Ford Territory Problems

Are you having problems with your Ford Territory? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest Ford Territory issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the Ford Territory in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Used Ford Territory review: 2004-2006
By Graham Smith · 25 Feb 2006
Ford's SUV plans had one difference to most other companies, and it was a bold one at that – they decided to build a two-wheel drive version as well as the traditional four-wheel drive wagon.They recognised that many SUV buyers really just wanted a high-riding, roomy station wagon for the perceived benefits of being able to see the road better, and they weren't interested in going off the black top.Apart from the drive train, the Territory didn't have much in common with the Falcon. It was fundamentally a new car from the ground up.It rolled on a longer wheelbase than the Falcon, but was shorter in length and much taller. Its shape was neat and clean, its lines uncluttered and purposeful. Overall, it fitted the new genre perfectly.Inside, it was roomy with comfortable seating for five in standard form, but up to seven adults with the optional third row, and plenty of space for everything a family needs to take with them when venturing out in the big, wide world.Mechanically, the Territory was very similar to the BA Falcon. It came with the same 182kW, 4.0-litre, double-overhead camshaft six-cylinder engine for power, the same four-speed automatic transmission with sequential sports shift, and the choice of either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.While it rode higher than the Falcon, the suspension was similar – the Territory boasting independent front suspension with the Falcon's control blade independent rear.Brakes were disc front and rear with anti-skid electronics, traction control and grade control for off-road safety.Few will have been driven off-road, certainly the two-wheel-drive cars will have stuck to the black top, but it's worth checking underneath four-wheel drives for any damage that might have been sustained by driving off-road. When CarsGuide tested one shortly after its release, the fuel tank guard was damaged from grounding in a rut on a bush track, and a section of the rear bumper was dislodged when caught on the road while attempting a steep climb.There's plenty of choice on the market so it's well worth being selective. Be sure to look for damage to trim and interior fittings caused by kids bored during long journeys.Being favoured for family transport, also keep an eye peeled for dings and dents from shopping centre parking.Some owners are concerned about the fuel consumption and looking to convert to dual-fuel. Ford doesn't currently offer a dual-fuel system, but there are after-market systems available to convert the Territory to dual-fuel to save on running costs. The concern with high-riding cars is that the higher centre of gravity means sloppier handling, but the Territory rides and handles quite well with no obvious problems attributable to the higher ride.Four-wheel disc brakes with anti-skid and electronic brake force distribution, power steering and independent suspension combine for an impressive primary safety package for crash avoidance.All models feature dual front airbags. But with side-curtain airbags, the TS and Ghia offer superior secondary crash protection.
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Territory query
Answered by Graham Smith · 19 Oct 2006

VALVE recession rises on engines running LPG because it's a dry fuel with none of the lubricating properties of petrol to protect the valves. Your Territory will be no different and my contacts suggest the head will need a rebuild at about 100,000km. I have no experience with the Flashlube system so I can't offer an opinion.

A rusty issue
Answered by Carsguide.com.au · 24 Aug 2006

AS IT'S under warranty, pursue that with Ford. There is no simple answer, other than start a class action suit against the company. Persist with the dealer initially and if you don't have any satisfaction there, go to Ford. Start with the Customer Assistance people, but again if that doesn't produce the result you want, go higher until you do get the solution you're seeking. The only way you'll get satisfaction is to keep the pressure on.

Ford warranty tyre-some
Answered by Graham Smith · 11 Oct 2007

I DON'T know how Ford can say it covers only the front end for 3000km. I wouldn't take that.

Unknown territory
Answered by Graham Smith · 21 Sep 2006

FUEL consumption is such a can of worms I can't really give you a number that would mean much in your context. I would say, however, the 18 litres/100km is too high and it should be more like Ford's figure.

Territory on gas
Answered by Graham Smith · 04 Oct 2007

THE LPG tank is generally mounted under the Territory where the spare wheel is. The spare is then mounted on the side in the back of the cabin. That's no problem for a five-seater, but it does present a problem for a seven-seater. You really need a swing-away spare wheel mounting to hang the spare on the rear. Phone the offroad specialists who might be able to supply you with an appropriate bracket. There shouldn't be any issue with the engine, but be aware Ford doesn't recommend converting its cars and your warranty will be affected.

Gas-burn territory
Answered by CarsGuide team · 16 Jun 2005

FORD'S response was that they investigated a dedicated gas version of Territory. However, it would have required a unique calibration for the AWD versions. Market research at the time told them there wasn't enough customer interest to justify the additional program complexity, especially as the dedicated gas customer base is relatively small. The current price of petrol hasn't changed that situation.

Squeaking brakes
Answered by Graham Smith · 28 Jun 2007

CONTACTING your dealer is the first thing to do when you have a problem. If that doesn't work, go direct to the company. Now you've done that, you need to enlist the help of a brake expert. Ask them to assess the noise and give you an opinion on what might be causing it. Armed with that information, go back to the dealer, and Ford if necessary, and seek a resolution.

Rust in territory
Answered by Graham Smith · 04 Oct 2007

RUST is an unusual problem today with the body treatment used by every carmaker, so it's worth pressing your case on the basis it is a production problem. Maybe other Territory owners could let us know if they've had the problem.

I want to gas up
Answered by Carsguide.com.au · 11 Aug 2005

YOU can contact both companies through their customer assistance hot lines, but you've probably already registered your interest with this letter. Ford has told us there are no plans to have an LPG option on the Territory, but we have heard Holden is working on one for its V6 engine. Having spent some time in the E-Gas Falcon recently, I have to say I'm surprised at its slow sales. I couldn't fault the way it drove and the savings at the pump suggest you'd be in the black after a year.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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