2005 Ford Five Hundred Electrical Problems

95 owners have reported electrical system problems with the 2005 Ford Five Hundred to NHTSA — 19% of all 510 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 75,000 miles. That ranks #1 of 3 Five Hundred model years for electrical complaints (a typical year has 51). No electrical recall has been issued for this model year.

95complaints
75ktypical miles
0related recalls
1crashes
3fires
0injuries

Which parts fail

  • Instrument cluster/panel
    17
  • Wiring
    2
  • Ignition
    1
  • 12V/24V/48V battery
    1

Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    1012%
  • 25k–50k
    1720%
  • 50k–75k
    1518%
  • 75k–100k
    1518%
  • 100k–150k
    1315%
  • 150k+
    1417%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Ford Five Hundred owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

I am having problem with the reset button in my 2005 five hundred ford, the oil light stays on after oil changes, no one does not know how to reset, the reset button does not work, several mechanic told me not to worry about it , but the car can't pass the smog, it reads not ready, they told my to take a ride for about 50 miles and drive up to sixty miles per hour. . On going problem and I am running out of money, can you help, please

Feb 2024

The engine keep going into limp mode. The car stalls out while at lights an stop signs, power steering goes out on highway an other roads making it impossible to steer or steer out of others ways, limp mode causes car to not be able to keep up with traffic on highway and other roads. Engine jerks forward an shifts irractically an shifts an downshifts hard.

Jul 2023

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Five Hundred. After placing fuel in the vehicle, white smoke emerged from the engine compartment. The contact opened the hood and flames emerged from the engine and the smoke turned black. The fire department extinguished the fire; however, the fire erupted again and would not stop until the battery was disconnected. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The dealer was not contacted and the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 250,000.

250,000 miles · Feb 2018 · fire

I was at red light person crossing road I was I. Drive foot on brake, rpms shot up engine reeves cat lunged forward I pressed harder in brake almost hit person. At the time no warning lights. Then at pharmacy drive thru w car I. From and I. Back of me car did same thing. I had to press brake hard to prevent moving hitting car in from of me. I was in drive but foot on brake! No warning lights at time. Had throttle body replaced still had similar problems progressing little did I know when throttle body is replaced has to be reprogrammed by Ford! Spent so much money and time trying to figure out problem. This is a flaw w Ford 500 2005 throttle body many complaints and test does never issues recall, unsafe. I could have killed someone.

170,000 miles · Feb 2021

I will never buy another Ford vehicle ever again!!!!!! I own a 2005 Ford Five Hundred there was a recall in 2012 on the throttle body, a Ford dealer supposably cleaned the throttle body, well now its not driveable. We have since talked to several Ford dealers including Ford motor company , they all said it was our responsibility to fix the problem. I do not think it should be my responsibility to pay for this since the part was recalled !!! The car could stall at anytime while driving putting myself and my family at risk, I don't think much of this automobile company for not standing behind there product, I will never recommend a Ford vehicle to friends,family or even my worst enemy never never again!!!!

177,000 miles · Jul 2016

My wife called me outside and said the passenger side headlight was out, I said no problem I'll have it replaced in the morning, go ahead with one head-light, she only went around the block and came back screaming that the car was on fire, and the fire was right behind the headlight that just went out. I extinguished the flame and disconnected the battery. The car has been towed to the shop for an estimate. I contacted my Ford dealer, the car is not under warranty, 2005 Ford Five-Hundred with 58,150 miles in excellent condition. He said " they have never heard of that happening before, and to contact Ford customer relations on Monday.

58,000 miles · Jun 2009 · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Five Hundred. The contact stated that when the ignition was turned to the on position, the vehicle was shifted out of park and the RPM gauge fluctuated. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the RPM surge failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000. The VIN was unavailable. Ma 10/25/15

101,000 miles · Dec 2012

I purchased the car used with the understanding that it had some issues with a misfire. Upon initial inspection I fount the car was throwing the code p0351 I cleared all faults and problem went away weks went by and problem started again but more sever during normal operation the car started shaking and shifting erratic I then came upon some k formation as to a recall Ford put in place stating improper calibration of PCM and TCM cause unnecessary interaction I the electrical system and malfunction of the vehicle

237,000 miles · Aug 2020

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Five Hundred. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost power and jerked. All the lights on the instrument panel illuminated. The vehicle had to be turned off and restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the computer needed to be replaced. The computer was replaced, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.

95,000 miles · May 2010

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford Five Hundred. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle, he noticed that smoke filled the interior. The contact then noticed that the trunk light was on fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire. The fire department was not called and no one was injured. The contact called the manufacturer and filed a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 84,000.

84,000 miles · Apr 2012 · fire

NHTSA investigations

Instrument cluster failure

NHTSA investigation PE07058 · opened Nov 16, 2007 · closed Mar 11, 2008

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…

Electrical complaints in other Five Hundred years

200520062007955122
Electrical complaints per model year, Ford Five Hundred.

Frequently asked questions

How common are electrical problems on the 2005 Ford Five Hundred?

NHTSA has 95 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Ford Five Hundred, 19% of the model year's 510 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (17 mentions).

Is there a recall for 2005 Ford Five Hundred electrical problems?

No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2005 Ford Five Hundred, though it has 2 recalls for other components. 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 Five Hundred electrical problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.

Is it dangerous?

Owners linked 1 crash, 3 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.

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.