2012 Ford Mondeo Zetec 2.0 TDCi

Summary:

Rubbish

Faults:

Driveshafts, gearbox selector issues, clutch, oil leak, injector trouble, electronic issues that were always expensive and complex to fix, and major rust not just cosmetically, but also underneath affecting chassis/sub frame, MOT failure.

General Comments:

Ford lost their way with the more modern Mondeo. I had a MK1 Mondeo way back in the 1990's and it was one of the best cars I ever had, super reliable. This 2012 car however... what a fall from grace.

Even my older 2009 Vauxhall Insignia was better than this car. I had heard the Ford was the better car, but what a surprise I got with this car! It had been looked after well, bought with good history and low mileage, but still gave major trouble.

Ford dealers were useless, rude and uninterested in my problems. I found a nice local mechanic who helped me out best as he could, but he could not always get around expensive part costs obviously. I persevered with this car for a few years as the first year it was OK before it started to fall apart. It was a shame really as I liked the car - super comfortable and good power and economy when working correctly. Zetec model was a nice one, well equipped and nice to drive.

Just a shame it was such an unreliable dog! I have since moved on to a VW Passat - a much better car in every way. Never again Ford, sorry!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th April, 2026

2012 Ford Mondeo EcoBoost Titanium 1.6T Petrol

Summary:

Not that great

Faults:

Turbo failed in its first year with me (expensive).

Gearbox crunch from 1st / 2nd gear. Probably entire box needs recondition / replace, the clutch is OK.

Recently a major coolant leak and oil leak has started.

Plus the usual wear and tear for age and miles. I looked after the car with all services.

General Comments:

This car was bought used but had low miles and full verified history. I wanted to like this Mondeo so much, but believe I made the wrong choice regards engine.

A bit of research shows the Ford EcoBoost petrol engines from this time period are to be avoided. Head gaskets going are common at higher mileage. And the leaks and problems I have had are common also. I have heard even the TDCi diesels are not that great either. Probably the best option is the old school standard non turbo charged simple 2.0 petrol engine if you absolutely must have a Mondeo from this generation.

Shame really, the car is otherwise excellent. Fantastic to drive, fast and reasonably economical (whens it's working!).

Interior is perfectly comfortable and the Titanium model is near top of range.

Quite a good looking car also inside and out.

Maybe I would buy another, but not this 1.6T engine again. If I cannot get it fixed for a reasonable price it will be scrapped.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 9th February, 2025

18th Apr 2026, 14:03

I had gearbox issues as well mate. I thought it was only the automatics on Fords from this time that gave trouble, but the manual boxes are trash as well.

In reply to 18th Apr 2026, 14:03

19th Apr 2026, 21:56

I'm sorry to see how Ford in Europe has fallen. Not all is doom and gloom, but basically all Ecoboost engines are weak to varying degrees. The 1.0 is the worst. You will struggle to get these past 200k kms without major work. Many fail well before 100k, even as low as 60-70k. The 1.5 and older 1.6 is better but has tons of problems with turbos, various leaks, blown head gaskets, injectors etc. Fantastic engines when new, but they simply don't last. In reality you might just dump these cars when they are more than 5-6 years. And the Powershift transmissions are very problematic too. Even revised later versions.

Manuals are better, but often problems with clutches and even these might feel worn after 100k with clunky shifts and gear noise. However these usually last at least 200k before they become undriveable.