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Buying guide

Ford Falcon XR6 FG and FG X (2008 to 2016): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Ford Falcon XR6 FG and FG X was built from 2008 to 2016 as a sedan or ute, with a manual or automatic gearbox, rear wheel drive and petrol power. Chassis code: FG. Redline has a curated guide to its 7 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2008 to 2016
Chassis codes
FG
Body types
Sedan, Ute
Gearboxes
Manual, Automatic
Drive
RWD (rear wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol

On NZ roads

Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Ford Falcon FG (2008 to 2016). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. Transmission cooler and auto gearbox

    The transmission cooler is a renowned weak point, and owners still report gearbox failures from coolant getting into the transmission oil.

    Where to look
    The radiator and cooler lines, and the gearbox on the drive
    How to test
    Focus on the transmission on the drive: any noise, vibration or hesitation needs a specialist check before you buy.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost replacing the transmission is expensive

    Sources: carsguide.com.au (opens in a new tab), carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  2. Diff bushes and axle tramp

    Diff bushes can fail past about 30,000 km; cars built from 2009 have improved bushes.

    Where to look
    The rear diff mounting bushes
    How to test
    Accelerate firmly from a stop and feel for axle tramp, and listen for clunks under load.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost aftermarket bushes

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab), aussiefords.com (opens in a new tab)

  3. Brake hydraulics and rotors

    A pedal that sinks when held for a minute is reported, and rotors groove and warp with hard use.

    Where to look
    The brake pedal and the discs
    How to test
    Hold firm pressure on the pedal for a minute with the engine running and watch for it sinking. Look for grooves on the discs.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost hydraulic parts and rotors

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  4. Modified XR6 Turbo cars

    Poorly modified turbo cars are called the biggest risk in the FG market. Check for boost leaks and drivetrain stress.

    Where to look
    The tune, the boost pipes and intercooler, and the gearbox
    How to test
    Ask for tune and dyno records, look at the boost plumbing for loose joints and listen for diff clunks.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost engine and gearbox damage

    Sources: aussiefords.com (opens in a new tab)

  5. ZF auto servicing

    ZF autos need fluid servicing despite sealed for life claims.

    Where to look
    The ZF service records
    How to test
    Ask when the fluid was changed. Check for smooth shifts and no delayed engagement.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost fluid service; a rebuild if neglected

    Sources: aussiefords.com (opens in a new tab)

  6. Suspension bushes

    Worn bushes show up as knocks or clunks.

    Where to look
    The front control arm bushes and rear diff bushes
    How to test
    Listen for knocks over bumps and check the tyres for uneven wear.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost bush kits and alignment

    Sources: carsguide.com.au (opens in a new tab), aussiefords.com (opens in a new tab)

  7. V8 cooling and oil use

    On the V8 cars, check the cooling system, oil consumption and the exhaust manifolds. V8 parts cost more.

    Where to look
    The radiator and hoses, the oil level and the exhaust manifolds
    How to test
    Look for leaks and ask how much oil it uses between services. Listen for a ticking manifold leak.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost V8 parts are dearer

    Sources: aussiefords.com (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 1 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Service items

Questions to ask the seller

  • Has the transmission cooler been replaced or bypassed with an external one?
  • When was the ZF fluid last changed?
  • Has it been tuned, and can I see the records?
  • Has it been used as a company or rental car?

New Zealand notes

  • Falcons were sold new in NZ and also come in from Australia. Check the compliance and service history.

An FG XR6 Turbo or XR8 suits a buyer after a fast, roomy rear drive sedan who will check the gearbox and any tune carefully.

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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