MotorDeets

Ford Five Hundred problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Five Hundred from 2004 to 2007: 1,074 owner complaints and 3 recalls across 4 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2005 (510), 2006 (364), 2007 (199). Best fuel economy: 21 mpg combined (2007).

Ford Five Hundred
Photo: Crazytales · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Transmission & drivetrain299
Speed control / throttle292
Electrical168
Engine115
Engine & cooling91
Brakes (hydraulic)74
Body & structure58
Fuel system57

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
200401–
2005251021
2006036421
2007119921

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Ford Five Hundred.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check Ford Five Hundred manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check Ford Five Hundred manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check Ford Five Hundred manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check Ford Five Hundred manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

What is the worst year for the Ford Five Hundred?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2005 (510), 2006 (364), 2007 (199).

How many recalls has the Ford Five Hundred had?

Across 2004–2007, NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).