Thinking about buying a used Ford Territory (2004–2016) in New Zealand? We've documented 15 known faults for this model spanning transmission, engine, suspension, and cooling. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
15
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$600–$3,080
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Ford Territory faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
The SX/SY Territory shares the Falcon's in-radiator transmission cooler, and the same failure mode: the cooler splits internally and coolant mixes with transmission fluid, wrecking the auto. Territorys also rust and weep at the external steel transmission cooler lines, dumping fluid and cooking the box. An external bypass cooler is the accepted permanent fix. A milkshaked transmission plus radiator commonly exceeds $4,500 — more than many SX/SYs are worth.
Symptoms to notice
Pink milky residue in the coolant overflow bottle
Milky or burnt-smelling transmission fluid on the dipstick
Red fluid drips under the front of the car
Slipping or flaring shifts
What to check
Check the coolant bottle for milkiness and the transmission dipstick for clean red fluid. Look under the front bumper area for an aftermarket external transmission cooler and inspect the steel cooler lines along the chassis for rust and weeping. Ask if the radiator has been replaced.
Where to look: Radiator bottom tank and the steel transmission cooler lines running to it, under the front of the vehicle
Ask the seller
“Has an external transmission cooler been fitted?”
“Have the transmission cooler lines or radiator ever been replaced?”
“When was the transmission fluid last serviced?”
02Rapid front brake and rotor wear with shudder (SX/SY)
MinorVery commonBrakes $350–$900 to fix
The SX/SY Territory is a two-tonne SUV on Falcon-derived brakes and is well known for chewing through front pads and warping rotors, giving a steering-wheel shudder under braking. Owners report rotor machining or replacement as often as every second pad change. It is a consumables cost rather than a defect, but on a test-drive shudder means an immediate rotor bill and is common at point of sale.
Symptoms to notice
Steering wheel or pedal shudder when braking from 80-100 km/h
Squealing or grinding from the front brakes
Deep lip on the edge of the front rotors
What to check
On the test drive, brake moderately hard from open-road speed and feel the wheel and pedal for pulsing. Look through the front wheel spokes at the rotor face for scoring and a pronounced wear lip. Ask when pads and rotors were last done.
Where to look: Front brake rotors and pads, behind the front wheels
Ask the seller
“When were the front rotors last machined or replaced?”
“Does it shudder under braking at highway speed?”
EngineCritical
SuspensionCritical
SuspensionCritical
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
CoolingMajor
CoolingMajor
SuspensionMinor
13 more documented faults on the Ford Territory
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 15 documented faults for the Ford Territory, the recurring problem areas are transmission, engine, and suspension. A Ford Territory with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Ford Territory?
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We've catalogued 15 known faults for the Ford Territory, covering transmission, engine, and suspension. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Ford Territory?
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Most single repairs on the Ford Territory fall between $600–$3,080 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 15 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Ford Territory?
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Yes. A Ford Territory inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.