Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Ford 500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford 500. While driving 70 MPH, an unknown warning indicator illuminated while driving and the engine stopped running. The vehicle stopped accelerating and the contact had to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle did not restart and was left on the side of the road. Mike castrucci Ford (1020 oh-28, milford, oh 45150, [phone]) stated that the vehicle had a shutdown feature and it would have to be towed in for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 130,000.
For the past several months my car has been going into "failsafe engine mode" (basically stalling) while excellerating on highway or in stop and go traffic. According to others online this is a problem that is common with a throttle body failure. I have already had the "fix" Ford provided in their customer satisfaction program, however like many others this has not fixed the problem. Ford needs to stand by there products. I can not express to you how dangerous this is to be going highway speed and to have your car stall!!
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford 500. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. In addition, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The fail safe engine mode was displayed across the message board. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford 500. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power. The maintenance warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the throttle body failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Prior to the failure, the vehicle's throttle body was cleaned. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,494. Updated 06/29/16
Failsafe engine mode light cn just as I was slowing down at a red light that just turned green was trying to speed back up when got message didn't no what was happening cars blowing at me I have my two sons scared because they didn't no what was going on I'm scared because I can't even press the gas so I just stop pray no one hits me from the rear cut the car off and start it back up it starts I end my trip bc I don't no what's wrong I'm a single mom. Thank god we were OK
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford 500. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was restarted, but the failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford 500. While parked, a wrench warning light illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed, but the cause of the failure was not found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford 500. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally failed to start. When the vehicle finally started, the check engine and maintenance warning indicators illuminated and the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed, but no failures could be found. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford 500. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning, went into operation safe mode, and decelerated. In addition, the vehicle accelerated when parking the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed as needing the throttle body replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford 500. While driving various speeds, the transmission warning indicator illuminated without warning. In addition, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was diagnosed as needing either a valve body or transmission replacement. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 206,865
Engine complaints in other 500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2005 Ford 500?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2005 Ford 500, 32% of the model year's 99 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2005 Ford 500 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2005 Ford 500. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Ford 500 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 130,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.