Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 199 | −50% | 1 | Acceleration | Good |
| 2006 | 364 | typical | — | Acceleration | Average |
| 2005 | 510 | 1.7× | 2 | Transmission | Caution |
* Complaints compared with the median Five Hundred year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Ford Five Hundred problems
Latest Ford Five Hundred recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
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.
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.
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
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…
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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Mounting
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).
Remedy: Dealers will replace both fuel tank straps. The recall began on December 1, 2005. Owners May contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Ford Five Hundred should you avoid?
2005 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Five Hundred years at the same age, led by transmission & drivetrain problems in the 2005.
What is the best year for the Ford Five Hundred?
2007 has the fewest complaints compared with other Five Hundred years at the same age. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Ford Five Hundred problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the transmission & drivetrain (299), speed control & acceleration (292) and engine & cooling (206). Transmission complaints peak in the 2005 model year.
How many recalls has the Ford Five Hundred had?
3 recalls across 2005–2007. The model year with the most is 2005. See all Ford Five Hundred recalls by year.
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.