Engine
3.0L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 509 of 510 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 432 of 510 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Power train
139 complaint records3 crash reports
"DT: 2005 FORD 500 SEDAN DID NOT HAVE AN INTERMEDIATE OR SECOND GEAR FOR GEARING DOWN TO GOING DOWN MOUNTAINS. THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE, AND NEEDED TO BE BROUGHT TO FORD'S ATTENTION. *AK *NM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
108 complaint records3 fire reports3 crash reports
"AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR LEAKING REFRIGERATE OIL, NOT POSSIBLE TO REPAIR, REPLACE COMPRESSOR. 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED 90,000 MILES. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Speed control
104 complaint records3 crash reports
"THROTTLE/ACCELERATOR THE CAR UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATES WITHOUT PUSHING THE PEDAL. I HAVE ALMOST HIT VEHICLES AND PEDESTRIANS. IT APPEARS TO BE GETTING WORSE AND MORE DANGEROUS. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse speed control parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE11018 opened May 2011 | closed Feb 2013 | Vehicle Speed Control | Idle instability On November 29, 2012, Ford Motor Company (Ford) initiated Customer Satisfaction Program 12N03 to extend warranty coverage terms for repair of engine idle RPM surge caused by throttle body deposits in all model year (MY) 2005 through 2007 Ford Freestyle, Five... |
| PE07058 opened Nov 2007 | closed Mar 2008 | Electrical System | INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE THE SUBJECT VEHICLES EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF PROPER INSTRUMENT CLUSTER OPERATION.TYPICALLY, THE PROBLEM APPEARS AS THE NEEDLE ON THE GAUGE (SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER, FUEL, AND/OR TEMPERATURE) SWEEPS AND RESETS INTERMITTENTLY.FORD REPORTS THE PROBLEM AS MOMENTARY... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06V383000 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA,... | Normally free |
| 05V515000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE STRAPS THAT SECURE THE FUEL TANK TO THE VEHICLE BODY MAY BREAK, CAUSING THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL TANK HEAT SHIELD TO DROP ON THE DRIVESHAFT (ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES) OR EXHAUST SYSTEM... | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006273 2006-10-19 | Other | 13,656 | On certain vehicles, the door latch mechanisms may experience water intrusion that, over time, may wash out grease applied during the manufacturing process. |
| 2005354 2005-11-10 | Fuel System | 3,938 | On certain vehicles, the fuel tank straps may break, potentially resulting in the fuel tank and fuel tank heat shield dropping on the exhaust system (FWD vehicles) or driveshaft (AWD vehicles). |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSM 52567 May 2024 | Power Train | Motorcraft® Continuously Variable Chain-Type Transmission Fluid (XT-7-QCFT in non-Canadian markets, CXT-7-LCF12 in Canada) is no longer manufactured and will only be available until inventory depletes. | |
| SSM 52243 Feb 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | When performing any transmission fluid change or topoff involving Motorcraft® Premium ATF, MERCON® V has replaced all versions of Motorcraft® Premium ATF and can be used going forward. Mixing Motorcraft® Premium ATF and MERCON® V in the same transmission is acceptable. | |
| SSM 46085 Sep 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. | |
| 08-4-11 Mar 2008 | Service Brakes | TRACTION CONTROL LAMP ON--NO DTC'S PRESENT, OR DTC P1889 IN DIFFERENTIAL ELECTRONIC MODULE (DEM). *NJ | |
| 0710 Nov 2007 | Service Brakes | FORD MERCURY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. CERTAIN 2005 THROUGH 2007 FWD AND AWD FORD FIVE HUNDRED, FREESTYLE AND MERCURY MONTEGO VEHICLES - REAR BRAKE WEAR. ALSO HAVE AN OWNER'S LETTER. *NJ UPDATED 1/25/08. *NJ |
Show 45 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19722 Apr 2007 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MIL WITH DTC P0106 AND/OR P0109. *KB | |
| 19312 Aug 2006 | Electrical System | BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *KB | |
| 0614 Jan 2006 | Suspension | NOISE FROM REAR SUSPENSION - COLD ONLY. *TT | |
| 19005 Jan 2006 | Suspension | GRUNT OR SQUEAK FROM FRONT SUSPENSION DURING FULL LOCK TURNS - SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 06211 Jan 2006 | Seats | HEATED SEATS INOPERATIVE. *TT | |
| 06411 Jan 2006 | Power Train | OIL LEAK FROM POWER TRANSFER UNIT. *TT | |
| 0662 Jan 2006 | Electrical System | INTERMITTENT INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GAUGE SWEEP/RESET - MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS ON - REVERSE LIGHTS ON - VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 2/17/2006. *TT | |
| 06114 Jan 2006 | Power Train | CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSAXLE (CVT) NOISE DIAGNOSIS. *TT | |
| 05222 Nov 2005 | Suspension | NOISE FROM FRONT WHILE TURNING STEERING WHEEL. *TT | |
| 041601 Nov 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIP - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - ENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING. *TT | |
| 05179 Oct 2005 | Vehicle Speed Control | INTERMITTENT SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION AND/OR SPEED CONTROL WILL NOT SET. *TT | |
| 05175 Oct 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE RPM FLUCTUATION AT HIGHWAY CRUISING SPEEDS - VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 8/2/2005. *TT | |
| 05197 Oct 2005 | Structure | TRUNK LID HARD TO CLOSE. *TT | |
| 05L25 Sep 2005 | Power Train | SPECIAL FIELD ACTION 05L25 - OUTPUT SHAFT SPEED (OSS) SENSOR; TURBINE SHAFT SPEED (TSS) SENSOR; TRANSMISSION FLUID TEMPERATURE (TOT) SENSOR WERE INADVERTENTLY OMITTED FROM THE CALIFORNIA LONG-TERM DEFECTS WARRANTY PARTS TABLE. *TT | |
| 18730 Jul 2005 | Power Train | VEHICLES WITH A CVT TRANSAXLE, MAY EXHIBIT A FLUID LEAK FROM THE TRANSAXLE OIL PAN AREA. *TT | |
| 0532 Jun 2005 | Suspension | SQUEAK/CLUNK NOISE FROM REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM - VEHICLES BUILT 7/12/2004 THROUGH 9/21/2004. *TT | |
| 0551 Mar 2005 | Electrical System | INTERMITTENT HEADLAMP FLICKER WITH NO KEY IN THE IGNITION - VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 2/21/2005. *TT | |
| 0547 Mar 2005 | Service Brakes | THUMPING NOISE OR ROUGHNESS FROM REAR BRAKES. *TT | |
| 18452 Mar 2005 | Equipment | ENGINE SERVICE PROCEDURES. *EH | |
| 18479 Mar 2005 | Suspension | SQUEAK FROM REAR OF VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS. *EH | |
| 18504 Mar 2005 | Equipment | INCORRECT COMPASS INFORMATION IN OWNERS GUIDE AND WORK SHOP MANUAL. *EH | |
| 18399 Feb 2005 | Equipment | MEMORY SEAT, ADJUSTABLE PEDALS AND MIRRORS OPERATION CONCERNS. *TT | |
| 18412 Feb 2005 | Equipment | MEMORY SEAT, MIRRORS AND PEDALS OPERATION. *TT | |
| 18417 Feb 2005 | Suspension | REAR SUSPENSION NOISE WHEN COLD. *TT | |
| 18432 Feb 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VEHICLE MAY EXHIBIT AN OIL LIFE XX% MESSAGE INTHE ODOMETER MESSAGE CENTER DISPLAY PRIOR TO THE VEHICLE REACHING 5000 MILES. *EH | |
| 0516 Jan 2005 | Power Train | HARSH OR ERRATIC UPSHIFTS/DOWNSHIFTS - WRENCH LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P2544 - VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 1/7/2005 AND EQUIPPED WITH THE (AWF21) 6 SPEED TRANSAXLE. *TT | |
| 18378 Jan 2005 | Power Train | OIL LEAK FROM POWER TRANSFER UNIT. *TT | |
| 05245 Jan 2005 | Power Train | HARSH/ERRATIC/SLOW DOWNSHIFTS OR TIP-IN HESITATION -- 6 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE -- VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 10/17/2005. *TT | |
| 042616 Dec 2004 | Structure | WELD BONDING PROCEDURE. *TT | |
| 04189 Dec 2004 | Visibility | REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT | |
| 042107 Dec 2004 | Power Train | GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 18329 Dec 2004 | Equipment | AUDIO UNIT BACKLIGHT INOPERATIVE AND OR DTC B2477. *EH | |
| 18353 Dec 2004 | Suspension | SQUEAK FROM REAR OF VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS. *EH | |
| 18361 Dec 2004 | Power Train | OIL LEAK FROM POWER TRANSFER UNIT. *EH | |
| 18178 Sep 2004 | Electrical System | WRENCH LIGHT ON, NO ENGAGEMENT IN DRIVE OR REVERSE AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0942. *TT | |
| 18179 Sep 2004 | Electrical System | WRENCH LIGHT ON, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0562 AND TRANSAXLE IN LIMP HOME MODE AFTER BATTERY JUMP START. *TT | |
| 19107 | Structure | NOISE IN RIGHT FRONT OF PASSENGER COMPARTMENT - AIR INLET DOOR ACTUATOR INOPERATIVE (RECIRCULATION). *TT | |
| 19087 | Electrical System | TENTHS DIGIT NOT DISPLAYED ON ODOMETER AFTER 10,000 MILES/KILOMETERS. *TT | |
| 19083 | Visibility | INTERMITTENT BOUNCE-BACK OF THE DRIVER'S WINDOW DURING ONE TOUCH UP OPERATION. *TT | |
| 06172 | Electrical System | FUEL GAUGE ERRATIC/INACCURATE AND/OR MIL ON WITH DTC P0463, B1202, B2627, B2879, AND/OR P2068. *KB | |
| 06179 | Electrical System | INTERMITTENT INSTRUMENT CLUSTER OPERATION - INCLUDING GAUGES SWEEP/RESET - MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND/OR REVERSE LIGHTS STAY ON. THIS APPLIES TO VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 02-17-06. *KB | |
| 0718 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION SHIFTER BINDING / HIGH EFFORT BEZEL REPLACEMENT. *KB | |
| 0747 | Fuel System | MIL ON WITH DTC P0191 - FUEL RAIL PRESSURE SENSOR CIRCUIT PERFORMANCE. *KB | |
| 0759 | Service Brakes | REAR BRAKE DRAG, NOISE, DUST, AND/OR PREMATURE PAD WEAR. *KB | |
| 06245 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION HARSH SHIFTING - NO DTC'S - MILEAGE OVER 20,000 MILES. *KB |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Test the throttle response and the cruise control on an open road.A surge, a hang in engine speed after lifting off, or cruise that will not set or cancel cleanly are the speed-control complaints on this vehicle.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Ford Five Hundred →