Ford Territory 2009 Problems

I AGREE with you no car is totally without problem, but to justify problems Falcons and Territorys are suffering by referring to cars that are now up to 30 years old -- as in the case of the HQ Holden -- is silly. Surely Ford is now capable of designing and building better cars than the old models to which you refer? The wear rate on Territory ball joints is not only excessive it's dangerous and we have had a number of reports from readers of ball joints actually failing; we've also heard from an insider who worked on the Territory front end who told us that Ford has known about the problem from very early on in the program. I believe this is a safety issue and warrants a recall just as much as the brake hoses do. Same goes for the Falcon, we have numerous reports of failed front brake hoses and were told by respected members of the trade that front hose failures are relatively common. The issue with Shockwave Blue Falcons is more to do with the inconsistent approach to owners than the paint itself.

THANKS for your support, and it's good to hear Ford has done the right thing by you. That should send a message to other owners who are being told their balljoints need replacing. If you're one of those owners, demand Ford cover the cost of replacing them.

THE recall was only just announced so I would give Ford a little more time before you get too upset, but I take your point.

WE'VE had questions about rust in the Territory, particularly in the engine bay and around the fuel filler, where there is insufficient paint coverage, but your experience suggests it goes beyond these areas.

Yes, you can. You should see improved performance and better fuel economy, hopefully enough to offset the higher price of the petrol.

I COULDN'T agree more. You didn't fit the faulty part to your car, Ford did and they should be responsible for the whole cost, not just the cost of a new brake hose. That you have a letter from the dealer placing the blame on the hose puts you in a strong position legally, and I'm sure you would win if you went to court. But as your lawyer said, it will cost plenty to go to court, and there is always the chance Ford will come along with better lawyers and argue their way out of it, leaving you with the bill. Ford is banking on you doing nothing, as most of us do in a similar situation, and they will get away with it. We've been highlighting this problem in the hope that Ford will see the light and do something.

WHEN we met Ford president Marin Burela we stressed the concern we and many Ford owners have about the company's communication with owners. He conceded it was inconsistent and acknowledged it needed to be good because it was the main interface between the company and the people who bought its cars. We know Burela reads Carsguide, so we are confident he will read your letter. Perhaps that will trigger some action. I don't believe there should be any question about your claim. A failed brake hose is a safety issue, nothing to do with wear and tear.

That is a really bad run, one that in other countries might have the car officially labeled a ‘lemon’. But as we don’t have ‘lemon’ laws the carmaker doesn’t have to replace the car or refund your money. But they are responsible for fixing it. I don’t believe you will have any success in getting the car replaced, but you could try pressing the dealer/Ford for an extended warranty.

Under the Australian Consumer Law introduced in January 2011, a consumer can request a refund or a replacement for persistent problems if the car doesn’t do the job it’s supposed to do.

A GOOD tip, one that clearly works for you.