2002 Ford Mondeo Zetec TDCi from UK and Ireland - Comments

The rear wiper was not working when I got the car - sorted under warranty.

Centre rear seatbelt has locked.

The new Mondeo was not a car I set out to buy, but the test drive convinced me.

The TDCi is impressive, mighty performance it feels faster than its 130bhp would suggest. Add 50 mpg which makes it ideal for motorway cruising.

The handling is amazing for such a large car and the ride is fine, a bit firm in town though.

The alloys on the Zetec make it look a treat and the neptune green suits it well.

My only gripes are that the clutch can be snatchy and it's a bit noisy when cold.

I have a new shape 130ps TD Ci ghia (twelve months old and 17000 miles on the clock) and also have a problem with noise and vibration when stationary with no gear selected. This is something I have noticed with many other makes of car and seems to associated with the clutch. In this car though the engine occasionally changes its tone (but not RPM) and starts to shudder and shake. This is different and much worse than anything I have experienced before.

Also one of the rear brakes seems to be seizing intermittently. There is no patern to what brings this on and it can only be detected by the occasional squeaky hiss noise. Yesterday I noticed that the wheel in question was untouchably hot and the car is now booked in for further investigation.

Otherwise a super power-plant when on the move. 45-55 mpg and fast as you like.

Regarding the rear brake seizing on. I have had the same problem on my Mondeo and know of a couple of others who have too.

The problem seems to be that the hand brake cable can become

corroded where it leaves it's outer and cause the brake to remain slightly on. A good clean and lube of the cable cured it for me.

The rear centre 3 point belt will lock if you don't click the split fold seat in place properly. Give it a good push, so none of the red on the button is showing. Makes sense not to allow the belt to be used when the sent isn't locked properly.

Can anybody shed any light on a problem I'm having with a noise from the engine area on my 2.0 TDci, it sounds like a fan overrunning when you accelerate? A ford garage says its the turbo diesel unit which needs replacing, but the technician from the firm I have a warranty with says a new TD unit won't make any difference, if anybody has had the same problem can you please submit an answer,thank you.

Ps,it,s a 2002 model with 45000 miles on the clock.

I have had a similar problem with my Ghia X and an engine specialist told me it was the impeller inside the turbo charger rubbing on the casing. A new turbo charger might have to be fitted so get it done under warranty if you still have one.

I have a Mondeo TDCi on a 53 plate. I have had 3 clutches replaced, 3 brake calipers, after consistant seizing up, a replaced crankshaft sensor, and the ABS light is always on! Dealers can't sort it out.

Glove compartment locking catches replaced, headlights switching on only when they feel like, engine sometimes sounds like a bag of spanners when ticking over, and loads of other faults too numerous to mention, it has 143,000 on the mileage.

Otherwise not too bad a car... ps it's working 24/7 as a taxi!!