NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
136 reportsClear category filter120,500 miles · Jul 29, 2014
Power Train
2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED THIS PRODUCT WITH A CVT TRANSMISSION SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND RECALLED IMMEDIATELY. THERE ARE THOUSANDS FAILING AND IT IS VERY DANGEROUS! THE TRANSMISSION DISENGAGES CAUSING THE AUTOMOBILE TO LOSE POWER WITHOUT WARNING. I'VE SEEN POSTS OF THOUSANDS OF THIS SAME FAILURE BEGINNING AT 3500 MILES! I CON…
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2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED THIS PRODUCT WITH A CVT TRANSMISSION SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND RECALLED IMMEDIATELY. THERE ARE THOUSANDS FAILING AND IT IS VERY DANGEROUS! THE TRANSMISSION DISENGAGES CAUSING THE AUTOMOBILE TO LOSE POWER WITHOUT WARNING. I'VE SEEN POSTS OF THOUSANDS OF THIS SAME FAILURE BEGINNING AT 3500 MILES! I CONTACTED FORD BECAUSE MINE IS DOING THIS AND THEY BASICALLY SENT A FORM LETTER SAYING OH WELL, SORRY ABOUT YOUR LUCK. MANY OF FORD'S PRODUCTS HAVE THIS SAME ISSUE WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSION INCLUDING THE FORD FLEX WHICH IS INVOLVED IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. THE FIVE HUNDRED SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN THIS LAWSUIT AS WELL. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10617188
36,000 miles · May 23, 2014
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolinePower Train
PART OF AN ONGOING SERIES OF ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE (SEE EARLIER REPORTS), INITIAL SYMPTOM WAS THE DASH LIGHTS & NEEDLES SHUTTING OFF INTERMITTENTLY (BUT NOW FOR EXTENDED PERIODS). VEHICLE THEN BEGAN SHOWING RANDOM WARNING LIGHTS INCLUDING "CHECK ENGINE", WHICH WAS DIAGNOSED FIRST TIME AS LOW FUEL LEVEL SENSORS A & B. SINCE …
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PART OF AN ONGOING SERIES OF ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE (SEE EARLIER REPORTS), INITIAL SYMPTOM WAS THE DASH LIGHTS & NEEDLES SHUTTING OFF INTERMITTENTLY (BUT NOW FOR EXTENDED PERIODS). VEHICLE THEN BEGAN SHOWING RANDOM WARNING LIGHTS INCLUDING "CHECK ENGINE", WHICH WAS DIAGNOSED FIRST TIME AS LOW FUEL LEVEL SENSORS A & B. SINCE THAT TIME I'D DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY ON A SUGGESTION OF A MECHANIC FRIEND AND ALL THE ISSUES DISAPPEARED FOR A FEW WEEKS. YESTERDAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK, AND THE CAR WAS RUNNING POORLY (CREEPING WHEN FIRST OFF BRAKES, NOT UP SHIFTING), WHEN THE DASH WAS OPERABLE IT SHOWED ALTERNATING CHECK ENGINE/CHECK TRANSMISSION WARNINGS, AND VEHICLE WAS SURGING/LAGGING NOTICEABLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I AGAIN DID THE BATTERY DISCONNECT LAST NIGHT, AND THE CAR IS OPERATING NORMAL TODAY, BUT I'M SURE IT WILL RECUR SHORTLY. I AM HESITANT TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER AS THIS SOUNDS LIKE A SIGNIFICANT ELECTRONICS ISSUE, AND I HAVE ALREADY READ UP ON THE FORD TSB 06-17-9 THAT IS DOCUMENTED ONLINE, NOT ALL OF WHICH ALIGNS WITH MY ISSUES. HAD THE BATTERY RESET HAD NO IMPACT ON THE PROBLEMS I WOULD SAY IT'S A MECHANICAL MATTER, BUT IT SEEMS CLEAR ITS A COMPUTER OR ELECTRICAL ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10593629
89,600 miles · May 17, 2014
EnginePower Train
ON THE INTERSTATE HEADED TOWARDS DENVER, AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR, WHEN TO ACCELERATE FROM ABOUT 70MPH TO ASCEND UP THE HILLS, THE ENGINE RPMS ACCELERATE, HOWEVER, IT FEELS THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS DISENGAGED (SLIPPING) WITH NO POWER TO THE DRIVETRAIN RESULTING IN A DRASTIC LOSS OF SPEED. THIS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES IN EFFORTS TO …
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ON THE INTERSTATE HEADED TOWARDS DENVER, AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR, WHEN TO ACCELERATE FROM ABOUT 70MPH TO ASCEND UP THE HILLS, THE ENGINE RPMS ACCELERATE, HOWEVER, IT FEELS THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS DISENGAGED (SLIPPING) WITH NO POWER TO THE DRIVETRAIN RESULTING IN A DRASTIC LOSS OF SPEED. THIS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES IN EFFORTS TO REGAIN CONTROL AND MAINTAIN SPEED. THIS WAS EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS AS TRAFFIC WAS SOMEWHAT CONGESTED, AND OTHER DRIVERS ARE EXPECTING ME TO ACCELERATE, HOWEVER, VEHICLE WAS IN A DECELERATING MODE. THIS WAS ONLY WITH LIGHT PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR. IT SOUNDED AS IF THE GEARS HAD STRIPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION. WE TURNED AROUND AND HEADED HOME, AUTO WOULD NOT ALLOW SPEEDS OVER 60MPH. LATER THE SAME HAPPENED AT SPEEDS OF 35-40 ON LOCAL ROADS. THESE TRANSMISSIONS ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. FORD KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM AND REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THEM. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10592189
96,651 miles · Apr 6, 2014
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
WHEN STOPPED AT RED LIGHT, CAR SHOOK A COUPLE TIMES THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IMMEDIATELY CAME ON. WHEN RED LIGHT TURNED GREEN, TOOK FOOT OFF OF BRAKE AND PRESSED GAS PEDAL AND WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE, BUT CAR WAS STILL ON. THROTTLE BODY CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDS REPLACEMENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10577790
129,928 miles · Mar 2, 2014
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
APPROXIMATELY TWO MONTHS AFTER SERVICE PERFORMED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN PE11018 THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE IRREGULARLY AND THEN IT PLACED ITSELF INTO "FAIL SAFE" MODE AND ILLUMINATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE FORD DEALER THAT PERFORMED THE SERVICE AND THEY DETERMINED THAT THE ELECTRIC THROTTLE CONTRO…
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APPROXIMATELY TWO MONTHS AFTER SERVICE PERFORMED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN PE11018 THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE IRREGULARLY AND THEN IT PLACED ITSELF INTO "FAIL SAFE" MODE AND ILLUMINATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE FORD DEALER THAT PERFORMED THE SERVICE AND THEY DETERMINED THAT THE ELECTRIC THROTTLE CONTROL WAS AT FAULT BUT WAS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE SERVICE THEY PERFORMED ON THE SAME COMPONENT JUST WEEKS EARLIER. DEALER CONTACTED FORD MOTOR CO AND THEY ALSO CLAIMED THE TWO WERE NOT RELATED REGARDLESS OF THE SIMILAR CLAIMS FOUND ONLINE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10566671
30,000 miles · Jan 18, 2014
Power TrainStructureCrash
I HAVE TAKEN MY 2005 FORD 500 TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER SO MANY TIMES I CAN NOT COUNT FOR THE SAME RECURRING ISSUES. THIS VEHICLE ALWAYS LUNGES WHEN I PUT IN GEAR IN REVERSE OR FORWARD. THE CAR LUNGED BACKWARD STRIKING A PARKED CAR THE FIRST WEEK I GOT IT. I PAID FOR ALL DAMAGE CAUSE I DIDN'T WANT TO CLAIM NEW CAR ON MY INSURANCE.…
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I HAVE TAKEN MY 2005 FORD 500 TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER SO MANY TIMES I CAN NOT COUNT FOR THE SAME RECURRING ISSUES. THIS VEHICLE ALWAYS LUNGES WHEN I PUT IN GEAR IN REVERSE OR FORWARD. THE CAR LUNGED BACKWARD STRIKING A PARKED CAR THE FIRST WEEK I GOT IT. I PAID FOR ALL DAMAGE CAUSE I DIDN'T WANT TO CLAIM NEW CAR ON MY INSURANCE. WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY ENGINE STARTS TO DECELERATE WHILE TRYING TO PASS CAR OR CHANGE LANES..BIG PROBLEM IN TRAFFIC..HAVE TO FLOOR IT TILL IT KICKS INTO GEAR. DANGEROUS. THEN, EVERYTIME IT RAINS, ALL 4 DOORS FILL WITH WATER..I HAVE TO LIFT UP RUBBER AT THE BOTTOM..CLEAR THE HOLES..WAIT FOR 5 MINUTES EACH DOOR. EVERY WINTER THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH FREEZES UP AND I CAN'T CLOSE THE DOOR..I THOUGHT THEY DEALER FIXED THE DOOR LATCH DUE TO A SAFETY RECALL..THAT IS NOT THE CASE..SEVERAL TIMES, I HAVE HAD TO DRIVE TO WORK 15 MINUTES HOLDING THE DOOR SHUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY.DANGEROUS. I HAVE HAD IT LUBED WITH SEVERAL PRODUCTS, DOESN'T WORK..THE SERVICE MANAGER AT MY LOCAL FORD DEALER SHOWED ME HOW TO HOLD THE DOOR HANDLE OPEN WHILE USING A SCREWDRIVER TO FREE THE LATCH..HANDY LITTLE TRICK. I KEEP SILICONE LUBE SPRAY, SCREWDRIVER, PLIERS, AND A JUMPER BOX IN THE CAR AT ALL TIMES.I HAVE CALLED FORD MOTOR CO. MANY TIMES..ALWAYS GOT RUN AROUND AND NO STRAIGHT ANSWERS. FINALLY LAST WEEK AFTER CALLING 5 TIMES, I WAS TRANSFERRED TO A SUPERVISOR THAT EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THE OTHER 10 TIMES I CALLED.NO COMPLAINT WAS FILED AND INFORMED ME ON THE COMPLAINT PROCESS..I JUST PURCHASED A NEW TAURUS AND AM HOPING TO LET MY SON USE THE 500 TO DRIVE TO COLLEGE DAILY..I AM CONCERNED ABOUT HIS SAFETY IN THIS CAR..SO UNLESS THESE ISSUES ARE ADDRESSED AND CORRECTED, I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO..I HAVE PUT A LOT MONEY INTO THIS CAR.WHAT HAPPEN TO THE LEMON LAW. THIS CAR IS A LEMON. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10560463
55,000 miles · Jan 17, 2014
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHILE DRIVING UPHILL AT 40 MPH . THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT A CLEAR DIAGNOSIS WAS NOT GIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
NHTSA ODI #10560355
157,000 miles · Nov 9, 2013
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
WHEN I STARTED IT UP AND TRIED TO TAKE OFF IT STALLED OUT AND THE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10551609
51,000 miles · Nov 6, 2013
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SERVICE NOTICE FROM THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT A THROTTLE BODY REMEDY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND ROUTINE SERVICE. THE THROTTLE BODY WAS CLEANED BUT THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO IDLE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CHECK ENGINE L…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SERVICE NOTICE FROM THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT A THROTTLE BODY REMEDY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND ROUTINE SERVICE. THE THROTTLE BODY WAS CLEANED BUT THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO IDLE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CHECK ENGINE LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000. UPDATED 01/07/2014*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE DURING THE TEST DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT WENT INTO FAIL SAFE MODE. THE TECH RESET THE LIGHT AND RETURNED THE VEHICLE. N THE WAY HOME THE VEHICLE WENT INTO FAIL SAFE MODE AGAIN ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. UPDATED 01/22/2014 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10551091
133,500 miles · Sep 26, 2013
Power Train
MY 2005 FORD 500 WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED OFF ROAD AND RESTARTED, BUT NO POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A THROTTLE BODY FAILURE. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10545581
Official recalls
2Oct 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.
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
2PE11018 · 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.
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