Ford / Five Hundred / 2005
2005 Ford Five Hundred problems
Owners have filed 716 complaints about the 2005 Ford Five Hundred with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 19.4% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of vehicle speed control at 14.5%.
Complaints716
Crashes27
Fires8
Injuries20
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Power train 19.4% · 139
Vehicle speed control 14.5% · 104
Electrical system 13.3% · 95
Engine 8.1% · 58
Engine and engine cooling 7.0% · 50
Service brakes, hydraulic 6.3% · 45
Structure 4.6% · 33
Fuel/propulsion system 3.4% · 24
Severity
Of those complaints, 27 describe a crash, 8 describe a fire and 20 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 3 model years of the Ford Five Hundred in this data, 2005 draws the most complaints of any of them.
Filings have fallen off, 11 in the last three years against 18 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 75,000 miles.
In owners' own words
05 Ford Five Hundred fwd. Transmission shudder down shifting around 1500 rpm feels almost like a brake problem. Happens more and more often especially on hot days. Dealer serviced transmission 55,000 miles changing fluid and communicating no apparent problems. Total failure 58,000 miles no reverse at all ,could drive it on the trailer in low. Will require a new transmission for sure, this is the last Ford. Power train · reported at 58,000 miles
I stopped on a city street at stop sign. As I tried to accelerate, but the car would barely move. The throttle control/transmission warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. I turned the car off and let it sit for about 2 to 3 minutes. I started the car up and was able to make it home. I am thankful that this happen on city street and not on the highway. I plan on contacting my Ford dealer tomorrow. Power train · reported at 86,921 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Five Hundred sel. While driving approximately 40-60 mph, the transmission began to jerk. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who advised that the transmission valve body internal bore would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the defect and was unable to provide assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 47,000. Power train · reported at 47,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…