Recalls: Ford SZ Territory
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Ford SZ Territory
2011 Ford SZ Territory: potential fuel leak
In August 2011, a recall was issued for certain Ford SZ Territory models manufactured from June 2011 to July 2011. For these vehicles, the fuel return pipe fitted to the vehicle could separate and allow fuel to leak under the vehicle, creating a potential fire hazard (PRA 2011/12782).
2011-12 Ford SZ Territory Police Pack: pedal interference
In September 2012, a recall was issued for Ford SZ Territory models fitted with a Police Equipment Pack and manufactured from 11 April 2011 to 24 May 2012. In these vehicles, incorrect fitment of the driver’s side footwell trim panel could cause interference with accelerator pedal travel – this could result in the engine not returning to idle, posing a potential crash hazard (PRA 2012/13302).
2012 Ford SZ Territory: curtain airbag may not deploy correctly
In May 2012, a recall was issued for Ford SZ Territory vehicles available for sale from 29 March 2012 to 26 April 2012. In these vehicles, a sensor that formed part of the vehicle’s supplemental restraint system may not have been secured – in the event of a side collision, this could result in the side curtain airbag not operating correctly (PRA 2012/13132).
2013-14 Ford SZ Territory: engine may stall and not restart
In February 2015, a recall was issued for SZ Territory vehicles that were manufactured from 12 November 2013 to 13 October 2014. In these vehicles, the ignition switch electrical connector could disengage. If this occurred while the vehicle was being driven, the engine would stall, electrical functions would be lost and the vehicle could not be restarted – this posed a potential accident hazard to the driver and other road users (PRA 2015/14560).
2011-13 Ford SZ Territory: output shaft speed sensor failure
In December 2016, a recall was issued for Ford SZ Territory vehicles that were manufactured from 19 September 2011 to 5 February 2013. In these vehicles, an intermittent Output Shaft Speed Sensor could fail and cause the transmission to downshift into first gear. If this occurred while the vehicle was being driven, it could cause an abrupt wheel speed reduction – this could cause the rear tyres to lock up until vehicle speed slowed, and could result in a loss of vehicle control (PRA 2016/15793).
Problems and faults: Ford SZ Territory
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Ford SZ Territory: ZF transmission “milkshake”
The six-speed ZF automatic transmissions used an external heat exchanger to cool the transmission. However, the lines within the heat exchanger could deteriorate over time, allowing coolant and transmission oil to mix. If this occurred, the fluid in the coolant reservoir would appear milky (hence the term ‘milkshake’) and, within the transmission, the friction linings would be pulled from their steel backings and the mechatronic control unit would be damaged. To fix, the transmission would have to be rebuilt and the mechatronic control unit replaced.
To prevent contamination of the transmission fluid with coolant, a common modification was to fit an external air/oil cooler kit to bypass the heat exchanger. In fitting these, however, it was important that the transmission fluid be filled to the correct level as the ZF transmission was sensitive to fluid levels and would enter ‘limp home’ mode if not within tolerances. Another modification was to replace the OEM heat exchanger and hoses/lines to the transmission with a more robust after-market product. Please note, however, that Ford Australia considered any modifications to the heat exchanger to void the warranty.
2013-14 Ford SZ Territory Diesel: 6R80 transmission emits growl noise when shifting
AustralianCar.Reviews understands that Ford issued a technical service bulletin for SZ Territory and PX Ranger vehicles that had six-speed 6R80 automatic transmissions in July 2014. According to the service bulletin, the transmission may emit a ‘growl’ or ‘buzz’ noise when shifting from 1) park to drive or 2) park to reverse – the noise was most commonly heard after the vehicle had been parked and then restarted.
Depending on the build date of the transmission, which could be determined from the transmission identification tag on the side of the transmission, the main control valve body separate plate or main control assembly was to be replaced. Specifically,
- For transmissions built from 1 August 2013 to 28 February 2014 : the main control valve body separator plate was to be replaced (part number CL3Z-7Z490-C);
- For transmissions built from 1 March 2014 to 15 March 2014: the main control assembly was to be replaced (part number FL3Z-7A100-E); and,
- For transmissions built from 16 March 2014 to 14 July 2014: the main control valve body separator plate was to be replaced (part number FL3Z-7Z490-E).
Engines
- Belt squeal and rattling noises from the engine bay may be due to a faulty accessory belt tensioner which requires replacement. If the tensioner fails, the accessory belt may snap, causing the power steering, alternator and water pump to stop working.
Brakes
- Shuddering from the front wheels – which can be felt through the brake pedal – is indicative of warped brake discs.
Suspension
- Knocking noises from the rear suspension when driving over bumps may indicate that the upper shock bushes require replacement.
Problems and faults: Ford SZ Territory
- The SZ Territory had a different air conditioning system with a smaller compressor that was less effective than its SX/SY predecessors. For models with climate control, the external temperature reading could be incorrect – and interfere with the operation of the climate control – due to a faulty ambient sensor on the left wing mirror.
- The heater may stop working due to the mixer shaft or flaps breaking.
- When the battery is replaced, the air conditioning must be reset by letting the motor idle with the air conditioning on for at least one minute.
