Ford Territory – Repeated Major Failures and Extremely Disappointing After-Sales Support

December 2025 I bought a Ford Territory from McCarthy Ford Silverlakes. Within 6 months the starter gave in leaving me stranded in the middle of traffic. I had to get my insurance to tow the car back to the dealer. The starter was eventually replaced and no feedback was given why the starter gave in. 6+ months later, the engine light came on. I took the car to the dealer, they returned with the light off. I took it right back the next day for the same issue. I'm was told that they want to replace the engine. The date for the engine to be replaced was said to be in January 2026. No confirmed date given. They were willing to provide a courtesy car but I will be liable for a possible amount of up to R40000 for excess should something happen to the courtesy car. Both Ford SA and Mccarthy ford were not willing to reduce this excess amount and showed no sympathy for an issue that is Ford's and for the inconvenience they have placed me in. At this point I regret doing business with Ford.

18 February 2026 The above post was done about 2 months ago. In the first 6 months the starter broke and needed to be replaced. 6 months later the engine broke and was replaced. 2 weeks ago I got the car back with a new engine. I'm now stuck in the dark at 7pm with an apparently new engine that stopped and will not start waiting for a tow truck. My worst buy ever. My worst experience ever.