I recently had my 2008 Mondeo Zetec 2.0 TDCI serviced and was told by the garage that they had problems getting the car started after they replaced the fuel filter. They contacted Ford who admitted that this was a known fault. Since the service, I have felt that the performance is a bit lumpy and that there is increased engine noise.

Is anyone aware of this issue and exactly what the problem is? Also, how often should the fuel filter be changed and what is involved in doing this?

I am not sure if the garage is making this up. I have certainly never had a problem before and this is the 3rd service. The car has done 30k miles.

do you know if its a cartridge type filter or just an element?

When fitting a new filter it should be filled with diesel as mush as possible to try and eliminate air. I've never had any starting issues with the metal cartridge type filters providing they are filled

I don't know whether it is metal or cartridge.

Is it possible that improper replacement could cause the acceleration to feel a bit lumpy?

I don't know whether it is metal or cartridge.

Is it possible that improper replacement could cause the acceleration to feel a bit lumpy?

in all honesty im not sure, perhaps if it was still drawing in a little air it would be lumpy

was it a ford filter they used or an aftermarket one? mondeo's can be sensitive to non ford filters.

It was a Ford filter as far as I know. At least they have marked the service record that it was Ford parts that were used.