Common Problems with the Ford Mondeo
Ellie Dyer-Brown, 4 days ago
5 min read
- Ford
- Common problems
FixMyCar discusses common Ford Mondeo faults and average repair costs.
Now in its fourth iteration, the Mondeo has been on UK roads since 1993 and is the first Ford model known as “a world car”. Today it’s something of an icon: popular, affordable, spacious…the list goes on. With three decades of history behind it, you’d expect Ford to have ironed out any problems by now. In this guide, we’ll discuss whether or not that’s the case.
Common Ford Mondeo problems are often related to the following:
Keyless entry
What’s wrong with the Ford Mondeo?
Ford is one of the most popular car manufacturers in the world, let alone the UK. Still, the cars it makes aren’t always perfect - here are some problems that Mondeo drivers frequently search for.
Ford Mondeo Powershift problems
The Ford Powershift is a dual-clutch automatic transmission. Unfortunately, it tends to develop problems, significantly if the oil isn’t changed every 35,000 miles. These issues include:
Leaking fluid
Dragging clutch
Noisy when in neutral
Delayed gear response
No response when gear changes/no drive
Gear slippage
If you experience any of the above symptoms, the best course of action is to contact an auto gearbox specialist who can advise you on the cause of the problem and how it can be fixed.
Ford Mondeo heater problems
Mondeo drivers often report experiencing issues with their car’s heater. Common causes include:
Low coolant
Broken heater core
Bad thermostat
Faulty heater control valve
The first thing to do is check whether you have enough coolant in the system. This may sound counterintuitive since you want the air to be hot, but coolant is transported to the heater core, which then blows warm air into your vehicle, so if you don’t have enough, this process can’t occur.
Ford Mondeo automatic gearbox problems
Automatic gearbox issues with the Mondeo are commonplace, often due to the unreliable Powershift transmission system.
You may notice your clutch slipping, the car stalling more than usual, or dropping to a lower gear unexpectedly.
Ford Mondeo 1992-2000 problems
The MK1 Mondeo was a great all-rounder marking an important moment in Ford’s history. It was built new from the ground up, so naturally, it was expensive to develop, but Ford's money paid off. The vehicle underwent a facelift in 1996 when it became the Mk2 Mondeo.
1. Headlight failure
Turning on the headlight switch in some early Mondeos may generate excessive torque, inducing an internal open circuit that causes the lights to go out.
What repair is needed for headlight failure, and how much does it cost for a Ford Mondeo?
This problem caused Ford to issue a recall in 1994; affected models could be fixed for free at a dealership. The headlight switch simply needed replacing.
2. Starter motor failure
Early Mk1 Mondeos are prone to starter motor failure. When this happens, you may not be able to start your car. Other possible symptoms include a bad smell when you crank the engine, a whirring noise, grinding or clattering, and smoke from the starter.
What repair is needed for a failed starter motor, and how much does it cost for a Ford Mondeo?
The starter motor needs to be replaced. On average, replacing the starter motor costs £340.95, according to our data.
3. Worn suspension
The suspension on Mondeos from this period wears out quickly, especially the track control arm bushes, which can result in the car pulling to the left. Drivers have also raised questions about the longevity of the front wishbone bushes.
What repair is needed for worn suspension, and how much does it cost for a Ford Mondeo?
The worn suspension component needs to be replaced. The price will vary depending on the component, but Mondeo suspension repairs cost £77.04 on average based on our data.
4. Slipping clutch
Before you purchase an Mk1 Mondeo, take it for a test drive to check whether the clutch slips, as this is extremely common in older cars.
What repair is needed for a slipping clutch, and how much does it cost for a Ford Mondeo?
Unfortunately, once your clutch starts slipping, it will worsen the longer you ignore it. A clutch replacement is the only way to fix the problem. On average, you can expect to pay £751.15 to replace a Mondeo clutch.
Ford Mondeo 1992-2000 recalls
| Recall Date | Reason |
|---|---|
| 29-Sep-94 | Failure of headlamps |
| 23-Jan-96 | Failure of braking system vacuum assistance |
| 15-Mar-96 | Possible failure of offside front brake caliper |
| 09-Jun-98 | Unexpected deployment of passenger airbag |
| 07-Oct-99 | Door latch concern |
| 30-May-00 | Brake fluid may leak from pressure limiting valve |
Ford Mondeo 2000-2007 problems
The Mk3 Mondeo is one of Ford’s more reliable models, second only to the iconic Focus. Most of the model’s known problems are relatively easy and affordable to fix.
1. Electrical issues
It’s common for fuses to blow in the Mk3 Mondeo, often resulting in the cigarette lighter, the headlamp washer system or the interior lights not working.
What repair is needed for electrical issues, and how much does it cost for a Ford Mondeo?
The fuse in question needs to be replaced. You could do this yourself, but if you don’t feel confident, get a mechanic to do it. On average, Mondeo electrical repairs cost £58.45 based on our data.
2. Rattling suspension
You may notice a rattling noise coming from the front axle. This is often caused by friction between the rear hydraulic rubber bushes on the front lower suspension arm and its bearing bush.
What repair is needed for rattling suspension, and how much does it cost for a Ford Mondeo?
The suspension arm needs to be replaced. Suspension repairs on a Mondeo cost £77.04 on average.
3. Automatic transmission failure
There have been reports of the four-speed automatic transmission on 2.0-litre petrol models failing after around 60,000 miles. Transmission failure can happen for several reasons, including a fluid leak or operational errors.
What repair is needed for automatic transmission failure, and how much does it cost for a Ford Mondeo?
Depending on the problem, a repair may be performed to replace faulty components or stop fluid leaks. The price will depend on the extent of the issue, but on average, Mondeo transmission problems cost £246.84 based on our data.
4. Coolant loss
The hose for the coolant reservoir can become dislodged when the engine cover is refitted, causing it to rub against the belt pulley. Eventually, this can result in a coolant leak.
What repair is needed for coolant loss, and how much does it cost for a Ford Mondeo?
The hose needs to be replaced and the coolant should be topped up. Replacing Mondeo coolant hoses costs £304.78 on average.
5. Faulty fuel pump
In some diesel engines, a problem has been identified with the diesel pump and its rollers and shoes, which become worn. In all models, there can sometimes be a lack of pressure from the fuel pump.
What repair is needed for a faulty fuel pump, and how much does it cost for a Ford Mondeo?
The fuel pump needs to be replaced. On average, it costs £324.33 for a Ford Mondeo fuel pump replacement job.
Ford Mondeo 2000-2007 recalls
| Recall Date | Reason |
|---|---|
| 08-Sep-01 | Parking brake ratchet concern |
| 20-Apr-02 | Parking brake concern |
| 10-Jul-02 | Battery cable may chafe and short circuit |
| 03-Feb-03 | Power steering pressure hose may chafe on engine inlet manifold |
| 04-Aug-03 | Modification of handbrake lever |
| 30-Apr-04 | Possibility of unexpected braking |
| 02-Aug-04 | Possible unexpected braking |
Ford Mondeo 2007-2014 problems
The Mk4 Mondeo saw very few recalls over its lifetime.
1. Engine cuts out
Some 2.0-litre diesel engines have been known to cut out unexpectedly while driving.
What repair is needed for an engine that cuts out, and how much does it cost for a Ford Mondeo?
An ECU software update will do the trick. On average, you can expect to pay £207 for a Ford Mondeo ECU repair.
2. Keyless entry failure
This is a fairly common Mk4 problem, though it shows intermittently in affected models. The keyless entry and ignition system may stop working, leaving drivers locked out of their vehicles.
What repair is needed for keyless entry failure, and how much does it cost for a Ford Mondeo?
The first thing to check is the battery of your remote. If that’s in working order, you’ll need to contact an auto locksmith. The locks on your car may need replacing in the worst-case scenario or your remote may need reprogramming.
The average cost for an auto locksmith is £187.33 based on our data for Ford Mondeos.
3. Electrical issues
Several Mk4 Mondeo owners have reported experiencing electrical issues, from the radio turning on and off to the sat nav and electric windows not working as expected. There was also a recall issued in 2011 regarding malfunctioning headlights and indicators.
What repair is needed for electrical issues, and how much does it cost for a Ford Mondeo?
Electrical issues can have several causes, so it’s best to contact an auto electrician who will be able to identify and fix the problem. For example, there could be something wrong with the wiring or the alternator.
Ford Mondeo 2007-2014 recalls
| Recall Date | Reason |
|---|---|
| 09-Apr-09 | ABS may not function properly |
| 21-May-09 | Hard brake pedal may occur during engine warmup |
| 18-May-11 | Headlights and indicators may malfunction |
| 13-Sep-13 | Fire may occur |
Ford Mondeo 2014-2021 problems
Like its predecessors, the fifth generation Mondeo scores highly for reliability. These are the things you need to look out for.
1. Electrical glitches
Electrical issues are a common theme with the Mondeo. The estate model, in particular, often experiences problems with the climate control system, while the headlights in the executive model may turn off unexpectedly.
What repair is needed for electrical glitches, and how much does it cost for a Ford Mondeo?
Ford has issued a technical bulletin for the climate control problem that provides a fix. As for the headlights working intermittently, a Ford dealer can upload updated software that fixes the issue.
Mondeo electrical faults cost £57.10 on average.
2. Overheating engine
The engine in some fifth-generation Mondeos may overheat, causing the oil sump to crack.
What repair is needed for an overheating engine, and how much does it cost for a Ford Mondeo?
Ford issued a recall for this problem; affected models can be repaired for free at a dealership. The repair involves revised software for the engine control unit.
Mondeo ECU repairs cost £122.60 on average.
3. Faulty dual-clutch transmission
To say Ford’s Powershift dual-clutch transmission has a bad reputation would be an understatement. Thousands of drivers have reported problems with it, yet Ford initially refused to admit that anything was wrong, resulting in the company eventually being fined by the consumer watchdog.
The transmission typically suffers faults with the electronics, sensors, control modules, and some mechanical parts.
What repair is needed for a faulty dual-clutch transmission, and how much does it cost for a Ford Mondeo?
The repair and price will depend on the exact cause of the problem. On average, Mondeo dual clutch issues cost £966.64 to repair.
Ford Mondeo 2007-2021 recalls
| Recall Date | Reason |
|---|---|
| 20-Jun-16 | Headlamps may switch off without warning |
| 22-Feb-17 | Seatbelt pre-tensioner may malfunction |
| 12-Mar-18 | Oil sump may crack due to engine overheating |
| 16-Jul-18 | Clutch pressure plate may fracture |
| 07-Nov-18 | Possible low torque condition with the air conditioning clutch fastener |
| 19-Dec-18 | The tilt/slide roof opening panel glass not correctly bonded to its mounting |
| 22-Feb-19 | Vehicle could suffer clutch pressure plate fracture |
| 01-Apr-19 | Overheating of the engine cylinder head may cause the cylinder head to crack |
| 29-Aug-19 | Potential battery acid leakage around negative terminal |
| 30-Oct-20 | Takata airbag may rupture on deployment |
If you're having problems with your Ford Mondeo, FixMyCar can help you find the right garage at the right price, whatever you need.
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