances. At least this time there is a proper recall.

    Matthew G of Sydney Posted on 28 March 2009 10:41am
Read all 31 comments

Add your comment on this story

Indicates required

We welcome your comments on this story. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Please provide your full name. We also require a working email address - not for publication, but for verification. The location field is optional.

Cars for sale

Sponsored Links