NHTSA vehicle safety data

2005 Ford Five Hundred Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2005 Ford Five Hundred has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 510 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Ford dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2005 Ford Five Hundred, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2005 Ford Five Hundred owner complaints

Owners have filed 510 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Ford Five Hundred, describing incidents dated November 15, 2004 to February 19, 2025.

Most-cited components

Power Train 136 complaints
Engine 107 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control 104 complaints
Electrical System 95 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 44 complaints
Service Brakes 44 complaints

Of the 510 complaints on file, 20 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 510 complaints, owners report 14 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11681667 · Filed August 19, 2025
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…
ODI #11576414 · Filed March 9, 2024
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…
ODI #11540215 · Filed August 22, 2023
I have 2 very serious and dangerous issues. The 1st issue, the car will shut off while driving and without warning. I'll be cruzing down the highway and out of no where it shuts off. I then do not have breaks or power stearing. This last Winter my daughter was driving it and it shut off while she…

Read all 510 complaints

Owner-reported

2005 Ford Five Hundred mileage at failure

438 of the 510 complaints on file for the 2005 Ford Five Hundred give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Power Train	Median 75,000 miles	Middle half 50,000–100,000 miles	Based on 120 complaints
Engine	Median 85,000 miles	Middle half 60,000–125,000 miles	Based on 92 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control	Median 95,000 miles	Middle half 65,000–130,000 miles	Based on 88 complaints
Electrical System	Median 75,000 miles	Middle half 40,000–110,000 miles	Based on 84 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System	Median 100,000 miles	Middle half 70,000–155,000 miles	Based on 38 complaints
Service Brakes	Median 30,000 miles	Middle half 18,000–45,000 miles	Based on 33 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2005 Ford Five Hundred in 2 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Preliminary Evaluation PE11-018: Idle instability
Closed February 7, 2013
Preliminary Evaluation PE07-058: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE
Closed March 11, 2008

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

DOOR LATCH MECHANISMS

NHTSA #06V383000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages — Doors — Latch · NHTSA notice

Reported October 5, 2006 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 139,537 vehicles

Ford campaign 06S45 · Owners notified November 8, 2006 · Vehicles built February 16, 2004 – June 20, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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 ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. THE SIDE DOOR LATCH MECHANISMS MAY EXPERIENCE WATER INTRUSION ALLOWING THE LATCH MECHANISM TO FREEZE IN COLD WEATHER.

Safety consequence

AS A RESULT, THE DOOR LATCH PAWL MAY NOT RETURN TO THE LATCH POSITION WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED, AND THE DOOR COULD OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING.

Manufacturer 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. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 8, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Notes

FORD RECALL NO. 06S45.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FUEL LEAK/FIRE

NHTSA #06E056000 · Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA notice

Reported June 13, 2006 · UFI FILTERS USA

Potentially affected: 58,640 vehicles

Owners notified August 4, 2006

Defect description

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

Safety consequence

FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO UFI FILTERS USA (PUROLATOR) AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FUEL TANK STRAP BREAKAGE

NHTSA #05V515000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Storage — Tank Assembly — Mounting · NHTSA notice

Reported November 9, 2005 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 123,206 vehicles

Ford campaign 05S37 · Owners notified December 1, 2005 · Vehicles built January 3, 2005 – June 21, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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).

Safety consequence

IF THIS HAPPENS, DRIVERS MAY NOTICE A NOISE OR A FUEL LEAK. A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FUEL TANK STRAPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 1, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Notes

FORD RECALL NO. 05S37.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

2005 Ford Five Hundred 4-DR

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

11% rollover risk

Safety Technology

2 investigations

510 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2005 Ford Five Hundred.

Power Train

ODI #11681667

Incident: February 19, 2025 · Filed: August 19, 2025

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.

Electrical System; Engine

ODI #11576414

Incident: February 24, 2024 · Filed: March 9, 2024

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

Suspension; Engine

ODI #11540215

Crash 2 injuries

Incident: November 10, 2022 · Filed: August 22, 2023

I have 2 very serious and dangerous issues. The 1st issue, the car will shut off while driving and without warning. I'll be cruzing down the highway and out of no where it shuts off. I then do not have breaks or power stearing. This last Winter my daughter was driving it and it shut off while she was on black ice. The car flew into the ditch and the snow was so deep it was compacted in the entire engine so it was impossible to restart the car. It was akso -37 below temperature. It took me almost a half hour to get to her and she almost froze to death. She sustained frost bite on her hands, toes, ears, and cheeks. She almost died. Issue 2, my daughter was driving and all of the sudden a loud noise and she couldn't steer. The rear control arm bracket that is part of the subframe busted causing the control arm to no longer be attached to the frame. She almost flipped the car when that happened. I looked into it and many cars this year make and model had the exact same thing happen in the exact same spot. So that tells me that it is a manufacturer defect. I had this looked at and inspected by Trusted Tires & Auto. Neither of these issues had any warning at all. So now the car sits unable to be driven. Even if it was fixed I won't drive it or let my daughter drive it and I can't sell it because I don't want anyone else to drive it period. It is a death trap literally and puts everyone's life in dangernear that come near the car. It needs to be recalled immediately. This is absolutely unacceptable and Ford needs to stand behind their product. If this car continues to stay on the roads Many people will die because of all the defects on the car.

Steering; Suspension; Wheels

ODI #11531095

Incident: July 8, 2023 · Filed: July 8, 2023

While driving the front end suspension slips, bounces up and down very harshly, tires slip, squeak, and slide in an hard to control way, sometimes into oncoming traffic when in slightly damp conditions an on roads with any amount of bumps, to the point that I need to drive extremely slow to avoid danger which in turn puts my and my passengers and my kids in danger by goin to slow in regards to the traffic around us. When hitting relatively small bumps the suspension bounces the car severely up and down and across the road into harms way.

Electrical System; Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11531091

Incident: July 8, 2023 · Filed: July 8, 2023

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.

Power Train

ODI #11473538

Incident: July 12, 2022 · Filed: July 12, 2022

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..

Vehicle Speed Control

ODI #11470129

Incident: June 20, 2022 · Filed: June 20, 2022

while we are in idel for a period of time the car wants to surge forward without pushing on the gas. it wants to rev withough the has pedal being pushed. It does it at red lights, stop signs, and if Im in a drive through.

Engine

ODI #11429929

Incident: August 20, 2021 · Filed: August 20, 2021

The contact owns a 2005 Ford Five Hundred. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the "fail safe engine mode" and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle stalled with the RPM revved up. The vehicle jerked while driving at an undisclosed speed. The dealer nor the independent mechanic was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to a dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 122,832.

Electrical System; Vehicle Speed Control; Engine

ODI #11396488

Incident: February 10, 2021 · Filed: February 16, 2021

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.

Power Train; Electrical System; Engine

ODI #11366459

Incident: August 26, 2020 · Filed: October 26, 2020

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

Other Ford Five Hundred model years

Check your 2005 Ford Five Hundred VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Ford Five Hundred at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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