Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
My throttle body went completely out at 99481 miles. I paid approx. $800 for the repair/replacement. Ford motor company reimbursed for the service on 12/11/2012 after so many complaints had been made about the throttle body in this model that they were paying for previous services for any repairs/replacements made for this part. I believe the replacement part used was also defective, and made mention of my concern to my Ford dealership at the time. They agreed that there was no guarantee that I did not receive a defective replacement part as the new part they were using a year later was different. I have had my replacement throttle body cleaned and re-programmed several times (at least twice a year since the replacement). Ford motor company will do nothing now that I have been told I need a new throttle body which is about an $800 repair. …
I was driving on the highway and my vehicle will go into limp mode and have no power, when I pull over after almost smashing up the car jerked and I shut it off and turn it on its fine but this same problem keeps occurring every day at different speeds. I have a trick I put it in nutral and shut it off while im driving and that will correct the problem, it will do it ten times im a row and its very dangerious, I went to the dealer and po 701 code came up and they said ot a internal failure and found no metal scraps under the pan filter, so far they saod the transmission is no good and cant be repair but after 15,000 miles later the car still drives but does that everyday, is there amythimg I can do to repair this transmission I cant afford the $7,500 price quote they said. I. Need help with car and still driving it till this day 5 12 15
The contact owns a 2006 Ford Five Hundred. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping. The contact restarted the vehicle and the transmission worked as designed for a while. While traveling up a hill or at a stop light, the vehicle would drift backwards. The contact had to let the vehicle drift to shift into gear. At times the vehicle failed to shift. The engine and wrench warning lights were illuminated. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford Five Hundred. When the contact placed the vehicle in reverse, it rolled forward and struck another parked vehicle. There was no damage to either vehicle and no injuries. A police report was not filed. When the contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, it operated normally. Tom peck Ford (located at 13900 automall dr, huntley, il 60142, [phone]) was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000. Consumer was told something was wrong with the air bag by the dealer tom peck.
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Five Hundred. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal knocking sound. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, where the flywheel was replaced twice with used parts because the part had been discontinued. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check transmission warning light, the check engine warning light, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart but was undrivable. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
While waiting at the light in traffic, my car all of a sudden Accelerated, and decelerates, I have to push hard on the breaks in order for it to not slam into the cars infront of me.. this is really dangerous, from what I have been reading this is a wide spread issue that ford has ignored for years..
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Five Hundred years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2005 (136), 2006 (104) and 2007 (59) model years. Transmission complaints make up 27% of all complaints for the 2005.
Is there a recall for Ford Five Hundred transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Ford Five Hundred model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Ford Five Hundred transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles; 23% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (107 mentions), followed by the driveline (4).
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.