Ford Territory 2012 Problems

The security system in your Territory is automatically armed when you lock the doors, Martin. As well as the door locks, the system should also immobilise the vehicle electronically, preventing it from being started without the computer-coded key, even if a window is smashed to gain access.

As for an actual alarm where the lights flash and sirens sound if there’s an attempt to steal it, I’m afraid that wasn’t included on the Territory. Perhaps your car has an aftermarket alarm system that offers those functions, but if it does, you’ll need to contact the alarm’s manufacturer/importer for the instructions on how to make it work.

Theoretically, yes the transfer case could cause a clunk from the drivetrain, but without hearing the noise in person it is next to impossible to diagnose. You can find all recalls issued by Ford here. 

Yes, it does

All of the things you mention are common problems with the Territory, and the failure of the transmission at 120,000 km is a major one. Having to spend such a large amount of money to repair a car that has only done relatively few kilometres is unacceptable, so I would urge you to persist in trying to get Ford come to the party to cover at least part of the cost of repairs.

Having replaced the transmission it’s perhaps best to keep the car, particularly as it’s been a good one to date, but if you were concerned about the possibility of future costly repairs it would be best to get out of it.

It would be a good idea to fit a transmission cooler, particularly if the caravan is a weighty one and the Territory will be working hard.

Being without a car for seven weeks is completely unacceptable, and their apparent reluctance to return calls makes it even worse. Talk to the ACCC and try to have them intervene on your behalf.

Without being able to see the extent of the wear and tear I can’t say, and there are so many things that can affect the wear on trim. In my view you won’t get anywhere with Ford on this issue.

They aren't recalling it here in Australia because it doesn't affect the locally produced Territory.

We'd like to think that our cars would last longer and not give us trouble, but the reality is quite different to that. The ZF 6-speed gearbox is a troublesome one that can fail, as yours appears to have done. But as Ford has pointed out to you your Territory is out of warranty, although that doesn't end Ford's responsibility to back the product. You could pursue a full payment for replacing the transmission from Ford, but I doubt you would have any success. Should you choose to do that contact your state Consumer Affairs people in Perth for advice and support. But in my view your best course of action would be to accept Ford's offer of part payment.