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Ford2004–2016 Critical issues documented

Ford Territory: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used Ford Territory (2004–2016) in New Zealand? We've documented 21 known faults for this model spanning transmission, engine, suspension, and fluid leaks. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Every one is listed below with its symptoms and repair cost, and each has its own page with where to look and what to ask the seller. Free, no account needed.

Check this exact Ford Territory

  • Odometer history
  • Money owing
  • Reported stolen
  • Ownership history
  • Official NZ vehicle register data
  • NZ owned and operated

Type the plate for the free basics. The full record is a paid check from $13.49, one car at a time, no subscription.

No NZ plate yet, or buying in Australia? Pick the generation and engine and start a free check below. New to KickTyres? How the check works →

21

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$450–$1,800

Typical repair

24

Service milestones

Which Ford Territory are you looking at?

4 generation variants documented. Pick the shape you recognise: the faults, the servicing and the timeline below all narrow to it. Free, no account needed.

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Start your free check on this Ford Territory

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

Ford TerritoryEngine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the Territory came with 3, and without it the report has to show all of their faults. Pick the engine

Free. The paid plate check is separate, and stays optional.

Can't confirm for this car

Ford Territory

Nothing has been narrowed yet, so nothing below is a claim about a particular car. Pick a year and an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

matched on no vehicle context

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Ford Territory before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Serious issue

    Run your hand over the front tyres feeling for feathered edges.

    See why

    Front lower ball joint failure — the notorious one (SX/SY I)

    On SX and SY I Territorys (built Feb 2004 to April 2009) the front lower ball joint is built into the control arm hanging under the knuckle, so the car's weight constantly tries to pull the joint out of its socket. Joints wear early and in extreme cases have failed completely, letting the wheel fold under the car. Ford ran service action R1101 replacing joints on cars up to 150,000 km, but it was never a formal recall and that program is long expired — assume any car you look at is on aftermarket parts or borrowed time. The SY II redesign (ball joint moved to the knuckle) fixed it from mid-2009.

    What you would notice

    • Loud thump or clunk from the front over potholes and speed bumps
    • Feathered or scalloped wear on the outer/inner edges of the front tyres
    • Vague, wandering steering

    Typically $400–$1,200 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Check the coolant bottle for milkiness and the transmission dipstick for clean red fluid.

    See why

    Transmission cooler failure and rusty cooler lines — coolant contamination (SX/SY)

    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.

    What you would 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

    Typically $350–$5,500 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    This one is checked with paperwork, not with your hands.

    See why

    2.7 TDCi V6 diesel runs a rubber timing belt, and a second fuel pump belt, that must be replaced (SZ)

    The SZ's 2.7-litre V6 turbo diesel is the Ford/PSA Lion engine also used in the Land Rover Discovery 3 and Range Rover Sport. Unlike the 4.0 petrol Barra, which uses a chain that lasts the life of the engine, the diesel drives its camshafts with a rubber belt and has a second belt for the high-pressure fuel pump. Both are scheduled replacement items, and published intervals disagree - CarsGuide quotes every 80,000 km, ReDriven quotes 165,000 km - so the only thing that settles it is the invoice. The belts sit at the back of the engine against the gearbox, which makes it a big, expensive job and is exactly why owners put it off. If the cam belt breaks the valves meet the pistons and the engine is finished; a broken fuel pump belt strands the vehicle and can put debris through the injection system. Many private sellers do not know the belt exists, so 'it has been serviced regularly' is not the same answer.

    What you would notice

    • No timing belt or cam belt invoice anywhere in the service history
    • Rattle, squeal or chirp from the back of the engine bay on start-up
    • Hard starting or rough running from a failing high-pressure fuel pump drive
    • Well over 100,000 km covered with only oil changes recorded

    Typically $2,200–$4,500 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Have an assistant watch the ball joint for movement while you rock the wheel.

    See why

    SX/SY Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Failure

    Front lower control arm ball joints on the Territory wear prematurely especially on high-mileage or infrequently-maintained examples. Worn ball joints produce vague steering, accelerated tyre wear and in advanced cases risk of ball joint separation with loss of steering control. Documented across AU Territory owner forums and reported frequently by NZ WOF and AU RWC inspectors as a common advisory item.

    What you would notice

    • Clunking from front suspension over bumps or during steering input
    • Vague or wandering steering feel
    • Uneven or rapid front tyre wear
    • Front-end shimmy or vibration at highway speed

    Typically $400–$1,000 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Ask for paperwork showing recall PRA 2009/10702 was done, or phone a Ford dealer with the VIN.

    See why

    Front brake hose fluid leak recall (SY Territory 4.0 non-turbo, 2005-2008)

    SY Territories with the 4.0 non-turbo petrol six built before the end of 2008 were recalled because the front brake hoses can leak fluid and cut braking power; some owners lost the brakes and had to use the handbrake. The Turbo was not included. Ford replaced the hoses free under recall PRA 2009/10702. The earlier SX Territory (2004 to 2005) is not part of this recall.

    What you would notice

    • Soft or sinking brake pedal
    • Brake fluid level dropping
    • Wet patch on the inside of a front wheel

    Typically $0–$400 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Check the build date on the compliance plate in the driver's door opening - only Territories built in June and July 2011 fall inside this recall.

    See why

    Fuel return pipe can separate and leak under the vehicle - SZ recall (built June to July 2011)

    In August 2011 Ford recalled 3,399 SZ Territory vehicles built between June and July 2011 because a fuel return pipe could separate and let fuel leak underneath the vehicle, which Ford listed as a fire hazard. It is a short build window right at the start of SZ production, so most SZ Territories are not affected - but the very earliest ones are, and they are also the cheapest ones on the market, so this is worth two minutes of checking. The repair is free at a Ford dealer. As with the other Territory recalls, an ex-Australian vehicle brought into New Zealand privately may never have been presented for the work.

    What you would notice

    • Smell of fuel under or behind the vehicle after parking
    • Damp patch or drips on the driveway towards the middle or rear
    • Fuel gauge falling faster than the driving explains

    Typically $0–$450 to put right.

Ford Territory service schedule

What falls due, and at what distance, for each generation of the Ford Territory. These are the model’s intervals — the car’s own service book is the only thing that can tell you what has actually been done to it.

Territory - Third Generation (Rebadged Equinox) · 2023–2026 · 1.8L EcoBoost - Modern crossover trim

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 60,000 km

    Full transmission fluid refresh to keep the gearbox shifting smoothly.

  2. 100,000 km

    Have the cooling system hoses inspected for perishing as preventative maintenance.

  3. 120,000 km

    Review the turbocharger hoses and vacuum lines to keep engine efficiency optimal.

SZII Territory - Second Generation Facelift · 2014–2016 · 4.0L Barra 195 - RWD/AWD standard trim

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 150,000 km

    Full transmission service including a filter change and oil flush.

  2. 200,000 km

    Inspect the alternator and water pump for age-related wear.

  3. 250,000 km

    Assess the steering rack boots and major suspension components.

SZII Territory - Second Generation Facelift · 2014–2016 · 2.7L Duratorq TDCi - Diesel efficiency version

Diesel

Due by distance

  1. 150,000 km

    Full inspection of the turbocharger hoses and vacuum lines, which can become brittle with age and heat.

  2. 200,000 km

    Evaluate the fuel injectors and confirm the cooling system components, like the water pump, are functioning optimally.

  3. 250,000 km

    Focus on suspension geometry and drivetrain mount wear to keep the vehicle composed on uneven New Zealand roads.

SZ Territory - Second Generation · 2011–2016 · 2.7L Duratorq TDCi - Diesel efficiency version

Diesel

Due by distance

  1. 150,000 km

    Check the suspension bushings and verify the automatic transmission fluid service history.

  2. 200,000 km

    The radiator hoses or thermostat might benefit from a proactive inspection here to ensure ongoing reliability.

  3. 250,000 km

    Assess the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and EGR system to confirm they're operating within efficient parameters.

SZ Territory - Second Generation · 2011–2016 · 4.0L Barra 195 - RWD/AWD standard trim

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 150,000 km

    Check the cooling system hoses and thermostat for longevity.

  2. 200,000 km

    Check the transmission oil cooler and radiator thermal bypass valve performance.

  3. 250,000 km

    Have a specialist inspect the timing chain tensioner and general engine bay harness health.

SYII Territory - First Generation Second Facelift · 2009–2011 · 4.0L Barra 190 - RWD/AWD standard trim

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 150,000 km

    Inspect the suspension struts and shock absorbers for seepage or reduced damping efficiency.

  2. 200,000 km

    Check the driveshaft flex disc (guibo) for smooth power delivery.

  3. 250,000 km

    Have a professional check the starter motor and alternator health to avoid unexpected non-starts.

SY Territory - First Generation Facelift · 2005–2009 · 4.0L Barra 190 - RWD/AWD standard trim

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 150,000 km

    Full transmission fluid and filter service if records are missing - vital for the longevity of these gearboxes.

  2. 200,000 km

    Suspension bushes and cooling system hoses naturally degrade by this stage - check both.

  3. 250,000 km

    Watch the fuel pump and alternator, which have likely served their primary lifespan by this stage.

SX Territory - First Generation · 2004–2005 · 4.0L Barra 182 - RWD/AWD standard trim

Petrol

Due by distance

  1. 150,000 km

    Full cooling system refresh including the thermostat and hoses.

  2. 200,000 km

    Check the suspension bushings and ball joints.

  3. 250,000 km

    Evaluate the health of the alternator and starter motor.

See all 21 documented issuesEverything researched for the Ford Territory, including 7 rated critical.
Depends on which engine this Ford Territory has — 21Each of these is documented for one particular engine. Pick the year and engine above to see which of them apply.
Engine, transmission & cooling13

01Transmission cooler failure and rusty cooler lines — coolant contamination (SX/SY)

Check the coolant bottle for milkiness and the transmission dipstick for clean red fluid.petrol2004–2011TransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

022.7 TDCi V6 diesel runs a rubber timing belt, and a second fuel pump belt, that must be replaced (SZ)

This one is checked with paperwork, not with your hands.diesel2011–2016EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

03ZF gearbox speed sensor can force an unwanted downshift into first gear - SZ safety recall REC-000300

2011–2013Transmission
OccasionalTransmission $0–$750 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

In December 2016 Ford Australia recalled 10,520 SZ Territory and PX Ranger vehicles because an intermittent fault in the transmission output shaft speed sensor could make the gearbox drop into first gear on its own. At road speed that pulls the rear wheels down hard enough to lock or slide them, and the recall notice describes the hazard as a possible loss of vehicle control. Affected Territories were built between 19 September 2011 and 5 February 2013, and owners were told to drive at moderate speed until the repair had been done. The repair is free at a Ford dealer and there is no cut-off, but a vehicle that has been sold on privately several times, or brought into New Zealand from Australia, may never have been presented for it.

Symptoms to notice

  • Sudden harsh downshift with the vehicle lurching at speed
  • Rear wheels chirping or briefly locking on a dry road
  • Transmission warning light or a flashing gear indicator on the dash
  • Dropping into limp mode and refusing to change up

What to check

  1. Check the build date on the compliance plate in the driver's door opening: Territories built between 19 September 2011 and 5 February 2013 fall inside the recall window.
  2. Ask the seller directly whether recall work has been done and ask for the Ford dealer paperwork; a dealer will check the VIN against outstanding recalls at no charge, and that call is worth making before you pay for anything.
  3. If the vehicle came out of Australia, treat outstanding recalls as likely rather than unlikely.
  4. On the test drive take it to open-road speed, let it settle in top gear and then watch for any unexpected drop in gear, a lurch, or the gear indicator flashing.
  5. Ask whether the vehicle has ever gone into limp mode or changed down on its own.

Where to look: Output shaft speed sensor on the ZF six-speed automatic transmission, under the middle of the vehicle behind the engine.

Ask the seller

  • “Has recall REC-000300, the transmission speed sensor recall, been carried out?”
  • “Was this vehicle imported from Australia?”
  • “Has it ever changed down by itself or gone into limp mode?”
  • “Do you have any Ford dealer service paperwork for it?”

04ZF 6HP26 Mechatronic Unit and Torque Converter Failure

Check fluid level and condition (colour, smell).dieselTransmission
CommonTransmission $3,850–$7,700 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

SZ Territory (2011 onwards) and late SY II models use the ZF 6HP26 6-speed automatic. The mechatronic unit (integrated valve body and solenoid module) fails internally, causing harsh gear changes, refusal to engage a gear, shudder under light throttle, and fault codes stored in the TCM. Torque converter lockup clutch failure causes a shudder at 60-100 km/h cruise that is distinct from engine misfire. A full ZF rebuild is the correct repair; many independent specialists replace the mechatronic unit and flush the converter as a first step. ZF-spec Lifeguard 6 fluid must be used; incorrect fluid destroys the mechatronic solenoids.

A cutaway automatic transmission torque converter showing the internal turbine and stator.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A torque converter, sectioned. The lock-up clutch inside is what shudders.

No machine-readable author provided. BerndB~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims). · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Harsh or delayed gear changes
  • Transmission fluid leak

What to check

  1. Check fluid level and condition (colour, smell).
  2. Test shift quality through all gears.
  3. Look for slipping, delay or harsh engagement.

Parts involved: Torque converter, Mechatronic / valve body.

05AWD Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Failure

Check fluid level and condition (colour, smell).dieselTransmission
CommonTransmission $3,150–$6,300 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Territory AWD uses a BorgWarner-derived Power Transfer Unit to apportion drive to the rear wheels. The PTU has a separate oil reservoir that is factory-sealed with no drain plug or service interval specified on many variants. The PTU oil degrades and the seals fail, allowing oil to migrate into the rear driveshaft seal. Running the PTU dry causes gear and bearing destruction. Failure produces a howl or clunk from the front-centre of the drivetrain. PTU replacement is required once internal damage has occurred. Proactive PTU oil service (every 40,000 km) is the preventive measure.

Symptoms to notice

  • Clunk or jolt when changing gears
  • Fault codes or irregular readings when scanned

What to check

  1. Check fluid level and condition (colour, smell).
  2. Test shift quality through all gears.
  3. Look for slipping, delay or harsh engagement.

Parts involved: Transfer case.

06ZF six-speed auto torque converter shudder (SZ)

Drive at a steady 60-100 km/h with light throttle and feel for a fine shudder through the floor.2011–2016TransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

07Barra 4.0T Head Gasket Failure (Territory Turbo AWD)

Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.petrolEngine
CommonEngine $2,660–$5,320 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The turbocharged Barra I6 in Territory AWD variants suffers the same head gasket failure mode as the XR6 Turbo. The factory composite gasket fails under sustained boost, leading to coolant loss into combustion chambers or the oil system. The Territory's heavier kerb weight and AWD drivetrain load increase thermal stress on the engine relative to the Falcon. SY series models are overrepresented in reported failures. MLS head gasket replacement with ARP studs and head resurfacing is the confirmed permanent repair.

A removed multi-layer steel head gasket held up, showing staining around the cylinder bore.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A used multi-layer head gasket. Discolouration between a cylinder and a water gallery is the tell.

John Furman · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Coolant loss or steam from engine bay
  • Fault codes or irregular readings when scanned

What to check

  1. Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.
  2. Inspect coolant condition and level.

Parts involved: Head gasket, Turbocharger.

08Turbo failure, EGR faults and split inlet manifold (SZ 2.7 V6 diesel)

From cold, start it and watch the exhaust for smoke.diesel2011–2016EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

09Rear Differential Pinion Bearing Failure

Check fluid level and condition (colour, smell).petrolTransmission
CommonTransmission $1,540–$3,080 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The rear differential on Territory AWD variants exhibits pinion bearing wear at elevated mileage. The bearing failure produces a distinctive cyclic howl or rumble that varies with vehicle speed and load. If the bearing is allowed to continue in use after noise onset, the pinion gear can be damaged requiring a full differential rebuild or replacement. Failure is accelerated by infrequent differential fluid changes. Pinion bearing replacement alone is viable if caught early; otherwise a full differential strip is required.

Symptoms to notice

  • Transmission fluid leak
  • Fault codes or irregular readings when scanned

What to check

  1. Check fluid level and condition (colour, smell).
  2. Test shift quality through all gears.
  3. Look for slipping, delay or harsh engagement.

Parts involved: Differential.

10SY AWD Rear Differential Clutch Pack Wear (TS/TX Models)

Drive slowly through tight circles in a car park and feel for shudder or binding.petrol2004–2011Transmission
CommonTransmission $800–$2,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Territory TS and TX AWD variants use a Haldex-style rear coupling with clutch packs that wear with age and neglected fluid servicing. Worn clutch packs cause AWD shudder on tight turns, reduced traction bias to the rear, and in severe cases AWD system disengagement. Documented across AU Territory owner forums. Regular fluid changes at recommended intervals significantly extend clutch pack life.

Symptoms to notice

  • Shudder or judder on tight low-speed cornering
  • AWD or traction warning light
  • Vibration through the driveline when turning
  • Binding feeling on parking-lot turns

What to check

  1. Drive slowly through tight circles in a car park and feel for shudder or binding.
  2. Inspect rear differential fluid condition and colour.
  3. Check service history for rear diff fluid change intervals.

Where to look: Rear differential and AWD coupling unit

Parts involved: Differential, Clutch.

Ask the seller

  • “When was the rear differential fluid last changed?”
  • “Any shudder or binding noticed on tight turns?”
  • “Has the AWD system ever been serviced?”

112.7 TDCi soots up its EGR valve and inlet Y-pipe and drops into limp mode (SZ)

The 2.7 diesel feeds hot exhaust gas back into the inlet.diesel2011–2016EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

12SX/SY Barra 4.0L Plastic Inlet Manifold Crack – Coolant Loss

Inspect the intake manifold body and seams for cracking or coolant staining.petrol2004–2011Cooling
CommonCooling $600–$1,800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Barra 4.0L inline-six plastic intake manifold develops cracks at the coolant passage integration points or at the manifold-to-head gasket face, leading to external coolant loss and overheating risk. Documented extensively in AU Territory and Falcon Barra forums as a well-known age-related failure. Vehicles that have previously overheated may have additional head gasket damage.

Symptoms to notice

  • Coolant loss without visible external radiator or hose leak
  • Coolant smell from engine bay
  • White residue or steam near the intake manifold
  • Overheating in severe or neglected cases

What to check

  1. Inspect the intake manifold body and seams for cracking or coolant staining.
  2. Check service records for any overheating history.
  3. Confirm there is no head gasket contamination.
  4. If a workshop inspection is possible: Pressure-test the cooling system.

Where to look: Intake manifold, upper engine, Barra 4.0L inline-six

Parts involved: Intake manifold.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the inlet manifold been replaced?”
  • “Any history of overheating or coolant loss?”
  • “Has the head gasket ever been inspected?”

13Barra Turbo Radiator and Intercooler Failure

Inspect coolant colour and level.petrolCooling
CommonCooling $770–$1,540 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Territory's engine bay packaging results in restricted airflow to both the radiator and the front-mount intercooler (on turbo AWD variants). The OEM plastic-tank radiator is prone to end-tank cracking identical to the Falcon. The factory intercooler end tanks are known to crack under sustained boost due to the combination of thermal cycling and boost pressure. Coolant loss from radiator failure is a precursor to head gasket failure on the Territory due to the reduced cooling margin. Full aluminium replacement radiators are available and are the preferred fix.

Symptoms to notice

  • Coolant loss or steam from engine bay
  • Fault codes or irregular readings when scanned

What to check

  1. Inspect coolant colour and level.
  2. Check for white exhaust smoke or sweet smell indicating coolant in combustion.
  3. If a workshop inspection is possible: Pressure test the system.

Parts involved: Radiator, Turbocharger.

Electrical2

01Ignition switch connector recall, stalling (SZ Territory built Nov 2013 to Oct 2014)

Ask for paperwork showing recall PRA 2015/14560 was done, or phone a Ford dealer with the VIN.2013–2014Electrical
CommonElectrical $0–$300 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Every SZ Territory built from 12 November 2013 to 13 October 2014, petrol or diesel, was recalled because the ignition switch plug can come loose. If it does while driving, the engine stalls, the electrics go dead and it cannot be restarted. Ford fixes it free under recall PRA 2015/14560.

Symptoms to notice

  • Engine cuts out while driving
  • Dash and electrics go dead
  • Will not restart

What to check

Ask for paperwork showing recall PRA 2015/14560 was done, or phone a Ford dealer with the VIN. On the test drive, the engine should never cut out, and the dash should not flicker or go dead when you go over bumps or touch the key. If a workshop inspection is possible: a Ford dealer can check the ignition switch connector is the updated, locked type.

Where to look: Behind the ignition barrel on the steering column

Ask the seller

  • “Has the ignition switch recall been done?”
  • “Has it ever cut out while driving?”

02Interior Command Centre (ICC) head unit dies and is VIN-locked to the vehicle (SX/SY)

2004–2011Electrical
CommonElectrical $250–$850 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Territory shares the Falcon's Interior Command Centre - the combined stereo, trip computer and display unit in the middle of the dash - and Australian electronics repairers list it as a standard known failure on both. The unit goes completely dead with no display, no sound and no button response, or powers up showing CODE, very often straight after a flat battery or a jump start. The catch is that it is coded to the vehicle's VIN, so a replacement out of a wrecker will not simply plug in and work; it has to be programmed to that specific vehicle, which removes the cheap fix a buyer expects. The CD mechanism also jams and refuses to eject. On its own it is an annoyance, but on a vehicle for sale a dead ICC is often a clue that the battery and charging system have been neglected.

Symptoms to notice

  • Blank screen with no sound and no response from any button
  • Display showing CODE or asking for a code
  • Screen or backlight working intermittently - dead one day, fine the next
  • CD stuck inside and refusing to eject
  • Clock, trip computer and radio all dead together

What to check

  1. Turn the key to accessory before you start the engine and watch the centre screen wake up: it should light evenly, show the clock and respond to the volume and menu buttons.
  2. Press every button on the panel, including CD eject and the display or menu button, and check the backlight is not half dead across the screen.
  3. Ask the seller to leave the vehicle sitting untouched for a few minutes and then look again, because the fault is often intermittent and a warmed-up unit can hide it.
  4. If the screen shows CODE, the unit has been out of the vehicle or the battery has been disconnected, and it needs programming to this VIN rather than a code you can look up.
  5. Ask whether this is the original head unit and whether the battery has been flat or the vehicle jump started recently.

Where to look: Centre of the dashboard - the combined screen, stereo and trip computer unit above the climate controls.

Ask the seller

  • “Is this the original head unit that came with the vehicle?”
  • “Has the screen ever gone blank or shown CODE?”
  • “Has the battery been flat, or the vehicle jump started, recently?”
  • “Does the CD player still eject?”
Body, brakes, suspension & interior5

01Front lower ball joint failure — the notorious one (SX/SY I)

Run your hand over the front tyres feeling for feathered edges.petrol2004–2009SuspensionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02SX/SY Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Failure

Have an assistant watch the ball joint for movement while you rock the wheel.petrol2004–2011SuspensionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

03Front brake hose fluid leak recall (SY Territory 4.0 non-turbo, 2005-2008)

Ask for paperwork showing recall PRA 2009/10702 was done, or phone a Ford dealer with the VIN.petrol2005–2008Brakes
CommonBrakes $0–$400 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

SY Territories with the 4.0 non-turbo petrol six built before the end of 2008 were recalled because the front brake hoses can leak fluid and cut braking power; some owners lost the brakes and had to use the handbrake. The Turbo was not included. Ford replaced the hoses free under recall PRA 2009/10702. The earlier SX Territory (2004 to 2005) is not part of this recall.

Symptoms to notice

  • Soft or sinking brake pedal
  • Brake fluid level dropping
  • Wet patch on the inside of a front wheel

What to check

  1. Ask for paperwork showing recall PRA 2009/10702 was done, or phone a Ford dealer with the VIN.
  2. Look through the front wheels with a torch for wet, oily hoses, check the brake fluid reservoir level, and make sure the pedal stays firm on the test drive.
  3. If a workshop inspection is possible: on a hoist the front flexible brake hoses can be checked for weeping and part number.

Where to look: Flexible brake hoses behind each front wheel

Parts involved: Turbocharger.

Ask the seller

  • “Have the front brake hoses been replaced under recall?”
  • “Has the brake pedal ever gone soft?”

04Rapid front brake and rotor wear with shudder (SX/SY)

On the test drive, brake moderately hard from open-road speed and feel the wheel and pedal for pulsing.2004–2011Brakes
Very commonBrakes $350–$900 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

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

  1. On the test drive, brake moderately hard from open-road speed and feel the wheel and pedal for pulsing.
  2. Look through the front wheel spokes at the rotor face for scoring and a pronounced wear lip.
  3. 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?”

05Rear differential mount bush wear — take-off clunk (SX/SY/SZ)

With your foot on the brake, shift park-reverse-drive and listen for a rear clunk; repeat with gentle take-off and lift-off on the drive.2004–2016Suspension
Very commonSuspension $350–$900 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Like the related Falcon, all Territory generations wear the three rear diff mounting bushes, causing a clunk on take-off, in reverse, or lifting off the throttle. Fix is cheap aftermarket bushes (Nolathane NEK3 or SuperPro), ideally a greaseable kit so it does not recur every 100,000 km. Harmless early, but ignored long enough it hammers out the mounts and gets expensive.

Symptoms to notice

  • Clunk from under the boot floor when taking off or selecting reverse
  • Knock on throttle lift-off
  • Shudder through the floor on hard take-off

What to check

With your foot on the brake, shift park-reverse-drive and listen for a rear clunk; repeat with gentle take-off and lift-off on the drive. Inspect the diff bushes under the rear for cracked, oval-worn rubber.

Where to look: Rear differential mounts under the rear cargo area

Parts involved: Differential.

Ask the seller

  • “Have the rear diff bushes been replaced, and with a greaseable kit?”
  • “Does it clunk in reverse or on take-off?”
Fluid leaks1

01Fuel return pipe can separate and leak under the vehicle - SZ recall (built June to July 2011)

Check the build date on the compliance plate in the driver's door opening - only Territories built in June and July 2011 fall inside this recall.2011Fluid Leaks
RareFluid Leaks $0–$450 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

In August 2011 Ford recalled 3,399 SZ Territory vehicles built between June and July 2011 because a fuel return pipe could separate and let fuel leak underneath the vehicle, which Ford listed as a fire hazard. It is a short build window right at the start of SZ production, so most SZ Territories are not affected - but the very earliest ones are, and they are also the cheapest ones on the market, so this is worth two minutes of checking. The repair is free at a Ford dealer. As with the other Territory recalls, an ex-Australian vehicle brought into New Zealand privately may never have been presented for the work.

Symptoms to notice

  • Smell of fuel under or behind the vehicle after parking
  • Damp patch or drips on the driveway towards the middle or rear
  • Fuel gauge falling faster than the driving explains

What to check

Check the build date on the compliance plate in the driver's door opening - only Territories built in June and July 2011 fall inside this recall. If the date is in that window, ask the seller for proof the recall work was done, and phone a Ford dealer with the VIN, which they will check against outstanding recalls at no charge. Walk around the vehicle after it has been parked a while and sniff near the middle and rear for fuel, then look at the ground beneath it for fresh wet patches. Ask whether the vehicle was imported from Australia, because those often missed the recall letter entirely.

Where to look: Fuel return pipe running along the underside of the vehicle between the engine and the fuel tank.

Ask the seller

  • “What is the build date on the compliance plate?”
  • “Has the fuel return pipe recall been carried out?”
  • “Was this vehicle imported from Australia?”
  • “Have you ever smelled fuel around the vehicle?”

Ford Territory faults in detail

Each of these has its own page: the symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller and what the repair costs. Free, no account needed.

2.7 TDCi soots up its EGR valve and inlet Y-pipe and drops into limp mode (SZ)Major · Engine2.7 TDCi V6 diesel runs a rubber timing belt, and a second fuel pump belt, that must be replaced (SZ)Critical · EngineFront lower ball joint failure — the notorious one (SX/SY I)Critical · SuspensionSX/SY Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint FailureCritical · SuspensionTransmission cooler failure and rusty cooler lines — coolant contamination (SX/SY)Critical · TransmissionTurbo failure, EGR faults and split inlet manifold (SZ 2.7 V6 diesel)Major · EngineZF six-speed auto torque converter shudder (SZ)Major · Transmission

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Ford Territory’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

Buying guides that cover the Ford Territory

Other Ford models

Ford Ranger45 documented faultsFord Focus37 documented faultsFord Falcon36 documented faultsFord XR619 documented faultsFord Kuga17 documented faultsFord Everest16 documented faults

Ford Territory buyer questions

Is the Ford Territory reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 21 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?

We've catalogued 21 known faults for the Ford Territory, covering transmission, engine, and suspension. All 21 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Ford Territory?

Most single repairs on the Ford Territory fall between $450–$1,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 21 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?

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 $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.