Motorcraft® Continuously Variable Chain-Type Transmission Fluid (XT-7-QCFT in non-Canadian markets, CXT-7-LCF12 in Canada) is no longer manufactured and will only be available until inventory depletes. The recommended replacement fluids are Phillips 66 VersaTrans® CVT Plus Fluid or Kendall VersaTrans® CVT Plus Fluid. Mixing Motorcraft® CVT fluid (blue-green color) with these replacement fluids (red color) in the same transmission is acceptable.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Ford Five Hundred powertrain problems
moderate 94 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
94
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
4crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 94 powertrain complaints filed for the 2006 Ford Five Hundred, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 94 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Powertrain accounts for 26% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2006 Ford Five Hundred powertrain exhibits multiple interconnected failures that owners describe as both expensive and dangerous. The most common complaint is surging—the vehicle lurches forward or backward unexpectedly when shifted into Drive or Reverse, even with the brake pedal held down. This is especially pronounced with the AC running, during parking maneuvers, and at low speeds. Owners report nearly hitting parked cars, pedestrians, and walls.
A second major issue is hard jerking during normal acceleration and deceleration, especially when downshifting on hills or slowing for traffic. Owners describe the transmission feeling like it slips into neutral momentarily before violently re-engaging. The CVT transmission models fail catastrophically—internal parts like the shaft and torque converter break without warning, stranding owners with complete loss of all gears. Replacement transmissions cost $5,200 and up; Ford no longer uses CVT in these vehicles and does not rebuild them.
The throttle body sensor fails repeatedly, causing unintended acceleration or complete loss of power that triggers the wrench light and limp mode (5–20 mph max). Software updates and throttle cleaning do not fix it. Replacement throttle bodies frequently sit on backorder, and even new ones often fail again. Dealers struggle to diagnose the root cause, sometimes blaming the battery, air filter, or fuel filter instead. The broken upper motor mount contributes to surging but is often misidentified as the sole cause. Ford has not recalled these vehicles despite 94 complaints in this cluster and widespread online owner forums documenting identical problems across multiple model years.
Same Ford Five Hundred powertrain reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission surging and lunging when shifting into Drive or Reverse
Vehicle surges forward or backward unexpectedly when placed into Drive or Reverse from Park, even with foot on brake. Occurs at low speeds, during parking, and especially with AC on. Owners report almost hitting other vehicles, walls, and parked cars.
When: Varies; some reports from early ownership (first 150 miles), others at 45,000+ miles; worsens with age
Symptoms owners cite: Uncontrolled forward or backward surge when shifting gears; Lurching motion when placing vehicle in Drive or Reverse; Surge continues despite brake pedal application; Worse with AC running; Wrench light may illuminate after lurch events
Codes mentioned: U0401, P0942
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement ($400–$800), motor mount replacement ($600+), transmission rebuild/replacement ($5,200–$5,600). Some owners report throttle body on backorder for months; multiple replacements on same vehicle reported without resolving issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; Ford service managers claim inability to rebuild CVT due to lack of equipment. Some dealers offer software updates without permanent fix. Dealer responses range from claiming normal operation to suggesting unrelated repairs (battery, air filter, fuel filter).
Transmission jerking and hard shifting during acceleration and deceleration
Vehicle jerks or shifts abruptly during normal driving, especially when downshifting on hills, slowing, or accelerating. Described as sudden violent shifts that feel like transmission slips into neutral momentarily before re-engaging.
When: Occurs throughout driving cycles; reported from 45,000 miles onward; worsens after warm-up
Symptoms owners cite: Hard jerking or bucking during gear changes; Violent downshift bumps going uphill; Engine revving as if in neutral during acceleration; Transmission slips momentarily during normal driving; Concern about breaking motor mounts and driveshafts
Repairs/costs cited: Valve body replacement, transmission control module replacement, power train control module replacement (costs $2,000+). Repeated repairs often ineffective.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers often cannot diagnose; some claim nothing wrong detected on test drive. Ford acknowledged transmission problems in some customer calls but claimed no recall plans.
Loss of acceleration and limp mode activation
Vehicle suddenly loses power and enters limp mode, limiting speed to 5–20 mph without warning. Wrench light illuminates. Vehicle may stall or require restart to clear codes. Occurs during normal highway driving and stop-and-go traffic.
When: Intermittent; some at 75,000 miles, others at 90,000+ miles; pattern unclear
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of acceleration power; Speed limited to 5–20 mph in limp mode; Wrench icon illuminates; Vehicle may stall completely; Requires restart to restore normal operation; Codes clear after restart but failure recurs
Codes mentioned: P0942
Repairs/costs cited: Electronic throttle body sensor replacement (often required multiple times, $400–$800), transmission pump replacement, power train control module replacement. Owners report repeated failures even after part replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall; dealers perform diagnostics but inability to resolve. Owners report throttle body on backorder; no guarantee new part will not fail. Ford stated no plans to fix problem.
Delayed or failed engagement of Reverse gear (CVT models)
Reverse gear engages with significant delay or fails to engage entirely. Vehicle rolls backward or does not move when placed in Reverse. One report of replacement CVT transmission still exhibiting problem.
When: Some vehicles from near purchase; one case after transmission replacement at 75,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Significant delay in Reverse engagement; Vehicle rolls backward when in Reverse until engagement occurs; No movement in Reverse gear; Whining sound from transmission when turning corners; Family members did not wait for engagement, nearly caused accident
Repairs/costs cited: CVT transmission replacement ($5,600+). One owner reported dealer inspection and factory rep inspection found no fault despite persistent problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership and factory representatives inspected vehicle, claimed operation within specifications despite owner's safety concerns. Ford no longer uses CVT in its vehicles.
CVT transmission internal failure (torque converter, shaft, cones)
Complete internal transmission failure with no advance warning. Sudden loss of all gears (Drive and Reverse) while driving or parked. Shaft breaks, cones slip, torque converter fails.
When: Reported at 75,000–140,000 miles; one failure at 75K on second transmission replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of Drive and Reverse gears while parked or driving; No gear engagement; Wrench light illuminates; Transmission must be replaced; cannot be rebuilt; Grinding or bearing noise before failure
Codes mentioned: P0942
Repairs/costs cited: Complete transmission replacement required (estimated $5,200–$5,600 plus towing). Ford does not supply rebuild parts or equipment. One owner replaced transmission at 86,000 miles ($5,197), then again at 150,000 miles (after 3-year/100,000-mile warranty expired).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall; multiple owners report Ford acknowledged CVT problems but refuses to recall vehicles. One owner was offered used transmission instead of new transmission as repair option. Ford discontinued use of CVT in subsequent model years.
Throttle body defect causing unintended acceleration or no acceleration
Electronic throttle body sensor or valve fails, causing erratic idle, sudden uncontrolled acceleration, or complete loss of throttle response. Buildup in throttle valve causes it to stick open or closed.
When: Reported from first 150 miles to 90,000+ miles; worsens with age and heat (especially in summer)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden unintended acceleration even with foot off accelerator; Vehicle accelerates despite brake application; No acceleration response when pedal depressed; Throttle appears to stick in open or closed position; Problem worse on hot days and with AC running
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body assembly replacement ($400–$800) or throttle position sensor replacement within body. Software updates (throttle body cleaning and reprogramming) typically ineffective. One owner reported throttle body failure within 1 mile of dealer completion. Multiple replacements on single vehicle reported without permanent fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers recommend throttle body cleaning and software updates; owners report these do not resolve issue. Throttle body frequently on backorder (months-long waits reported). No recall issued despite extensive owner complaints. One owner reported new dealer mechanic able to diagnose after Ford dealership failed for 3+ years.
Transmission operates poorly when engine is cold or in cold ambient temperatures
CVT transmission enters safety mode or stops functioning entirely when ambient temperature is below approximately 25°F. No forward or reverse gears available. Vehicle functions normally once warmed or when outside temperature rises above threshold. Appears to be design flaw rather than mechanical failure.
When: During cold weather periods; repeatable event
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission enters safety mode in cold weather; No forward or reverse gears available; Transmission works normally when warmed or in warmer weather; Problem is temperature-dependent, not mechanical
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer quoted $2,500 for repair but could not confirm it would resolve the issue. Appears to be design-related with no clear fix reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated transmission operates within specifications when temperature is above threshold. No recall or known fix provided.
Broken upper motor mount affecting transmission and driveline stability
Top engine mounting point (partially rubber construction) breaks due to engine heat, directly affecting transmission alignment and operation. Contributes to surging and lurching. Difficult and expensive to replace.
When: Reported as broken when replacing due to surging; one replacement did not resolve surging issue
Symptoms owners cite: Surging and lurching during gear engagement; Upper motor mount visibly broken or deteriorated; Transmission stability compromised
Repairs/costs cited: Motor mount replacement ($600+ through Ford dealership; ~$200 on eBay). One owner's replacement did not resolve underlying surging issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers acknowledge as common issue on this vehicle; often misidentified as primary cause of surging when throttle body is actual fault.
Synthesized from 94 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Starting since february 2010. My car lunges forward whenever at a dead stop. When shifting to drive and reverse. I have had to have my foot on brake and even almost had an accident while parking and hit the wall. Went to dealership and first they said it was my engine mount that was causing it. Then went again because the problem still occurred and they said I needed a new battery. Then they…
2006 Ford five hundred, internal failure of CVT transmission (torque converter and shaft), no notice. Drove and entered parking spot, put car in reverse and no gear. Put back in d and no gear. Wrench light then came on and became a rather expensive 10 mile tow car was well taken care of and now needs transmission at 75k. Unbelievable numerous nationwide complaints but no responses by Ford. Please…
My Ford five hundred is losing power while driving down the street without warning. No car should be performing this way and no known mechanical issues. The car is driven daily and maintenance has been kept/up to date. I think this is an issue with this Ford model and year should be a recall on it. *tr
Had powertrain trouble with your 2006 Ford Five Hundred?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2006 Ford Five Hundred?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 94 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 88 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 60,000 and 106,000 miles, with the median around 78,445. A quarter of owners report trouble before 60,000; a quarter make it past 106,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Ford/Five Hundred.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.