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2005 Ford Five Hundred

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

443 reports with mileage · 67 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 136 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 104 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 95 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

20 crash reports6 fire reports10 injury reports

Power Train complaints

136 reports
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295,000 miles · Feb 22, 2017
Power TrainSteeringSuspension

FRONT DRIVER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT SHEARED OFF AT 25 MPH WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AND THEN SNAPPED THE CV JOINT AXLE SHAFT CAUSING THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL TO JAM INSIDE THE WHEEL WELL AND DAMAGE LOWER PART OF BODY AND FENDER. THE VEHICL WAS TOTALLY DISABLE AT THIS POINT SITTING IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. SI…

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FRONT DRIVER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT SHEARED OFF AT 25 MPH WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AND THEN SNAPPED THE CV JOINT AXLE SHAFT CAUSING THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL TO JAM INSIDE THE WHEEL WELL AND DAMAGE LOWER PART OF BODY AND FENDER. THE VEHICL WAS TOTALLY DISABLE AT THIS POINT SITTING IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. SIMILAR INCIDENT HAPPENED TWO YEARS AGO WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT SHEARED AND SNAPPED THE CV JOINT AXLE SHAFT AT 45 MPH AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO TURN 180 DEGREES BLOCKING TWO LANES OF HWY. THAT TIME FRONT WHEEL DAMAGED WHEEL WELL AND SENSOR WIRES ON THAT SIDE FO THE ENGINE BAY

NHTSA ODI #10956245

145,753 miles · Oct 6, 2016
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO SHIFT GEARS. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE IF ANY WARNING INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED. A MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,753.

NHTSA ODI #10914258

188,000 miles · Apr 12, 2016
Electrical SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed Control

THE TRANSMISSION DISENGAGES AT VARIOUS SPEEDS EVEN ON THE INTERSTATE AT 55+ MPH CAUSING IT TO LOSE POWER. YOU MUST BE ABLE TO GET IT STOPPED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SHUT THE CAR OFF AND THEN RESTART IT TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME.

NHTSA ODI #10855177

141,000 miles · Mar 10, 2016
Power Train

I OWN A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED CVT. 2 MONTHS AGO THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN ACTING UP. DRIVING ALONG AND THE "WRENCH" LITE COMES ON THEN THE "SKID" LITE COMES ON. THE CAR GOES INTO A LOSS OF POWER, LIKE LOW GEAR. IT MOVED BUT REVS UP AND WON'T SHIFTS UP. I KNOW ITS A CONSTANT VELOCITY TRANS SO IT IS AT IT'S LOWER RATIO. AFTER HOURS …

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I OWN A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED CVT. 2 MONTHS AGO THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN ACTING UP. DRIVING ALONG AND THE "WRENCH" LITE COMES ON THEN THE "SKID" LITE COMES ON. THE CAR GOES INTO A LOSS OF POWER, LIKE LOW GEAR. IT MOVED BUT REVS UP AND WON'T SHIFTS UP. I KNOW ITS A CONSTANT VELOCITY TRANS SO IT IS AT IT'S LOWER RATIO. AFTER HOURS OF DIAGNOSTIC IT COMES DOWN TO THE TRANS CONTROL MODULE, AND STILL NOT SURE. THE OBD CODES SAY LOSS OF COMMUNICATION, A U CODE. EVERY INCH OF HARNESS HAS BEEN CHECKED THE WHOLE INTERIOR HAS BEEN REMOVED, DASH DISASSEMBLED. I'M INTO IT OVER $2,000. I LOVE THE CAR, IT RIDES GREAT. ITS HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. FORD I NEED HELP. NEED TO RECALL THIS ISSUE OR HOW ABOUT A P01 OR Z01 POLICY ADJUSTMENT.

NHTSA ODI #10845951

82,700 miles · Sep 30, 2015
Air BagsElectronic Stability Control (esc)Power TrainCrash

LEAVING A GROCER AT 13:15 ON 9/7/2015 STARTED TO BACK OUT OF PARKING SPOT WHEN AUTO SUDDENLY ACCELERATED BACKWARD, ACROSS THE AISLE AND SLAMMED INTO PARKED VEHICLE WITH IMPACT SENDING THAT AUTO INTO A 3RD. DAMAGES TO BOTH VEHICLES. WHEN I WENT TO PULL INTO MY ORIGINAL SLOT TO DEAL WITH SITUATION, AS SOON AS I REMOVED FOOT FROM…

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LEAVING A GROCER AT 13:15 ON 9/7/2015 STARTED TO BACK OUT OF PARKING SPOT WHEN AUTO SUDDENLY ACCELERATED BACKWARD, ACROSS THE AISLE AND SLAMMED INTO PARKED VEHICLE WITH IMPACT SENDING THAT AUTO INTO A 3RD. DAMAGES TO BOTH VEHICLES. WHEN I WENT TO PULL INTO MY ORIGINAL SLOT TO DEAL WITH SITUATION, AS SOON AS I REMOVED FOOT FROM BRAKE, AUTO LUNGED FORWARD AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED, JUMPED A 6" LANDSCAPE CURB AND PLOWED INTO THE FRONT END OF A CADILLAC SRX CAUSING MAJOR DAMAGE TO THAT VEHICLE, STILL UNK TOTAL DAMAGE TO MINE. IT WAS A VERY HOT DAY AND THE AC WAS RUNNING. NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE OCCUPIED OTHER THAN MINE, AND I WAS SOLE OCCUPANT. MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND PASSENGER'S WAS NOT TURNED ON. I DID RECEIVE A SIGNIFICANT BRUISE ON MY STERNUM FROM THE SHOULDER COMPONENT OF MY SEAT BELT. MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR FOR EITHER "LUNGE". CRASHES WERE WITNESSED AND PEORIA AZ POLICE DID RESPOND WITH 2 UNITS. OFFICERS DID TAKE INFORMATION, BUT WHEN I INQUIRED ABOUT INCIDENT # FOR MY RECORDS OFFICER RESPONDED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO REPORT AND NO CITATIONS AS IT OCCURRED ON PRIVATE PROPERTY. MY INSURANCE CARRIER WAS CONTACTED FROM SITE, BUT BEING A HOLIDAY, I WAS NOT ABLE TO SPEAK WITH ADJUSTER AT THAT TIME. KNOWING THAT IT WAS NOT MY ACTIONS THAT CAUSED THIS INCIDENT, I CHECKED THE NEXT DAY AND DISCOVERED THAT THIS IDENTICAL SITUATION HAD BEEN UNDER INVESTIGATION WITH NHTSA AT THE TIME I PURCHASED THE CAR ON OR ABOUT 11/16/12 AT WHICH A SERVICE PROGRAM TO RETIFY WAS IN EFFECT. WITH MY INCIDENT THOUGH, MAJOR DAMAGE OCCURRED. NEITHER AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE, NOR THROUGHOUT THE INVESTIGATION & TENURE OF MY OWNERSHIP (CURRENT) WAS I NOTIFIED OF THE KNOWN SAFETY PROBLEM NOR IT'S PROGRAM TO MITIGATE. ATTACHED AERIAL PHOTO SHOWS BACK TO BACK DIMENSION TO FIRST IMPACT AND BACK TO FRONT DIMENSION OF 2ND. I WAS PARKED IN POSITION OF WHITE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #10778833

94,000 miles · May 15, 2015
Power Train

THIS PROBLEM IS GOING FOR A WHILE, EVEN IN A STOP LIGHT, FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL THE ENGINE ACCELERATE HIMSELF AND WHILE SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE OR DRIVE THE SOUND ON THE TRANSMISSION IS HARD. IT GO FROM 700 RPMS TO 1300 RPMS ON SECONDS, AND NOW IS WORSE. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TWO FORD REPAIR DEALERS, AFTER PUTTING ON THE COMPUT…

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THIS PROBLEM IS GOING FOR A WHILE, EVEN IN A STOP LIGHT, FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL THE ENGINE ACCELERATE HIMSELF AND WHILE SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE OR DRIVE THE SOUND ON THE TRANSMISSION IS HARD. IT GO FROM 700 RPMS TO 1300 RPMS ON SECONDS, AND NOW IS WORSE. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TWO FORD REPAIR DEALERS, AFTER PUTTING ON THE COMPUTER,BOTH WANTED TO CHARGE ME $6,000.00 ON A TRANSMISSION, EVEN KNOWING THE RECALLS ON THIS UNITS.THIS CAR LOOKS LIKE NEW I CAN SEND YOU PHOTOS, AND I LOVE MY CAR.

NHTSA ODI #10716614

156,000 miles · Oct 27, 2014
Power Train

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD 35MPH AT THE TIME AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR STOPS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND THE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD TO CUT THE CAR OFF THEN SIT FOR A FEW MINUTES THEN CRANK BACK UP. THE NEXT TIME I DROVE IT I WAS DRIVING 55 MPH AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT STOPPED WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE WRENCH LIGHT CAM…

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I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD 35MPH AT THE TIME AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR STOPS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND THE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD TO CUT THE CAR OFF THEN SIT FOR A FEW MINUTES THEN CRANK BACK UP. THE NEXT TIME I DROVE IT I WAS DRIVING 55 MPH AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT STOPPED WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN I WAS STUCK IN THE ROAD THEN AFTER A FEW MINUTES I WAS ABLE TO CRANK BACK UP. I DROVE THE CAR FOR A FEW WEEKS SO I DECIDED TO DRIVE HOME ONE DAY ON I-95 AS I WAS DRIVING IT STOPPED AGAIN WITH CRAZY TRAFFIC. AFTER THIS EPISODE WHEN I FINALLY MADE IT HOME I DECIDED TO PARK MY CAR FOR SEVERAL WEEKS UNTIL I CALLED FORD TO SEE IF THERE WAS A WARRANTY AND THEY TOLD ME TO BRING MY CAR TO BE REPAIRED ONLY TO BE TOLD IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND IT WOULD COST ME $2000 TO GET MY CAR REPAIRED BECAUSE THERE WAS A ALSO A LEAK WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO BE UNDER RECALL. I'VE READ A LOT OF THINGS GOING ON WITH THIS CAR IN PARTICULAR THE 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. I CALLED THE FORD 800 NUMBER THAT THE MECHANIC GAVE ME TO SEE IF THEY WOULD REPAIR THE THROTTLE FOR MY CAR THEY TOLD ME THAT ITS OVER THE MILEAGE WARRANTY AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO AND THEY DIDN'T EVEN APOLOGIZE FOR MY INCONVENIENCES WHEN I WAS STOPPED ON THE ROAD, I AM CURRENTLY USING A BORROWED CAR BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO PUT MY LIFE IN JEOPARDY DRIVING THIS CAR UNTIL I AM ABLE TO GET IT REPAIRED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10650542

139,000 miles · Sep 18, 2014
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO GEAR AND BECAME INOPERABLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FIVE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE W…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO GEAR AND BECAME INOPERABLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FIVE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.

NHTSA ODI #10637220

150,000 miles · Aug 20, 2014
Power Train

TRAVELING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 75 MPH WE RECEIVED A MESSAGE ON THE MESSAGE CENTER ABOUT A FAILURE OF SOME SORT (I DON'T REMEMBER WHAT IT SAID EXACTLY NOW). WE LOST ALL ACCELERATION OF THE CAR. WE PULLED OVER AND LET IT SIT WHILE I LOOKED UP THE ERROR ON MY PHONE. I TRIED THE CAR A BIT LATER AND IT WAS FINE. THEN WE KEPT GE…

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TRAVELING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 75 MPH WE RECEIVED A MESSAGE ON THE MESSAGE CENTER ABOUT A FAILURE OF SOME SORT (I DON'T REMEMBER WHAT IT SAID EXACTLY NOW). WE LOST ALL ACCELERATION OF THE CAR. WE PULLED OVER AND LET IT SIT WHILE I LOOKED UP THE ERROR ON MY PHONE. I TRIED THE CAR A BIT LATER AND IT WAS FINE. THEN WE KEPT GETTING THE ERROR. I TOOK IT TO OUR FORD DEALER AND HE CLEANED THE THROTTLE BODY...THEN REPLACE IT A WEEK LATER WHEN THAT DIDN'T FIX IT. A ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER WE WERE GETTING ANOTHER ERROR ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION FAILING. IT STARTED MAKING A TERRIBLE NOISE. I STILL OWE 3200 ON THIS CAR,,.AND A NEW TRANSMISSION IS OVER 7K. SERIOUSLY?? I HAVE READ SO MANY POSTS ABOUT THE CVT TRANSMISSION ON THE FIVE HUNDRED AND OTHER CARS FAILING. FORD SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES FOR PASSING OFF SOMETHING LIKE THIS. NOW I HAVE A 3200.00 PAPER WEIGHT IN MY DRIVEWAY....AND I CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY ANOTHER CAR. THANKS FORD!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10626874

163,000 miles · Jul 31, 2014
Fuel System, GasolinePower Train

THROTTLE ASSEMBLY PROBLEM. VERY SIMILAR CONCERNS AS EARLIER RECALL WHICH SUPPOSEDLY APPLIED FIX TO THE CAR A COUPLE YEARS AGO. EXCEPT .ALONG WITH UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION WHILE STOPPED A NEW PROBLEM ARISES. MOTOR ACTS AS IF IT IS NOT GETTING FUEL AND SLOWS TO A CRAWL SPUTTERING TO A STOP.. WRENCH MALFUNCTION LIGHT COMES ON. …

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THROTTLE ASSEMBLY PROBLEM. VERY SIMILAR CONCERNS AS EARLIER RECALL WHICH SUPPOSEDLY APPLIED FIX TO THE CAR A COUPLE YEARS AGO. EXCEPT .ALONG WITH UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION WHILE STOPPED A NEW PROBLEM ARISES. MOTOR ACTS AS IF IT IS NOT GETTING FUEL AND SLOWS TO A CRAWL SPUTTERING TO A STOP.. WRENCH MALFUNCTION LIGHT COMES ON. AFTER CARS SITS FOR A PERIOD OF TIME WRENCH DISPLAY GOES OFF AND CAR OPERATES NORMALLY. OWNERS MANUAL INDICATES THAT THIS MAY BE A THROTTLE ASSEMBLY PROBLEM. PRIOR RECALL NOTICE THAT HAS EXPIRED. ON MULTIPLE WEB BOARDS PROBLEM IS MENTION WITH GREAT FREQUENCY FOR THE FORD 500. THIS HAPPENED TO MY WIFE ON A SIDE STREET AT 15-20 MPH. IF IT OCCURRED ON NEXT BUST STREET IT COULD HAVE PRESENTED A DANGEROUS SCENARIO. FORD DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED THIS AS A KNOWN PROBLEM, BUT FORD MFG ONLY PROVIDED 1 TIME FIX IN RECALL & SINCE THE THROTTLE CLEANING FIXED THE PROBLEM AT THE TIME OF RECALL NO FURTHER ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. I MENTIONED THEY DID EXTEND FOR RECURRING PROBLEM BUT THAT EXTENSION 2013. I DON'T FEEL A MFG SHOULD BE ABLE TO TIME LIMIT A PROBLEM RESOLUTION THAT THEY NEVER PERMANENTLY FIX. BY WHAT I READ ON THE WEB THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT NEEDS AREAL RESOLUTION.....COST ME 900+ DOLLARS TO FIX AND FORD NOTHING! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10618003

Official recalls

2

06V383000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Oct 5, 2006

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, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. THE SIDE DOOR LATCH MECHANISMS MAY EXPERIENCE WATER INTRUSION ALLOWING THE LATCH MECHANISM TO FREEZE IN COLD WEATHER.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: AS A RESULT, THE DOOR LATCH PAWL MAY NOT RETURN TO THE LATCH POSITION WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED, AND THE DOOR COULD OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SHIELD OVER THE FRONT LATCHES; SEAL A DRAIN HOLE IN THE REAR WINDOW TRIM MOLDING ON THE FREESTYLE REAR SIDE DOORS; AND APPLY GREASE TO ALL FRONT AND REAR SIDE-DOOR LATCH MECHANISMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 8, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

05V515000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting

Nov 9, 2005

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 (FRONT WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES).

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, DRIVERS MAY NOTICE A NOISE OR A FUEL LEAK. A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FUEL TANK STRAPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 1, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

PE11018 · Idle Instability

Opened May 11, 2011 · Closed Feb 7, 2013

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control

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 Hundred and Mercury Montego vehicles.The program extends the coverage for up to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle (all vehicles are eligible for the program through May 31, 2013, regardless of mileage).Dealers will repair vehicles exhibiting the condition by removing and cleaning the throttle body and reprogramming the PCM with software containing an updated idle speed control strategy.According to Ford, some of the affected vehicles may experience momentary, intermittent engine idle RPM surge (idle flare) when stopped or during low speed driving maneuvers such as in a parking lot or driveway.Unstable idle speed control (dips and flares) around the target engine speed (700 rpm) can occur in vehicles with deposit build-up in the throttle body when the system adjusts engine speed in response to changes in engine load, typically from power steering application or air-conditioner compressor cycling.Idle speed control logic is only active at vehicle speeds below 3.5 mph and when the accelerator pedal is not applied.Ford testing of a vehicle with a worst case throttle body measured a maximum idle flare of 1360 RPM lasting approximately 1 second, which Ford indicated was consistent with system design to limit vehicle speed and acceleration in idle control mode.Ford indicated that the test vehicle was held in place with normal brake effort and that vehicle speed remained under 4 mph without the brake pedal applied.In addition to throttle body deposit accumulation, symptoms associated with the condition may include Check Engine lamp illumination and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0505, P0506 or P061B.Ford attributed the surge condition to changes in idle air flow resulting from the progressive buildup of deposits in the throttle body from normal Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system operation.This condition was not adequately compensated for in the original Powertrain Control Module (PCM) calibration.Ford issued a technical service bulletin on August 15, 2011 (TSB 11-8-5), releasing an updated powertrain control calibration for vehicles with CVT transmissions.On October 19, 2011, Ford issued a second bulletin (TSB 11-10-21) superseding TSB 11-8-5 and including updated powertrain control calibration for vehicles with 6-speed transmissions.Prior to Ford issuing the TSB?s, owner?s experiencing the alleged defect either received no repairs, if dealers could not duplicate the condition, or had the throttle body cleaned or replaced, which only provided temporary correction until the throttle deposit build-up returned.Ford?s revised powertrain calibrations appear to be effective remedies for the idle instability caused by build-up of throttle body deposits.However, even after the TSB?s were released, many owners experiencing the condition continued to have difficulty with proper diagnosis and repair as dealers were often either unable to duplicate the condition or were unfamiliar with the new repair procedures.Ford's new program addresses those concerns.NHTSA's testing and complaint analysis indicate that the idle speed control issue in the subject vehicles can only occur at very low speeds, are very brief events, are easily controlled by moderate brake pedal forces and result in minor increases in vehicle speed even with no braking.This investigation is closed.The closing of this in

PE07058 · Instrument Cluster Failure

Opened Nov 16, 2007 · Closed Mar 11, 2008

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel

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 POWER INTERRUPTION CAUSES THE GAUGES TO SWEEP AND THEN RECOVER TO NORMAL FUNCTION.IN AUGUST 2006, FORD ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB 06-17-9) TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES TO SERVICE TECHNICIANS FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR OF THIS CONDITION.ODI'S REVIEW OF FORD'S RESPONSE TO THE AGENCY'S INFORMATIONREQUEST LETTER REVEALS THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE REPORTS TO FORD (63%) INDICATE THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD EXPERIENCE INTERMITTENT LOSS OF POWER.FORD REPORTS THAT THISLASTS FOR ONLY A FEW SECONDS.ALSO FORD STATES, THE VEHICLE'S EXTERIOR LIGHTING WOULD NOT FAIL TO ILLUMINATE EVEN IN THE EVENT OF POWER INTERRUPTION TO THE CLUSTER BECAUSE THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS ARE POWERED SEPARATELY AND DO NOT RELY ON ANY SIGNAL FROM THE CLUSTER.ADDITIONALLY, ODI CONTACTED COMPLAINANTS WHO AFFIRMED THE INTERMITTENT CONDITION AND THAT NONE OF THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WOULD BE AFFECTED BY POWER INTERRUPTIONS TO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER.ODI LAST RECEIVED A REPORT REGARDING THIS ISSUE IN AUGUST OF 2007.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED AT THIS TIME.ODI WILL HOWEVER CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE ISSUE AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.