2006 Ford Five Hundred

Above average

Owners filed 364 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the throttle and acceleration. It has been recalled 1 time.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
70,134 milesMedian miles at failure

328 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2006 Ford Five Hundred problems

89 of the 364 complaints (24%) are about the throttle and acceleration.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration89
701
Power Train · transmission50
100
Electrical System31
041
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission25
100
Engine21
110
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes17
100
Unknown or Other13
000
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system13
000
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine9
000
Structure › Body · body and frame8
200

2006 Ford Five Hundred throttle and acceleration problems

24% of all complaints

89 of the 364 complaints are about the throttle and acceleration. This is what owners describe:

  • accelerates on its own29% · 26
  • stalls18% · 16
  • sets off warning lights on the dash11% · 10
  • jerks, lurches or bucks9% · 8
  • turns on the check engine light7% · 6

Share of the 89 throttle and acceleration complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
70,134 mi
median of 83 reports
Peak year of filing
2012
27 throttle and acceleration complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
7 · 0 · 1
in these complaints
Recalls on the throttle and acceleration
None
“I purchased my car 7/31/2012 with 113,000 miles. I received notification of a recall for the rpm surge in 2013. Concerned, I took my car to the dealership and was told since I didn't have any problems and hadn't reached the 150,000 mile limit, then I didnt need to worry about repairs for the time being. I then asked what would happen if I surpassed the mile limit and the problem surfaced.”
Owner complaint, filed Jul 2, 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 FORD five hundred. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly accelerated while in drive. The contact also stated that the failure occurred while in reverse. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times where the throttle body was replaced twice; however, the failure was not corrected. The VIN was not available.”
Owner complaint, filed May 20, 2013 at 15,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2006: 19 complaints, 2 about the throttle and acceleration'062007: 13 complaints, 1 about the throttle and acceleration2008: 12 complaints, 0 about the throttle and acceleration'082009: 21 complaints, 7 about the throttle and acceleration2010: 44 complaints, 17 about the throttle and acceleration'102011: 83 complaints, 23 about the throttle and acceleration2012: 72 complaints, 27 about the throttle and acceleration'122013: 24 complaints, 6 about the throttle and acceleration2014: 24 complaints, 4 about the throttle and acceleration'142015: 7 complaints, 0 about the throttle and acceleration2016: 6 complaints, 1 about the throttle and acceleration'162017: 4 complaints, 0 about the throttle and acceleration2018: 10 complaints, 1 about the throttle and acceleration'182019: 12 complaints, 0 about the throttle and acceleration2020: 6 complaints, 0 about the throttle and acceleration'202021: 4 complaints, 0 about the throttle and acceleration2022: 3 complaints, 0 about the throttle and acceleration'22Recall 06E056000 (fuel system)NHTSA investigation PE11018
All complaintsAbout the throttle and accelerationRecall (red: the throttle and acceleration)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2006 Five Hundred peaked in 2011, with 83 filed that year. No recall on file covers the throttle and acceleration, the subject of 24% of the complaints. In 2022 owners filed 3 so far.

1 safety recall

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline06E056000
Filed Jun 13, 200658,640 vehiclesUfi Filters USA

Defect. 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.

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

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.

All 1 campaign on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. One names the 2006 Five Hundred.

Idle instabilityPreliminary evaluation PE11018Closed
Opened May 11, 2011Closed Feb 7, 2013throttle and acceleration

On November 29, 2012, Ford Motor Company (Ford) initiated Customer Satisfaction Program 12N03 to extend warranty coverage terms for repair of engine idle RPM surge caused by throttle body deposits in all model year (MY) 2005 through 2007 Ford Freestyle, Five Hundred and Mercury Montego vehicles.The program extends the coverage for up to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle (all vehicles are eligible for the program through May 31, 2013, regardless of mileage).Dealers will repair vehicles exhibiting the condition by removing and cleaning the throttle …

Technical service bulletins

25 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2006 Five Hundred. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

electrical system 6transmission 5engine 5brakes 3suspension 2fuel system 1visibility 1body and frame 1

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version testedOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
2006 Ford Five Hundred 4-DR———★★★★★11.3%
2006 Ford Five Hundred 4-DR. w/SAB———★★★★★11.3%

New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 27, 2022PA

I would be driving on highway my wrench light would come on and my car would come to a crawl I always have kids in my car I could easily be rear ended and maybe hurt or killed I have to find a place to pull off where people behind me is cussing me out they think I did on purpose I then shut car off and tirn back on. Then ok till happens again there should be a recall I am on a fixed income and can't afford another car please help

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Aug 24, 202260,000 milesOK

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Five Hundred. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the instrument cluster lights turned became inoperable. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that the instrument cluster lights illuminated after 5 minutes. The contact was able to continue driving. However, the failure reoccurred on four different occasions. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys who was unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 21, 2022CT

Door latch freezes i cold weather causing the door not to latch closed.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 25, 2021OK

When I’m The vehicle and the temperature reaches middle temp ,the car starts to beep and all the dashboard lights go completely out and the head lights and tail lights be blinking as if they are about to go off . Even when I have the heater or a/c on they turns off and I’m a afraid that if or when I’m on the highway all my lights will just stop working on the middle of the highway at night and no one will be able to see me. And that will cause a big wreck and maybe kill myself or worst someone else. I have looked my car up to see if it has a recall but none are given. I’m afraid for the safety of my fellow drivers on the at night . And I don’t know what to do about this problem.

Engine
Filed Nov 19, 2021104,000 milesPA

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.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 18, 2021201,000 milesSC

I WAS ON MY WAY HOME COMING DOWN FARROW RD. AND MY CAR STALLED OUT, SO I SLOWLY PULLED IN THE MEDIAN TURN CAR OFF AND BACK ON. WHEN I GOT READY TO PULL OUT OF THE MEDIAN THE CAR WOULDN'T GO NO FASTER THAN 5 MILES AND HOUR. SO I HAD MY FRIEND HELP ME PULL IT OUT OF THE ROAD AND TAKE ME HOME AND TOW MY CAR TO THE HOUSE. WHEN I GOT IT HOME THERE WASN'T ANY ACCELERATION, RPMS WONT MOVE AT ALL, CAR HAS POWER AND CRANKS BUT WHEN I PUT IT IN DRIVE IT WON'T GO ANYWHERE. IT STALLS AND CUTS OFF, EVEN IN NEUTRAL NO ACCELERATION. EVERYTHING LIGHTS UP AND CUTS ON BUT NO ACCELERATION. FROM MY PHOTOS BELOW YOU WILL SEE I HAVE REPLACED ALTERNATOR, THROTTLEBODY, THE RED AND BLACK WIRING ON THE BACK OF THE INTAKE I'VE CHECKED ALL MY HOSES THERE WAS NO SPLITS NO CUTS NO VACUUM LEAK AND EVERY TIME I GET A READING ON IT IT GIVES ME A DIFFERENT CODE PLEASE READ AND REPLY IF THIS IS A RECALL I NEED MY CAR FIXED IMMEDIATELY

Power Train
Filed Jan 2, 2021134,167 milesIN

VEHICLE STOPS AND STARTS WITH A JERK. JUMPING CAUSING SLOW DOWN EVEN WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE. FORD IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAS DONE TO FIX IT. SEEMS LIKE EVERY FORD HAS THIS PROBLEM AT SOME POINT

Electrical System
Filed Oct 21, 2020230,000 milesMS

BATTERY JUST GOES DEAD OVER NIGHT. SIGNAL LIGHTS MELTED AND QUIT WORKING. CLUSTER PANEL JUST SHUTS OFF WHILE RUNNING AND CAN'T USE AIR, RADIO, WINDOWS, LOCKS, SEATS, ETC. CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. HAVE REPLACED ALL PARTS SUGGESTED BY CODES. STILL NO FIX. WONT SHIFT FROM FIRST GEAR AFTER CLUSTER PANEL SHUTS OFF. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OTHER COMPLAINTS. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE AN ELECTRICAL RECALL. HAPPENS RUNNING DRIVING AND SITTING STILL.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 21, 2020CA

THE INTAKE MANIFOLD IS MELTING ON THE INSIDE CAUSING MELTING PLASTIC TO DRIP INTO THE THROTTLE BODY,CAUSING THE CAR TO RUN VERY POORLY ARE NOT AT ALL!!!

Structure › BodyCrash
Filed Sep 13, 202080 milesCA

GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT AND RIGHT MIRROR WAS FULLY BROKEN. RIGHT SIDE OF THE BODY WAS ALSO SMASHED IN. LEFT BRAKE LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING AND ENGINE MAKES WEIRD SOUNDS.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Aug 29, 2020FL

THE CAR IS SURGING AND FEELS LIKE IT IS ABOUT TO FALL APART THE CAR HAS LOW MILES AND THE ENGINE FEELS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING BUT WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FORD 500 I SEE THERE IS A EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT I JUST RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS CAR AND SEEMS LIKE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND I SEE FORD IS AWARE OF THIS AND REFUSES TO FIX THIS ISSUE WHICH IS A HAZARDOUS CONDITION AND I FEEL LIKE THAT IM GOING TO HAVE TO GET A LAWYER TO GET ANYTHING DONE BECAUSE FORD IS REFUSING TO FIX THIS ISSUE WITH THESE CARS AND ITS VERY DANGEROUS DRIVING THE CAR MAKES A LOUD KNOCK AND THE ENGINE DROPS BACK IN AND ITS BREAKING THE MOTOR MOUNTS

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 7, 202095,000 milesLA

THE BRAKES ARE SPONGY. VERY SELDOM THEY WILL BE NORMAL. MOST OF THE TIME THEY WILL BE SOFT AND HAVE TO BE PUMPED. SOMETIMES THE BRAKES WILL BE FIRM FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS AND THEN THE PEDAL WILL SINK TO THE FLOORBOARDS. THIS OCCURS DURING DURING NORMAL DRIVING AND STOPPING AND ALSO OCCURS WHEN VEHICLE IS IN PARKED. BRAKES HAVE BEEN PROFESSIONALLY SERVICED INCLUDING HOOKED TO A COMPUTER FOR PROPER BLEEDING. PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 7, 2020FL

CAUSE UNKNOWN- BATTERY LIGHT IS COMING ON MORE WHILE VEHICLE IS RUNNING IN ALL MODES, LOCAL AUTO STORE DETERMINED IT IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THEY TESTED THE BATTERY, ALTERNATOR & STARTER. ALSO NOTICED THAT THERE IS A MUSTY SMELL & MANY ( IF NOT ALL) OF MY METAL PARTS ARE RUSTED.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 18, 201987,462 milesVA

THIS IS A LONG ON GOING PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN GOING ON NOW FOR FIVE MONTHS. STARTED OUT HAVING THE BATTERY CLUSTER LIGHT ON & CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM. FOUND CHARGING A LITTLE LOW, HAD NEW ALTERNATOR INSTALLED. THEN WITH A WEEK, BATTERY, ENGINE LIGHT & AIRBAG LIGHT CLUSTER ARE ON, THEN THE FUN BEGAN, THEN ALL THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GOES OFF AND YOU HAVE NO TURN SIGNALS, NO FANS, NO RADIO, NO ELECTRIC WINDOWS, NO DOOR LOCKS AND NO BREAK LIGHTS, (BUT BREAK LIGHTS DO COME ON WHEN YOU APPLY BREAKS AND THE BACK-UP LIGHTS COME ON. THE SYSTEM CAN COME AND GO ON AND OFF WHILE MOVING AND SETTING STILL. HAVE HAD SYSTEM CHECKED AND CODED, THEY CAN NOT FIND A PROBLEM EXCEPT THAT IT IS A ELECTRIC PROBLEM, HAD ALL WIRING CHECKED, CLEANED. NO,FRAYED WIRE FOUNF AND NO DEFECTIVE COUPLING. AGAIN I GET IT A WIRE THAT IS GROUNDING AND CAUSING PROBLEM. ALL THE FUSES ARE OK AND KNOW HAVE BLOWN. THE ONLY THING I KNOW IS THIS PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO FORD BACK IN 2006 OR 2007 AND THEY HAVE NOT PUT OUT ANY RECALL ON IT AND THERE DEALERS KNOW NOTHING ABOUT WHAT TO DO BUT THEY WILL TRY AND FIND IT AT WHERE HOURLY RATE AND IT COULD BE A HOUR OR SEVERAL HOURS TO FIND PROBLEM. AS I'VE SAID THIS IS ON GOING IT CLEAR UP AND LAST FOR A WEEK UP TO SIX WEEKS AT A TIME.

Power Train
Filed Oct 18, 2019100,000 milesNV

I OWN A 06 FORD FIVEHUNDRED AND AT ONLY 100,000 MILES I BEGAN EXPERIENCING REALLY HARD DOWNSHIFTING AND SOMETIMES COMPLETE SLIP FROM GEAR SLAMMING BACK INTO GEAR AFTER ROLLING FREELY FOR A WHILE HAPPENS WHEN CAR REACHES NORMAL RUNNING TEMP WAS TOLD WHOLE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED SEEMS LIKE ALMOST EVERYONE WITH THIS VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF THE YEAR HAS THIS SAME PROBLEM

Electrical System
Filed Oct 5, 2019180 milesMS

MY 2006 FORD FIVE HUNDRED IS SURGING THERE'S NO POWER IT STUMBLES SHUTS OFF.

Power Train
Filed Aug 22, 2019102,797 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE WRENCH WARNING INDICATOR FOR THE TRANSMISSION ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON, BUT IT LOST ACCELERATION. ALSO, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN DRIVE OR REVERSE FROM A PARK POSITION, IT LUNGED FORWARD AND THE BRAKES HAD TO BE APPLIED IMMEDIATELY. FURTHERMORE, THE VEHICLE STALLED FOUR TIMES SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED TWO MONTHS AGO. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING; HOWEVER, AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED WITH DUNCAN FORD (19999 VIRGIL H GOODE HWY, ROCKY MOUNT, VA 24151) FOR AUGUST 26, 2019. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,797.

Engine
Filed Aug 17, 20195,100 milesPA

WHILE STOPING AT RED LIGHT CAR STALLS BUCKLES DOSE NOT GO OVER 50 MPH AS IT HITS 50 MPH RPMS GO TO6000 SPEED STAYS ON 50 MPH AND I CAN'T GO ON A HIGH WAY CAUSE I CAN'T KEEP UP WITH TRAFFIC NOISE COMING FROM MOTER CAR GOT HOT GOING UP HILLS IN 80 DEGREE WEATHER AND IT JUST ALL AROUND RUNS LIKE [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 16, 2019128,000 milesAR

WHEN CAR IS ON, WHEN TAKING FOOT OFF OF BRAKE OR REVERSING, CAR SURGES OR JUMPS FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN IN SEVERAL ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 23, 2019120,000 milesID

DOOR FROZE SHUT AND EVER SINCE MANUALLY OPENING THE MESSAGE CENTER STATES DRIVER DOOR AJAR AND PASSENGER DOOR AJAR AND THEY ARE NOT. BUT I CAN'T RESET DRIVER CONTROLS UNTIL DOORS SHOW CLOSED. HAVE RUN CODE IN MY CAR AND ONLY CODE IS P0193 FUEL RAIL PRESSURE SENSOR. NO CODES FOR DOORS.

Tires
Filed Jun 15, 201916,000 milesMI

MY VEHICLES PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE HAS DEVELOPED A KNOT/BULGE THE SIZE OR A HAND PALM. THE BULGE APPEARS UNDER THE TREAD AND AROUND TO THE SIDEWALK. THE TIRE HAS 18 MONTHS LEFT ON A 36 MONTH PRORATED WARRANTY 16000 MILES SINCE INSTALLED IN 2017. M+S 215/60R17 0225835 35T20 DOT U9KT FYD 9717 SRT TOURING I WILL HAVE TO PAY A $70.00 PRORATE AMOUNT TO GET THE TIRE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE IS A 2006 FORD 500 WITH 176000 MILES. YO DO NOT LIST THE TIRE NAME (SRT TTOURING) ON YOUR LIST FURTHER INTO THE FORM. I HAD TO PICK A NAME TO CONTINUE THE COMPLAINT..

Power Train
Filed May 24, 2019101,000 milesMI

ON A 55 MPH ROAD WHEN YOU GO TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND ACCELERATE IT WOULD DOWNSHIFT AND MAKE A LOUD THUD LOUD ENOUGH TO MAKE CHANGE RATTLE AND IT'S ALMOST LIKE ALMOST LOCKS UP FOR A MINUTE YOU COULD LOOSE CONTROL WHILE TURNING BUT THAT'S JUST HOW IT STARTED NOW WHEN YOUR GOING DOWN A 55 MPH BACKROAD AND GO UP A HILL AND THE CAR DOWNSHIFTS IT DOES IT TOO MY CAR ONLY HAS 102,000 ON IT

Power Train
Filed Mar 3, 2019210,000 milesWA

HARD KNOCKING IN TRANSMISSION DURING NORMAL OPERATION. INTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON WHILE USING VEHICLE AND WON'T GO OFF

Electrical System
Filed Feb 2, 2019190,000 milesNV

INSTRUMENT PANEL SHUTS OFF INTERMITTENTLY. DAYS LIGHTS FLICKER.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 23, 2019130,000 milesRI

CAR WILL BE DRIVEING 55 AND COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. LOSSING EVERYTHING INCLUDING POWERSTEARING. HAVE TO PUT IN NEUTRAL N COAST TO SIDE OF THE ROAD, SOMETIMES WILL RESTART, OTHERS IT WONT. ALSO WILL START BUCKING AND SHUT OFF. I CAN BE DOING 10MPH N GO TO TURN A CORNER N IT SHUTS OFF. CAN SEEM TO RUN FINE, BE IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION AND THE CAR SHUT OFF AND WOULDNT RESTAR GOOD THING I CAN DRIVE AND KNEW WHAT TO DO OR I WOULD HAVE CRASHED NUMEROUS TIMES. HAVE CHANGED THE THROTTLE BODY AND ACCELERATOR, N BOTH SENSORS. DID NOT FIX PROBLEM. NOW SAYING IT'S THE PCM SHUTTING THE CAR OFF.

Engine
Filed Dec 20, 201894,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD 500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED ACCELERATING. AFTER RESTARTING THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. DURING THE FAILURE, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 6, 2018103,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. WHILE DRIVING 55-60 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND THE VEHICLE JERKED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THREE INDEPENDENT MECHANICS WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Power TrainCrash
Filed Nov 5, 2018150,000 milesIL

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, (847) 669-6060) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. *TT CONSUMER WAS TOLD SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE AIR BAG BY THE DEALER TOM PECK. *JB

Engine
Filed Oct 24, 2018190,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD 500. ON MANY OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, IT FAILED TO ACCELERATE FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.

Electrical SystemFire1 injured
Filed Oct 15, 201898,100 milesOR

PULLED IN DROP OFF A DONATION AT A SECOND HAND STORE. I PUT IT IN PARK AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE; OPENED THE TRUNK; AND LOOKED UP STARTLED WHEN A GUY SITTING NEARBY SAID THAT MY CAR WAS SMOKING AND ON FIRE (ABOUT 10 SECONDS SINCE I SWITCHED THE CAR OFF AND GOT OUT). HE WAS ON THE RIGHT, SO I MOVED AROUND THE CAR TO THE RIGHT LOOKING TOWARDS THE ENGINE. AN EMPLOYEE OF THE STORE THAT WAS ON THE BACK, LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR POINTED TOWARDS AND SAID, 'LOOK! YOUR SIDE MIRROR IS ON FIRE!' I THEN SAW THE SMOKE BILLOWING TO THE LEFT (A STRONG AFTERNOON BREEZE WAS BLOWING NORTH). I CAME AROUND AND PEERED IN BEHIND THE ACTUAL 'MIRROR' PART; THE FIRE HAD JUST GONE OUT. LOOKING AT IT, I COULD SEE IT WAS THE SECURITY LIGHT ON THE BOTTOM SIDE OF THE MIRROR; IT WAS COMPLETELY MELTED AND FUSED TO THE MIRROR HOUSING- A BUBBLY MESS OF PLASTIC. IT SMELLED OF ACRID, MELTED PLASTIC AND BURNED ELECTRONICS. THE UNDERSIDE OF THE MIRROR HAD CAUGHT FIRE AND STARTED BURNING FOR A BIT BEFORE THE FUSE FINALLY BLEW. I AM SO GLAD MY BABY AND KINDERGARTENER WEREN'T IN THE CAR AT THIS TIME! THEY USUALLY ARE. THE LENGTH OF TIME OF TIME IT TOOK FOR THE FUSE TO FINALLY BLOW IS QUITE ALARMING! IT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN THE RAPID SPREAD OF A FIRE THAT WOULD QUICKLY OVERTAKE THE VEHICLE. WHAT IF I WAS AT A GAS STATION WHEN THIS HAPPENED WHEN THEIR HAPPENED TO BE SOME PETROL-VAPOR PRESENT. MY NEXT STOP WAS TO GET TWO PROPANE TANKS FILLED. THEY HAVE TO BLEED OFF A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF PROPANE EACH TIME WHEN FINISHED FIL

Engine
Filed Sep 23, 2018120,705 milesOR

THE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON AND I LOST ALL POWER, NOW IT DOESN'T ACCELERATE AND THE MORE ALSO IS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, IT SOUNDS LIKE IT'S GOUNG TO BLOW UP

Power Train
Filed Aug 10, 20182 milesFL

MY CAR SHUT DOWN AND WRENCH CAME ON IN THE DASH STOPED AND IT CRANED BACK UP

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 1, 2018125,000 milesCA

ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY STOPPPED WORKING. CAR ABRUPTLY LOST ALL POWER IN BUSY TRAFFIC, LUCKY TO BE ALIVE. I WAS DRIVING IN THE LEFT LANE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN ALL POWER WAS GONE AND THE CAR WOULDN'T GO! I HAD IT DIAGNOSED BY AAA REPAIR SHOP IN LOS ANGELES. HAVE TO PAY 900 TO GET NEW THROTTLE BODY UNIT.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jun 1, 2018128,000 milesAL

REAR ENDED AN 18 WHEELER AND TOTALLED THE CAR BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND IT WAS A VERY BAD ACCIDENT.

Engine
Filed Jan 11, 2018100,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO A SHOULDER LANE, RESTARTED, AND RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY AND ENGINE WERE PREVIOUSLY REPLACED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED RANDOMLY. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 4, 2017110,000 milesOH

WHILE DRIVING, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BOTTOMS OUT ON THE SPEEDOMETER, TACH, AND ALL OTHER WARNINGS - BACKUP LIGHTS COME ON AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS GO OUT.. SOMETIMES IT WILL COME BACK ON BY PRETTY QUICKLY, OTHER TIMES IT WILL BE THAT WAY FOR A WEEK OR MORE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND FROM RESEARCH I'VE DONE IS HAPPENING TO MANY PEOPLE. WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL TO FIX THE PROBLEM? THERE IS A TSB 06-17-9 DATED 9/4/2006 BUT NO REMEDY BY FORD. ALSO AFTER HAVING THE TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGED AT THE RECOMMENDED MILEAGE THE TRANSMISSION THEN STARTED SLIPPING AND HAD TO EVENTUALLY BE REPLACED.

Suspension
Filed Feb 8, 2017120,000 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SWAYED ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INNER PIVOT ASSEMBLY ON THE REAR SUSPENSION OF THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RUST CAUSED THE INNER PIVOT ASSEMBLY TO SEPARATE FROM THE SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 04/06/17 LJ *CN

Power Train
Filed Feb 1, 201790,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND THE POWER TRAIN WRENCH ICON ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SHUT OFF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY SENSOR FAILED, SENDING THE VEHICLE INTO "LIMP MODE", AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY SENSOR WAS REPLACED TWICE. THE VEHICLE RECENTLY WENT INTO "LIMP MODE" AGAIN. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, BUT A FAILURE CODE COULD NOT BE FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TEST DRIVEN, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Power Train
Filed Jan 23, 2017125,000 milesID

WHEN TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 25 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT TRANSMISSION EITHER GOES INTO SAFETY MODE OR STOPS WORKING ( NO FORWARD OR REVERSE, A BIT UNNERVING IN AT INTERSECTION). WHEN TRANSMISSION WARMS OR AMBIENT TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 25 DEGREES WORKS FINE. THIS IS A REPEATABLE EVENT, SO APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW AND NOT A MECHANICAL FAILURE. HAVE REVIEWED SITES AND HAVE OTHER OWNERS WITH SIMILAR EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS. TOOK TO FORD DEALER AND TOLD $2500.00USD TO FIX BUT THEN STATED UNCLEAR IF IR WOULD FIX PROBLEM. PLEASE REMEMBER IT IS NOT A MECHANICAL PROBLEM BUT TEMPERATURE RELATED AS AUTO WORKS WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS WHEN TEMPERATURE IS WARMER. THIS IS A ALL WHEEL VEHICLE, SO DESIGNED FOR WINTER WEATHER. *TR

Power Train
Filed Dec 27, 201675,000 milesIL

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 NOTE FORD NO LONGER USES THIS TYPE OF TRANSMISSION IN THEIR VEHICLES. THEY OWN THE REBUILT PARTS AND COSTS ARE IN THOUSANDS RANGE TO REPLACE. NOT ACCEPTABLE. UNSAFE AND SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE TO PROVIDE SAFE, RELIABLE VEHICLES. HAVE OWNED NUMEROUS FORDS AND NEVER AN ISSUE. THIS IS A TRUE HAZARD! NOW VEHICLE IS NOTHING MORE THAN A DRIVEWAY ORNAMENT WHERE THE COST TO REPAIR IS MORE THE ENTIRE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE! UPDATED 02/08/17*LJ THE CONSUMER REQUESTED A STATUS UPDATE. UPDATED 12/1/2017*JS

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 9, 2016175,000 milesGA

WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON AND IT FEELS LIKE YOU LOSE POWER MOMENTARILY. WHEN IT KICKS BACK IN, IT LUNGES AND WILL ALMOST GIVE YOU WHIPLASH. THIS HAPPENS SPORADICALLY DURING ACCELERATION USUALLY ON A HIGHWAY.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 12, 2016150,000 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TAIL LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN REVERSE, THE REVERSE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTROL PANEL AND DRIVER SIDE BLINKERS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURES RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 2, 2016CA

I PURCHASED MY CAR 7/31/2012 WITH 113,000 MILES. I RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF A RECALL FOR THE RPM SURGE IN 2013. CONCERNED, I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD SINCE I DIDN'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS AND HADN'T REACHED THE 150,000 MILE LIMIT, THEN I DIDNT NEED TO WORRY ABOUT REPAIRS FOR THE TIME BEING. I THEN ASKED WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF I SURPASSED THE MILE LIMIT AND THE PROBLEM SURFACED. THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT AS LONG AS A RECALL EVER EXISTED, THEN FORD WOULD ALWAYS BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. NOT SATISFIED WITH THAT RESPONSE, (BECAUSE THERE WOULD NOT BE A 10 YR /150,000 LIMIT IN THE LETTER) I QUESTIONED THE MANAGER WHO CONFIRMED THE TECH'S ANSWER. IN 2014 I RELOCATED TO LANCASTER CA. I TOO HAVE HAD NUMEROUS DANGEROUS CLOSE CALLS WITH THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE BREAKING; ONE BEING IN A SCHOOL PARKING LOT IN HIGH TEMPERATURES. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP 5/2016 AND JUST AS EXPECTED, THEY WONT REPAIR MY CAR WITHOUT COST. THIS IS WRONG AND VERY DANGEROUS AND HOPEFULLY YOU GUYS WILL DECIDE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS FOR THE MANY PEOPLE STILL EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jun 2, 2016130,000 milesPA

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

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 12, 2016110,886 milesMI

THROTTLE BODY DEFECTED WENT OUT SHUT DOWN CAR WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED BUSY STREET MICHIGAN AVE DEARBORN, MI. NO RECALLS OR ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE, AFTER RESEARCH IS KNOWN DEFECT AND BAD PART.

Engine
Filed Sep 29, 201568,000 milesCA

I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY AND THAT OF OTHERS. MY FORD 500 , ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS WARM AND I AM USING THE A/C, WILL WITHOUT WARNING SURGE AHEAD, AND I MUST APPLY THE BRAKES AS HARD AS I CAN . I ALMOST CRASHED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK IN A HANDICAPPED SPOT IN EMERGENCY PARKING AREA AT THE HOSPITAL, WHERE I WAS TAKING MY CRITICALLY ILL HUSBAND 2 WEEKS AGO. I WAS BRAKING, BUT THE CAR WAS SURGING AHEAD. THE SAME HAPPENED WHEN I WAS LEAVING. VERY FRIGHTENING!! CAN THIS BE FIXED WITHOUT CHARGE AT MY LOCAL FORD DEALER? (GALPIN)

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 30, 2015145,000 milesOK

I WAS GOING ALONG AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY CAR CAME TO A DEAD STOP AND I COULD HAVE BEEN HIT FROM BEHINDI ENDED UPHAVING TO HAVE A FUEL PUMP COST 676.00 AND THEN IT KEPT DYING ON ME AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON TOOK IT IN AND ENDED UP HAVING TO HAVE A THROTTLE BODY COST 938.00. SOME ONE TOLD ME THE SAME THING HAPPEN TO THEM AND THEY SENT FORD THE RECEIPT AND THEY REIMBURSED THEM THE AMOUNT THEY HAD PAID.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 19, 2015212,165 milesWI

I WASING A WERE THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY CARE UNTELL SOMEONE TOLD ME. *TR

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Feb 27, 2015MI

CLUSTER CONSTANTLY GIVES OUT, THERE IS A RECALL IN PLACE FOR THE 2005 VERSION WHICH HAS THE SAME ISSUE BUT NOT THE 2006. THE CLUSTER HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE ALREADY, EVERYTHING SUDDENLY STOPS WORKING HAVE RECEIVED NUMEROUS TICKETS AT THIS POINT FOR GOING OVER THE SPEED LIMIT BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE ALL CLUSTER GAUGES STOP WORKING THERE IS NO WAY TO NO HOW FAST YOU ARE GOING. *TR

EngineCrash
Filed Feb 24, 201556,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD AN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE OR PLACE IT IN REVERSE WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE OUT OF FIRST GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.

Complaints 1-50 of 364, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2005
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2007199230Routine
2006 — this page364160Above average
2005510360Above average
20041000Routine

Compare every Five Hundred year →

2006 Ford Five Hundred: questions buyers ask

Is the 2006 Ford Five Hundred a good car?

Owners filed 364 complaints with NHTSA; there are too few Five Hundred years on record to rank this one against the others. The most common complaint is about the throttle and acceleration (24%).

What is the most common problem with the 2006 Ford Five Hundred?

The throttle and acceleration: 89 of the 364 complaints (24%) are about it. Owners most often say it accelerates on its own (29%), stalls (18%) and sets off warning lights on the dash (11%). The typical report comes at 70,134 miles.

How many recalls does the 2006 Ford Five Hundred have?

1 safety recall on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Jun 13, 2006. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2006 Ford Five Hundred problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 70,134 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2006 Ford Five Hundred?

Yes, once. PE11018 ("Idle instability") was opened May 11, 2011 and closed Feb 7, 2013.

Are there service bulletins for the 2006 Ford Five Hundred?

The manufacturer filed 25 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the electrical system (6), the transmission (5) and the engine (5). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jun 13, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.