The Ford Territory is the Blue Oval’s entry into the competitive compact crossover market segment. In the Philippines, the said model is fast becoming a common sight, and many are turning to it as a fairly affordable but feature-rich daily driver and family chariot.
The Philippine-spec Ford Territory 2021
So, are there any mechanical issues to watch out for with this model?
Ford Territory: Common issues
#1: Engine
If you were looking to get, or have bought a Territory, then you might remember that Ford Philippines issued a safety recall for it back in the first quarter of 2021.
For those who forgot, the said recall had something to do with a non-starting engine problem. This was caused by a malfunctioning wiring harness attached to the Territory’s electrical battery sensor (EBS) bracket.
A close look at the Territory's EBS bracket [Photo papi smith/tsikot]
Suffice to say, it was an effective safety recall campaign as one would seldom hear of Territory no-start issues nowadays. We can also assume that new models being delivered since this problem was detected by Ford no longer have the wiring harness problem.
#2: Air cabin filter
As many experienced car owners know, certain parts must be replaced at certain periods or odometer milestones.
For instance, the air cabin filter is typically replaced once a year, or in the case for some, immediately once a user detects odd smells inside the cabin, poor air-conditioner performance, or if one regularly drives his or her Territory through dusty Terrain.
To be sure, get your Territory's cabin air filter from a Ford dealership
The air-cabin filter is usually located behind the glove box, and can be easily removed. Just to be sure, consult your car’s manual.
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#3: Turbo
Another future possible issue, especially if one ignores regular maintenance, is the Territory’s turbocharger. Just like other models with turbos, these will need good lubrication in order to remain in tip-top shape. That’s because turbos spool fast in order to force air into the cylinders of an engine. If it isn’t getting enough lubrication, the turbo might not be able to supply the amount of air required by the Territory’s 1.5-liter inline-4 engine to run properly.
The Territory's 1.5-liter inline-4 EcoBoost gasoline engine
To prevent the issue mentioned above, one should keep up with the Ford Territory’s change-oil intervals.
Ford Territory: Just keep on top of maintenance schedules
As a new model, we can go on to say that most Territory units running around on local roads are less likely to see other issues other than what was mentioned above.
Then again, if you are using your Territory extensively as a daily, you should keep up with its regular maintenance schedule. Specifically, Ford says that one should have it see maintenance once a year.
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