Skip navigation

carsguide.com.au

Car Shortlist What's this?

Ford Territory recall: Q&A

  • By Carsguide team
  • Carsguide
  • 27 March 2009
image Carsguide answers your questions about the Ford Territory recall.

Carsguide answers your questions about the Ford Territory recall.

Q: Who does this recall affect?

A: Owners of all non-turbo Ford Territory vehicles built between February 1 2004 and December 31 2008

Q Why did Ford make the recall?

A: Following Carsguide reader letters to Ask Smithy guru Graham Smith complaining about brake failures in Territory and Falcons Carsguide contacted Ford. Ford began an investigation and has now decided to recall the Territory.

Q: What if I own a Falcon?

A: While they are not part of the recall Graham Smith and Ford have advised concerned owners of 2003-onwards Falcons to contact your dealer and have your car checked over

Q: What should I do if I own a Territory?

A: Contact your nearest authorised Ford dealer to make arrangements to have your vehicle rectified. The front brake hoses will be replaced free of charge by Ford. Ford Australia will be contacting customers via mail and advertising in daily newspapers in order to reach all customers.

Q: What is wrong with the cars?

A: Ford says it has determined that under certain conditions it is possible for the vehicle to develop a front brake fluid leak, which can result in reduced braking effectiveness from the front brakes. It says the rear braking system will still stop the car. And it says that a warning light will appear on the instrument cluster to alert the driver that the vehicle's braking system requires attention.

Q: Will I lose all braking control?

A: No, Ford says that under Australian Design Rules the front and rear brakes are independently controlled. So if one fails the other will stop the car.

Q How many cars are affected?

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

Related stories: 

Ford Territory recall - carsguide.com.au

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 14 comments

  • Keep having this 'cold start' problem with my 2004 T. Stalling and cut outs of engine bloody dangerous until completly warmed up. Ford can't duplicate in the workshop, so they think I'm doing something wrong? If this is so common, why doesn't Ford acknowledge it and recall this dangerous flaw?

    Mick Harmon Posted on 07 December 2011 9:55pm

  • I have a 2005 Ford Territory 114,000 km, I've had nothing but problems bushes, brake issues faulty brake booster, central locking problems, door rubber seals etc, and the petrol $$$$ don't get a Ford, Total rubbish....!

    Javier Ravanal of Caroline springs,Melbourne Posted on 07 November 2011 4:20pm

  • Well I?m probably too late but anyway does anyone know if they were ever recalling the 2005 AWD FORD TERRITORY TX's for having front and rear bushes problems.

    Eva Pihema of Deception Bay QLD Posted on 31 July 2011 5:14pm

  • I have a 2005 Ford Territory 120,000 km in my workshop. This vehicle has always been serviced at a Ford dealership. It's totally amazing. The list I have written up for the customer. Cheaper to trade vehicle in then do the repairs. FORD (Found On Rubbish Dump).

    BINY SOMERS of south east qld Posted on 22 February 2011 2:06pm

  • I'm now totally confused, I have heard nothing but good things about the Territory and have been looking at purchasing a 2006 Ghia, after the comments I've just read has anyone got any good things to say, and how about the Ford dealers being given the chance to explain themselves re: the comments just said, i have my life saving going into this vehicle that i want to purchase and now im only confused...

    Mary of Ferntree Gully Posted on 19 June 2010 7:43pm

  • What hasn't gone wrong with my 2004 Ford Territory Ghia! Having purchased my Territory in 2004 as a new vehicle fully optioned to the value of $65K I have over the last years had the following "issues" - each time Ford tells me the problems are not common: Trans replaced, front and rear bushes, front bearings, catalytic converter, all 4 window motors fused, rear wiper motor fused, horn not working, rear seat belt jamming, vehicle cutting out whilst driving, rear brake lines snapped (leaving me with no brakes - thought that couldn't happen Ford!), clock losing time, door seals falling off, body kit replaced. As for the aftermarket Service...purchased an extended 3 year warranty from Bayford, had my car serviced by a certified Ford dealer for every service for 5 years and when it came to replacing most of these items in my extended warranty period - Bayford wouldn't honour the warranty as I didn't have my car Serviced at Bayford itself. And no recall as not safety issues ????? Just a pity that when my brakes failed coming into my driveway, or when my car cut out at 80km turning a corner that I wasn't driving towards a Ford Showroom filled with Territories - Shame on you Ford !!!

    Never to buy Ford Again of Vic Posted on 13 April 2010 3:00pm

  • I have a 04 territory ghia, brakes failed last july - no idea of recall prior, luckily didn't crash into car in front. took it to dealer they fixed free, brakes failed again 3 weeks later, dealer charged this time saying it was a different issue !!! Now, less than 6 mths later they have failed again, had vehicle towed, ford australia uncontactable on phone, dealer advised it was now the rear hoses ....they fixed but advised it will cost over $200 as this wasn't covered under recall !!! Unbelievable..... I also own an xr6 turbo - a few problems with that no worth mentioning here but I will be trading/selling both vehicles at first opportunity and will not step inside a Ford dealership again in my lifetime... p.s have checked out "secret" car surveys and anything but Ford or Holden looks good

    Brendan Watson of Perth Posted on 10 February 2010 7:10pm

  • Just had the front brake lines changed due to recall on the territory, got home & thought I better check under the bonnet. Lucky I did. The useless service staff spilt brake fluid all over the master cylinder, brake booster, inner guard & sub frame rail! Better check under the front end too & to my (no) surprise, brake fluid dripping off the brake callipers onto the wheels & brake fluid on each joint of the replacement hoses. I was so happy with the service I had to let them know, & this was just after a letter box drop boasting how good their service department is (I’d hate to see a bad one!) I took it back for them to give another wash after I degreased it myself, got home & fluid was still dripping onto the sub frame under the master cylinder, but only a couple of drops, no surprise, the rubber gasket under the cap wasn’t fitted correctly. If you have this recall done, check it & degrease/wash any fluid off as it will damage your paint. Definitely never going their again.

    Steve B of NSW Posted on 23 July 2009 4:17pm

  • I have a Territory 06 SY TS RWD that when started cold and is driven off steadily, it constantly surges very harshly until has started to warm up. Appears to have started after 45k service and in 7 months Dealer still cannot fix and Ford cannot suggest fix, they don't seem interested enough, but warranty runs out next week. Dealer has driven and acknowledged problem. Also waited 10 weeks for Brake hoses to come in after recall letter. All 4 Door seal rubbers have shrunk and sometimes stop doors closing. Will be fixed under warranty. Other than that, love the vehicle.

    Warwick Butcher of Newcastle Posted on 11 July 2009 10:57pm

  • I OWN AN 05 BA WAGON I TOOK IT TO MY FORD DEALER THIS WEEK AND ASKED ABOUT THE BRAKE HOSE FAILER AND WAS TOLD THAT IT ONLY AFECTS TERRIORYS AND FALCON SEDANS IS THIS TRUE

    STEVE WHITE of broadford Posted on 30 April 2009 7:34am

  • Having owned a Ford Territory Ghia since 2004 (now travelled 150,000km) I have had nothing but problems over 5 years - a major problem that I have experienced for the last 2 years which my Ford servicer said they couldn't find (until my warranty recently ran out) is a "cold start" losing of power. When I reverse out of my driveway my car is fine but as soon as I put the car in drive and accelerate I lose power and have to stop and pump the accelerator. It happens again when I get to the corner and go to pull out on a very busy road. Doesn't happen again until the car has been sitting for awhile. Once again a cold start. The latest incident caused a car to swerve on the wrong side of the road to avoid hitting me side on whilst I had my 2 young children in the back. I have seen other blogs complaining of this exact issue on other websites and am interested to see how wide spread this is. The ETC light comes on (manual says take straight to Ford) Ford's "computer" never reads the issue and they say they have never heard of this issue before. What will it take for them to ackowledge this issue!

    Stella Pruscino of Vic Posted on 01 April 2009 2:41pm

  • Tom find a new hill as it will continue to do this.

    Terry Wood Posted on 31 March 2009 8:07pm

  • Well done Ford! Finally announce a recall following so many complaints. Now the practical bit - I have booked my Territory in for a service and asked for the recall to be done. The response " we can't guarantee it as we may not have enough parts". So my safety remains at risk until the parts bin gets sorted now? NOT GOOD ENOUGH.

    Barry tonissen of Lilydale Posted on 31 March 2009 12:04pm

  • Can you tell me why the brake system won't hold on a moderate hill when I stop in my 2008 SY Rear Wheel Drive Automatic Ford Territory. I am the first owner and believe me I have many years driving experience (54) on heavy vehicles too. I turned vehicle around put it in reverse and the vehicle started to kangaroo hop down the hill.On both ocassions the engine was on. I have to put on the brakes and take off as if driving a manual vehicle riding the clutch (reving the engine) and holding onto the hand brake to make sure I don't run backwards. I have had it checked out(seemingly) by the dealer where I purchased the vehicle,who says there is nothing wrong with braking system. I have had 4 Ford Falcons,a Nissan Pintara and a Suzuki Grand Vitara all Automatics which I could stop on same hill on my way home and never had this problem.

    Tom of Perth WA Posted on 28 March 2009 6:13pm
Read all 14 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