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ProblemsByVin File / 2005-FORD-FIVE-HUNDRED
2005 · ford

ford Five Hundred problems

1 safety recall. 510 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.8 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
121 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
electrical
81 reports · avg $850
moderate
cruise control
69 reports · avg $600
moderate
engine
62 reports · avg $3,100
severe
brakes
37 reports · avg $450
moderate
body
26 reports · avg $1,500
moderate
fuel system
17 reports · avg $1,200
moderate
suspension
14 reports · avg $900
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2005 Five Hundred · body
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE A FRAME DETACHED FROM…
12/31/2007 · NHTSA ODI #10213259.0
2005 Five Hundred · brakes
I PURCHASED A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED IN JULY 2005. I HAD NOTICED IMMEDIATELY THAT A LARGE AMOUNT OF BLACK BRAKE DUST ACCUMULATED ON THE REAR WHEELS. THIS VEHICLE IS DRIVEN 80 TO 90 PERCENT OF THE TIME ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MINIMAL BRAKING. AT 6000 MILES I NOTICED A GRINDING…
12/28/2006 · NHTSA ODI #10177167.0
2005 Five Hundred · electrical
TL*-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STOPPED FUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO HAD THE PANEL RESTORED. THE DEALER COULD NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE FAILURE WOULD NOT OCCUR AGAIN AS THE ENTIRE…
12/27/2010 · NHTSA ODI #10372546.0
2005 Five Hundred · brakes
2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED REAR BRAKES WORN AT 14,000 MILES. SCRAPPING SOUNDS WERE COMING FROM THE REAR OF VEHICLE, TAKEN TO DEALER, TOLD 15 DAYS TO GET PARTS. 1 MONTH LATER WENT TO DEALER, TOLD PARTS AVAILABLE FEB 2008, TOLD TO REPAIR VEHICLE ON MY OWN AND WOULD BE REIMBURSED.…
12/27/2007 · NHTSA ODI #10212955.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 05V515000 09/11/2005

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)

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.

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

Common questions

Is the 2005 Ford Five Hundred reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.8 out of 10 based on 510 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Ford Five Hundred has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2005 Ford Five Hundred?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 121 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Ford Five Hundred has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2005 Ford Five Hundred?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 510 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 6 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with ford. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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