Ford Territory 2005 Problems
No car is perfect, but we've gathered everything relating to the Ford Territory 2005 reliability here to help you decide if it's a smart buy.
Why won't my 2005 Ford Territory transmission move forward or reverse?
The transmission in this era of Ford Territories was notorious for suffering a failed transmission oil cooler. If that happened, the coolant would often mix with the transmission’s fluid, causing massive damage to both the electronics and the mechanical components of the transmission. In severe cases, the vehicle could lose drive altogether. A replacement transmission is the usual fix, so it’s an expensive failure.
But the first check to make is of another part of the Territory that is also known for giving trouble. In this case, though, the end result is nothing like as dramatic as it’s caused by damaged or poorly adjusted (loose) selector linkages. A quick tighten or adjustment will have the transmission operating properly again, but you need to ascertain what’s causing your problem in the first place. Don’t forget to check that there’s actually sufficient fluid inside the transmission, too, as low fluid can cause a loss of drive. Most workshops will be able to diagnose either problem pretty quickly.
What is causing the drivetrain to backlash in my '05 Ford Territory?
You could visually check the transfer case and CV joints, but I doubt you’ll see anything that might tell there’s a problem with them. It could also be a diff. Get it to a specialist mechanic and have them check it for you.
Early model Ford Territory recall service
The recall was to inspect the front-end on the Territory when it became obvious there was a widespread problem with the front lower balljoints wearing out prematurely. It related to the early models, which included yours. It was an inspection and some balljoints that were worn were replaced, but it didn't fix the problem. The balljoints still wear and as a rule require replacement every 75,000 km or so for the rest of the car's life. There was change to the design of the Territory front-end in in 2010 and that fixed the problem. I doubt you'll have any joy getting Ford to replace the joints for you free of charge; your car is now 11 years old and well out of warranty.
2005 Territory a lemon
Unfortunately I don't think there is much you can do about it, the car is 10 years old and well beyond the warranty. It's even stretching the limit where you might expect goodwill. You bought an old car without inspecting it, took the salesman's word, and bought a model with known issues.
Ford Territory rear axle problem
It's a common problem with the Territory and to my knowledge Ford hasn't come to the party with the cost of repairs, unlike the front ball joints when they did provide some relief for owners.
Ford Territory vibrates and clonks
The vibration is possibly a problem with the front drive shafts, the clonk, clonk noise most likely the front ball joints.
Ask Smithy Xtra Territory diff problems
Diffs and diff mounting bushes are known problems with the Territory, but I’m not aware that Ford has been replacing them free of charge. I would still advise you to contact your Ford dealer and request assistance in fixing the problems.
