Ford Territory recalled

Just weeks away from the launch of the second-generation Ford Territory the company is facing an expensive repair bill to rectify a problem with the out-going car.

Over 80,000 Territory models built between February 1, 2004 and December 31, 2008 need modifications to the front brakes.

The only cars not affected by the recall are the turbo models that have been fitted with the performance brake package. According to Ford the recall covers 83,534 cars plus those sold in New Zealand and South Africa, but less than two per cent have been affected so far.

Ford claims "a combination of high time in service, along with frequent cornering at full steering lock" can result in the front brake hose failing and causing the brake fluid to leak.

Under Australian design rules the car is capable of stopping even with the front brakes completely disconnected and only one minor accident has been reported as a result of the problem.

"Obviously the vehicles are only becoming five years old now so the high service has only become and issue recently," says Ford Australia spokeswoman, Sinead McAlary.

Ford will replace the brake lines free of charge to customers but given the high number of cars affected the cost of the repairs is expected to run well into the millions.

McAlary says Ford is more concerned with making sure the cars are safe.

"Cost is irrelevant," she says. "[The cost will be] quite significant but to be honest that doesn't come into it. It's about safety and doing what's right by our customers."

Despite the similarities between the Territory and the Falcon McAlary confirmed there have been no reports of the problem affecting the sedan.

"No evidence of a similar issue on Falcon," she says.

The timing of the recall couldn't be worse for Ford with the new-look Territory due to go on sale before the middle of the year.

The second-gen update is the first major change for the car since its launch in 2004 and the company was hoping it would reverse the sales drop that had hit the car recently.

But McAlary believes the decision to recall will demonstrate to customers the brand's commitment to safety and isn't concerned it will affected the car's perception.

"We don't think so," she says. "Because A, the car will still stop even with the front brakes completely disabled... [and] we think that we're doing the right thing. Even though the incident rate is so low so customers will appreciate that.

Ford is urging customers to contact their nearest Ford authorised dealer to have the problem fixed as soon as possible.