Ford recalls Territory for fuel leak

FORD’S new Territory SUV has hit a speed bump with a safety recall to fix a fuel return pipe connection that might separate and allow fuel to splash under the vehicle, potentially with fiery consequences.

Although no fires have been reported, Ford is asking all owners of latest-model SZ Territorys sold in June and July to make an appointment with their dealer to have an extra clip added to the pipe to hold it more securely.

A total of 3399 vehicles – basically all the SZ Territorys sold since launch at the start of June to the end of July – are caught up in the recall.

The recall affects petrol and diesel Territorys alike, with the pipe becoming loose under what Ford describes as certain conditions. Ford’s other locally-made product, the Falcon, is unaffected.

Ford will contact all customers to ask them to contact their dealer to have their vehicle inspected and rectified.

The recall is the second glitch to upset the launch of the Territory, with a software problem in the new Interior Command Centre delaying for a week the shipment of completed vehicles from Ford’s Broadmeadows plant in Victoria in May.

However, the vehicle has been well received by the critics and customers alike, with July sales soaring to 1445 vehicles – a rise of 63.6 per cent on the same month last year.

Customers seeking more information can contact the Ford Customer Relationship Centre by phoning 1800 502 672.