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Top issues
8 known problems · 3 high
high
6-speed ZF 6R80 auto torque converter shudder
All engines
high
EGR cooler internal coolant leak
3.2L P5AT (5-cylinder Duratorq turbo diesel)
high
2.0 Bi-Turbo timing chain wear
2.0L Bi-Turbo (twin-turbo diesel)
Recalls
2 on recordREC-006659
2026-07-13
Defect: Transmission fluid pump gears could fail while driving.
Hazard: Loss of hydraulic fluid pressure in the transmission, resulting in a loss of motive power.
Remedy: Ford will contact affected owners to arrange free inspection and repair.
Affected: 2,572 units, built 19 December 2017 to 20 September 2019 (campaign 25SE2)
Official notice: www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 2026-09-29
REC-006497
2025-12-10
Defect: Moisture entering the ARB Solis lights wiring harness may cause corrosion.
Hazard: Corrosion could generate excessive heat, leading to a vehicle fire while parked or driving.
Remedy: Contact an authorised Ford dealer for free inspection and repair.
Affected: 2,696 units, 2019-2025 model years fitted with ARB Solis lights (campaign 25SC8) — spans both this generation and the next-gen P703; only the 2019-2022 portion applies here
Official notice: www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 2026-09-29
Check a specific car by VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
At this odometer
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Generations
Price (AUD)
$18k-$50k
Body styles
Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
Drivetrain
RWD, 4WD part-time
Origin
Australia
Built in
Thailand
Overview
Ford-Australia engineered T6 platform — designed in Melbourne, built in Thailand. Same generation across MkI (2011-2015), MkII (2015-2018), MkIII (2018-2022) but with progressive interior, safety and engine updates. The 3.2L P5AT 5-cylinder Duratorq is the signature engine with its distinctive offbeat sound — strong torque (470Nm), strong tow rating (3500kg from new), but the EGR cooler internal coolant leak is close to inevitable somewhere between 80-150k km. The 2.0 bi-turbo added from 2018 brought 10-speed auto and oil-dilution complaints. The 6-speed ZF 6R80 auto on the 3.2 has lockup-clutch shudder under heavy tow without an external trans cooler.
Engines & variants
3.2L P5AT (5-cylinder Duratorq turbo diesel)
Engine
5-cylinder
Engine code
Config
I5 turbo
Displacement
3.2L
Power
147kW
Torque
470Nm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~10.4s
Economy
~9.0 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
3500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
6MT, 6AT (ZF 6R80)
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven, inspect from 150,000km
Pros
- No DPF on earliest examples
- Strong torque (470Nm)
- Massive parts supply
- Distinctive 5-cyl sound
- 3500kg tow from new
- Well-regarded mechanically (apart from EGR)
Cons
- EGR cooler issues are inevitable
- Auto trans torque converter heat issues
- Heavy front end
- Several known failure points at 150k+
Known problems
high
EGR cooler internal coolant leak
EGR cooler develops internal cracks letting coolant into the intake. Coolant burns off causing white smoke, coolant loss with no visible leak, eventual engine damage. Close to inevitable on the 3.2.
Fix: Replacement EGR cooler (uprated aftermarket available). Many fit a bypass/delete kit. Check coolant level religiously.
high
6-speed auto torque converter shudder
ZF 6R80 auto has torque converter shudder under heavy load. Trans fluid breaks down quickly when towing. Lockup clutch wears causing shudder at 60-80km/h.
Fix: Mandatory: external trans cooler. Fresh trans fluid every 60k. Lockup retrofit or rebuild if shudder present.
medium
Turbo VGT vane sticking
Variable geometry vanes carbon up and stick - lack of boost, limp mode, surging.
Fix: VGT clean or replacement.
medium
Injector failure
Injectors fail individually or as a set. Hard cold start, white smoke, fuel in oil.
Fix: Replace injectors as set. Use quality fuel.
2.0L Bi-Turbo (twin-turbo diesel)
Engine
Bi-turbo diesel
Engine code
Config
I4 turbo
Displacement
2.0L
Power
157kW
Torque
500Nm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~10s
Economy
~7.4 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
3500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
10AT (10R80)
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven, known weak point — see problems
Pros
- Best fuel economy in the range
- 10-speed auto when working well
- Strong torque for the size
- Modern cabin (MkIII)
Cons
- Timing chain stretch/wear is well-documented
- Oil dilution on short-trip use
- 10-speed auto has its own gremlins
- Less aftermarket support than 3.2
Known problems
high
2.0 Bi-Turbo timing chain wear
Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure on the 2.0. Eventually catastrophic.
Fix: Full timing chain kit. Use Ford-spec oil, don't extend service intervals.
medium
2.0 oil dilution
Diesel dilutes oil during failed regens. Oil level rises, viscosity drops.
Fix: Highway runs, halve oil change interval if short-trip.
medium
10-speed auto harsh shifts
Calibration issues caused harsh shifts on early 10R80. Torque converter complaints under heavy tow (transmission overheating).
Fix: TSB software flash. External trans cooler for towing.