Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
440–25K
5225–50K
7950–75K
6775–100K
62100–150K
25150K+
329 reports with mileage · 35 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.
Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 118 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 104 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 51 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 reports4 injury reports
What owners actually said
364 reports
89,000 miles · Jul 24, 2014
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FIVE HUNDRED LIMITED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE ENGINE STARTED TO MAKE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE AND NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE JERKED IN A FORWARD MOTION. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE RESUMED ITS NORMAL OP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FIVE HUNDRED LIMITED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE ENGINE STARTED TO MAKE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE AND NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE JERKED IN A FORWARD MOTION. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE RESUMED ITS NORMAL OPERATIONS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE CVT TRANSMISSION AND THAT THE DRIVE SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. ## VIN PASSED ## 2006 FORD 500 LIMITED ##
NHTSA ODI #10616096
13,637 miles · Jul 14, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
SINCE 2009 MY FORD 500 HAS HAD ISSUES WITH NO A/C AND SURGING. THEY COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS GOING ON (FORD) AND EVENTUALLY FOUND IT TO SUPPOSEDLY BE THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY. AFTER THAT WAS "FIXED" THE CAR DID NOT SURGE BUT THE A/C WOULD NOT WORK WHEN THE CAR WAS IDLE IN WARM WEATHER. I'VE TAKEN THE CAR BACK AT LEAS…
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SINCE 2009 MY FORD 500 HAS HAD ISSUES WITH NO A/C AND SURGING. THEY COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS GOING ON (FORD) AND EVENTUALLY FOUND IT TO SUPPOSEDLY BE THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY. AFTER THAT WAS "FIXED" THE CAR DID NOT SURGE BUT THE A/C WOULD NOT WORK WHEN THE CAR WAS IDLE IN WARM WEATHER. I'VE TAKEN THE CAR BACK AT LEAST A DOZEN + TIMES WITH THIS ISSUE. NOW THE CAR IS BEGINNING TO SURGE AGAIN TOO... IT HAPPENED TWICE, NOT ALWAYS BUT IT HAPPENS... IT IS QUITE SCARY WHEN THERE IS A CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND I AM AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR SIGN AND THE CAR SURGES FORWARD - I HAVE CALLED FORD MOTOR CO NUMEROUS TIMES AND TAKEN IT TO MY FORD DEALER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10610536
106,000 miles · Jul 13, 2014
Power Train
WHILE DRIVING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND WRENCH ILLUMINATE AND YOU CAN NO LONGER ACCELERATE. I MUST SAFELY PULL OVER TURN CAR OFF AND RESTART SOMETIMES HARD TO RESTART. WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC THROTTLE BODY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED OVER $600. IF SO MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES THE PART SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10610205
130,000 miles · Jul 2, 2014
Engine
THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD A SURGING AND STALLING ISSUE EVER SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED. IT WOULD COME AND GO THROUGHOUT THE YEARS BUT GOT MUCH WORSE RECENTLY. WHEN STOPPED AT A LIGHT FOR INSTANCE THE IDLE SPEED BECOMES LOW AND SOMETIMES STALLS. IT WILL SURGE MAKING SLOW TURNS AND SURGE WHEN PUT INTO DRIVE. IT WILL SURGE FORWARD WHEN …
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THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD A SURGING AND STALLING ISSUE EVER SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED. IT WOULD COME AND GO THROUGHOUT THE YEARS BUT GOT MUCH WORSE RECENTLY. WHEN STOPPED AT A LIGHT FOR INSTANCE THE IDLE SPEED BECOMES LOW AND SOMETIMES STALLS. IT WILL SURGE MAKING SLOW TURNS AND SURGE WHEN PUT INTO DRIVE. IT WILL SURGE FORWARD WHEN TURNING INTO A PARKING SPOT AND IN MANY OTHER INSTANCES. IF YOU ARE IN DRIVE AND PUT IT INTO PARK THE RPM WILL ALSO SURGE AS HIGH AS 2500. SINCE I HAVE BEEN READING UP ON THE ISSUE I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A LETTER SENT OUT TO OWNERS OF MY MODEL WHICH I DID NOT RECEIVE. THE PROBLEM WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ADDRESSED FOR FREE PER R12N03. OF COURSE THE COVERAGE ENDED ON 03/31/2013. I DID NOT RECEIVE THIS NOTICE AND SHOULD STILL BE ABLE TO GET THIS REPAIR DONE FOR FREE. IT SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10607734
70,000 miles · Jun 4, 2014
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE SKID, SERVICE ENGINE, AND TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO LIMP MODE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE TRANSMISSION DIFFERENTIAL. THE M…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE SKID, SERVICE ENGINE, AND TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO LIMP MODE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE TRANSMISSION DIFFERENTIAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
NHTSA ODI #10596162
50,000 miles · May 21, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
VEHICLE WAS STALLING OUT FINALLY QUIT, HAD IT TOWED TO A FORD DEALER, WAS ADVISE THAT THE THROTTLEBODY HAD SHORTED OUT. THEY SAY IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACE BY THE FORD DEALERSHIP DUE TO A MANUFACTURE DEFECT 6 YEARS AGO. THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAT 50,000 MILES ON. WHAT ESTIMATE COST OF REPAIRING I…
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VEHICLE WAS STALLING OUT FINALLY QUIT, HAD IT TOWED TO A FORD DEALER, WAS ADVISE THAT THE THROTTLEBODY HAD SHORTED OUT. THEY SAY IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACE BY THE FORD DEALERSHIP DUE TO A MANUFACTURE DEFECT 6 YEARS AGO. THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAT 50,000 MILES ON. WHAT ESTIMATE COST OF REPAIRING IS $970.00. WE HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE. BUT I THINK FOR SHOULD FIX IT WITHOUT CHARGE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10593290
60,000 miles · May 11, 2014
EngineVehicle Speed Control
MY CAR MAKES HARSH JERKING MOTION WHILE I AM DRIVING. THE MOTION OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY SO I AM UNABLE TO PREDICT WHEN IT WILL OCCUR. HOWEVER, IT DOES HAPPEN WHILE THE CAR IS IN AN MOTION AND UPON ACCELERATION. AFTER FIRST EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEM. THE MOTOR MOUNT OF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THIS SEEMED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM FOR…
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MY CAR MAKES HARSH JERKING MOTION WHILE I AM DRIVING. THE MOTION OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY SO I AM UNABLE TO PREDICT WHEN IT WILL OCCUR. HOWEVER, IT DOES HAPPEN WHILE THE CAR IS IN AN MOTION AND UPON ACCELERATION. AFTER FIRST EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEM. THE MOTOR MOUNT OF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THIS SEEMED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS, THEN THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. NOT AS HARSH AS PREVIOUSLY BUT NONETHELESS, THE RIDE FEELS UNSAFE AND THE ISSUE HAPPENS ERRATICALLY. THIS PROBLEM HAS CONTINUED FOR OVER A YEAR. DURING THIS TIME I HAVE RESEARCHED ONLINE TO FIND THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AND COMPLAINT AMONG CONSUMERS. WHY HAS THIS VEHICLE NOT BEEN RECALLED? THIS IS A PRESSING ISSUE FOR ME AS IT IS NOT A SECURE FEELING TO LOSE CONTROL OF YOUR VEHICLE MOMENTARILY. I ALSO HAVE TO CONSIDER THE SAFETY OF MY UNBORN CHILD. THE FORD FIVE HUNDRED VEHICLES WITH MAJOR MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS NEED TO BE RECALLED AND TAKEN OFF THE MARKET, NOT SIMPLY "FIXED." AFTER A FIRE OR MAJOR ACCIDENT HAS TAKEN PLACE, IT IS EVIDENT THAT "FIXING" THE CARS IS NOT THE BEST SOLUTION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10587689
18,000 miles · May 6, 2014
EnginePower Train
FROM THE DAY I BOUGHT THE CAR THE A/C HAS NOT WORKED PROPERLY. IT ONLY COOLS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR WHEN TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE IS LESS THAN 70 DEGREES, THE ENGINE HAS NEVER IDLED SMOOTHLY AND WATER COLLECTS IN THE DOORS. THE MAIN ISSUE I'VE BEEN HAVING IS THAT IT SURGES AT STOP LIGHTS AND TOTALLY SHUTS DOWN GOING DOWN THE ROAD. MOTO…
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FROM THE DAY I BOUGHT THE CAR THE A/C HAS NOT WORKED PROPERLY. IT ONLY COOLS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR WHEN TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE IS LESS THAN 70 DEGREES, THE ENGINE HAS NEVER IDLED SMOOTHLY AND WATER COLLECTS IN THE DOORS. THE MAIN ISSUE I'VE BEEN HAVING IS THAT IT SURGES AT STOP LIGHTS AND TOTALLY SHUTS DOWN GOING DOWN THE ROAD. MOTOR, GAUGES EVERYTHING SHUTS DOWN SOMETIMES FOR 8-10 SECONDS. THIS IS SPORADIC AND MORE COMMON WHEN THE A/C IS IN USE. I HAVE HAD THE THROTTLE BODY CLEANED AND REPROGRAMMED SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO CHANGE WHAT SO EVER. I JUST HAD A NEW ONE INSTALLED AND IT SHUT DOWN ON ME WITHIN 1 MILE OF DEALERSHIP. IT HAS BEEN VERY FRUSTRATING TO SAY THE LEAST. I'VE BEEN SAYING IT IS SOMETHING WITH THE A/C SINCE DAY ONE BUT ALL THEY WANTED TO DO IS REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY. I AM AT MY WITS END AND JUST WANT IT FIXED! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10586743
50,000 miles · May 3, 2014
Structure
THE FRONT LIP OF THE HOOD HAS PAINT PEELING OFF. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10586320
5,000 miles · May 3, 2014
Structure
ALL FOUR DOORS FILL WITH WATER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10586319
Official recalls
0
No recalls in this snapshot.
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
1
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
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