Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
220–25K
3125–50K
5550–75K
4175–100K
25100–150K
5150K+
179 reports with mileage · 20 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 70 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 59 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
17 crash reports3 fire reports4 injury reports
What owners actually said
199 reports
500 miles · Oct 3, 2007
Fuel System, GasolineStructure
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. DURING AN INSPECTION, THE CONTACT REALIZED THAT THE PLATE NUT WAS NOT PLACED DEEP ENOUGH INTO THE PANEL, WHICH PREVENTED THE FUEL FILLER NECK FROM BEING SECURELY FASTENED TO THE FENDER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL FILLER NECK ADAPTER WAS NOT SECURELY ATTACHED. THE DEALER ATTEM…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. DURING AN INSPECTION, THE CONTACT REALIZED THAT THE PLATE NUT WAS NOT PLACED DEEP ENOUGH INTO THE PANEL, WHICH PREVENTED THE FUEL FILLER NECK FROM BEING SECURELY FASTENED TO THE FENDER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL FILLER NECK ADAPTER WAS NOT SECURELY ATTACHED. THE DEALER ATTEMPTED TO TIGHTEN THE BOLTS, HOWEVER, IT CREATED A LARGER GAP. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE IS A STILL A 1/8" GAP BETWEEN FUEL FILLER AND NECK ADAPTOR AND RIGHT REAR FENDER PANEL. THE DEALER STATED REAR MUFFLER HANGER HAS CORROSION. UPDATED 10/18/07 *TR
NHTSA ODI #10204755
19,600 miles · Sep 27, 2007
Air Bags
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE STICKER ON THE WINDOW STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS, HOWEVER, IT WAS NOT. THE DEALER WOULD NOT INSTALL THE AIR BAGS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,600 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000. EQ-10204261-4200. DATE RECEIVED 12/12/07. UPDATED 12/12/07 *…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE STICKER ON THE WINDOW STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS, HOWEVER, IT WAS NOT. THE DEALER WOULD NOT INSTALL THE AIR BAGS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,600 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000. EQ-10204261-4200. DATE RECEIVED 12/12/07. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR
NHTSA ODI #10204261
2,379 miles · May 24, 2007
Air BagsCrashInjury
DRIVING A FORD 500, INVOLVED IN A CRASH. CAR WAS HIT BROADSIDE BY ANOTHER DRIVER GOING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, CAUSING THE WHEEL TO FOLD IN, THE BACK OF THE FRONT QUARTER PANEL AND DRIVERS SIDE DOOR ARE CRUSHED. DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI #10191691
20,000 miles · Apr 12, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or OtherFire
I HAD JUST DRIVEN TO MY BROTHER'S HOUSE IN WV. MY WIFE AND I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND WENT INSIDE. ABOUT 15 MINUTES LATER MY BROTHER SAW SMOKE IN THE WINDOW AND SAW THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. WE ALL WENT OUTSIDE AND WHILE THEY CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT I TRIED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH A HOSE. I COULD ONLY KNOCK IT DOWN SOME TO…
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I HAD JUST DRIVEN TO MY BROTHER'S HOUSE IN WV. MY WIFE AND I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND WENT INSIDE. ABOUT 15 MINUTES LATER MY BROTHER SAW SMOKE IN THE WINDOW AND SAW THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. WE ALL WENT OUTSIDE AND WHILE THEY CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT I TRIED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH A HOSE. I COULD ONLY KNOCK IT DOWN SOME TO KEEP IT FROM SPREADING BUT WHEN THE FIRE DEPT GOT THEY PUT IT OUT. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10187705
2,500 miles · Apr 4, 2007
Fuel System, Other
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT SMELLED GAS WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED GAS LEAKING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A FORD DEALER AND THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AS A PUNCTURE IN THE FUEL LINE. THE DEALER WAS REPLACING THE FUEL LINE. …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT SMELLED GAS WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED GAS LEAKING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A FORD DEALER AND THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AS A PUNCTURE IN THE FUEL LINE. THE DEALER WAS REPLACING THE FUEL LINE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 2,500.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10186975
Mileage unknown · Mar 24, 2007
Structure
SIX MONTHS AFTER WE PURCHASED OUR NEW FORD 500 FROM A LOCAL DEALER WE HAD MICE IN THE CAR. THEY ATE A HOLE IN THE REAR SEAT AND GOT INTO OUR WINTER SURVIVAL GEAR INCLUDING A DOWN SLEEPING BAG. THE DEALER WAS VERY COOPERATIVE AND TRACKED HOW THE MICE GOT IN. IT WAS THROUGH THE AIR RELEASE VENTS IN THE TRUNK. THE MICE SIMPLY …
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SIX MONTHS AFTER WE PURCHASED OUR NEW FORD 500 FROM A LOCAL DEALER WE HAD MICE IN THE CAR. THEY ATE A HOLE IN THE REAR SEAT AND GOT INTO OUR WINTER SURVIVAL GEAR INCLUDING A DOWN SLEEPING BAG. THE DEALER WAS VERY COOPERATIVE AND TRACKED HOW THE MICE GOT IN. IT WAS THROUGH THE AIR RELEASE VENTS IN THE TRUNK. THE MICE SIMPLY CAME IN THROUGH THE VENTS THAT WERE DESIGNED TO RELEASE AIR WHEN THE DOORS WERE CLOSED. IT WAS A DESIGN FLAW. ALL FORD WOULD HAVE HAD TO DO WAS TO INCLUDE METAL SCREEN OVER THE VENTS. WHEN OUR LOCAL DEALER ASKED FORD TO COVER THE COST OF REPLACING THE SEAT THEY WERE TOLD THAT THE FACTORY DIDN'T COVER MICE. WE LIVE IN A COLD CLIMATE. SOMEONE LIVING IN THE SOUTH OR SOUTHWEST COULD HAVE A LOT NASTIER VISITOR IN THEIR CAR THAN A MOUSE. EVEN MICE CAN CHEW ON WIRES AND TRASH A CAR IN A SHORT TIME. AK
NHTSA ODI #10186088
192 miles · Mar 19, 2007
Structure
2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED CUSTOMER STATES THAT THEY OBSERVED DAMPNESS AND WHAT APPEARED TO BE MOLD BENEATH THE FLOOR MATS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, BOTH FRONT AND BACK**NAR**CC THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THERE WERE LEAKS AROUND THE WINDSHIELD AND THAT THE VEHICLE HAD SAT ON THE LOT FOR 2 TO 3 MONTHS BEFORE IT WAS PURCHASED.…
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2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED CUSTOMER STATES THAT THEY OBSERVED DAMPNESS AND WHAT APPEARED TO BE MOLD BENEATH THE FLOOR MATS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, BOTH FRONT AND BACK**NAR**CC THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THERE WERE LEAKS AROUND THE WINDSHIELD AND THAT THE VEHICLE HAD SAT ON THE LOT FOR 2 TO 3 MONTHS BEFORE IT WAS PURCHASED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10186852
11,400 miles · Mar 7, 2007
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGE DURING A TORNADO. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED THE BATTERY AND THE OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE OIL LEVELS IN THE VEHICLE WERE NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY BEING DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,090. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10184438
1,900 miles · Jan 10, 2007
Back Over PreventionEquipment
TL* - THE CONTACT HAS A 2007 FORD 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BACKUP SENSORS CANNOT BE HEARD OVER THE RADIO, AND VOLUME CANNOT BE ADJUSTED ON THE RADIO SO THAT ONE CAN HEAR THE SENSORS. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAS THIS FEATURE IN THE FORD TRUCK, AND THAT THE RADIO AUTOMATICALLY TURNS DOWN WHEN THE BACKUP SE…
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TL* - THE CONTACT HAS A 2007 FORD 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BACKUP SENSORS CANNOT BE HEARD OVER THE RADIO, AND VOLUME CANNOT BE ADJUSTED ON THE RADIO SO THAT ONE CAN HEAR THE SENSORS. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAS THIS FEATURE IN THE FORD TRUCK, AND THAT THE RADIO AUTOMATICALLY TURNS DOWN WHEN THE BACKUP SENSORS COME ON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE DEPENDS ON THE SENSORS BECAUSE HE HAS THE FEATURE, BUT IT DOES NO M GOOD TO HAVE IT IF HE CAN'T HEAR IT. THE CONTACT WOULD LIKE THE CAR TO BE WIRED SO THAT THE RADIO'S VOLUME LOWERS AUTOMATICALLY AND HE CAN HEAR THE SENSOR. *AK UPDATED 2/13/2007 - *NM
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED AND MERCURY MONTEGO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 11, 2006. THE FUEL TANKS MAY NOT HAVE CONSISTENT WELDS BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL FILLER NECK SPUD WHICH CAN AFFECT THE STRENGTH OF THE JOINT. SOME FUEL TANK SPUD WELDS MAY NOT PROVIDE THE EXPECTED STRENGTH IN THE EVENT OF A SEVERE REAR IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. AN IMPROPER WELD CAN RESULT IN A CRACK IN THE JOINT WHICH COULD ILLUMINATE THE EMISSIONS MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT, CAUSE A FUEL ODOR, OR ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK OUT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 16, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
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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