2005 Ford 500 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 147 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median 500 year — the 2005 model ranks #1 of 4 500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (32), transmission (28), and electrical system (24), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
147
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
3
Fires reported
7
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2005 compare to other 500 years?
What are the most common 2005 Ford 500 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 32 | 22% | new |
| Transmission | 28 | 19% | new |
| Electrical System | 24 | 16% | new |
| Speed Control | 18 | 12% | new |
| Fuel System | 8 | 5% | new |
| Other | 7 | 5% | new |
| Body & Structure | 7 | 5% | new |
| Airbags | 5 | 3% | new |
| Latches & Locks | 4 | 3% | new |
| Steering | 3 | 2% | new |
| Lighting | 3 | 2% | new |
| Suspension | 3 | 2% | new |
| Brakes | 3 | 2% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD 500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS NEEDING EITHER A VALVE BODY OR TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE…”
“TL* THE OWNS A 2005 FORD 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE THROTTLE AND TRANSMISSION LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE VEHICLE DECELERATED.THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE…”
“I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS FORD 500. THE SIDE MIRROR CAUGHT ON FIRE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE, THE LIGHTS IN THE DASH WOULD GO IN AND OUT AND WHEN THEY WERE OUT I DID NOT HAVE BACK LIGHTS WHICH HAD TO BE FIXED AT MY EXPENSE AND THE WORSE PROBLEM IS THE AIR CONDITION DOES NOT…”
“ TRAVELING AT 35 MPH, NOT FAR FROM MY DAUGHTERS HOUSE THE GAS ACCELERATES, WHEN I BRAKE CAR WILL NOT SLOW DOWN, BRAKING HARDER SOMETHING POPS, THROWING CAR TO THE RIGHT I CANNOT CONTROL CAR AT ALL HIT A TREE HEAD ON POLICE SAY AT 45 MPH. I REMEMBER EMS AND POLICE TRYING TO GET ME OUT BUT THE PAIN…”
“2005 FORD 500 JUST STALLED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. PRESSING GAS DID NOTHING. THIS HAPPENED IN TRAFFIC! IT WAS SCARY AT THE LEAST AND SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED IT USED FROM A DEALER. AS I HAVE READ, THIS HAPPENS FREQUENTLY WITH THIS MODEL VEHICLE. IT IS OBVIOUSLY RECALL…”
2005 Ford 500 — common questions
Is the 2005 Ford 500 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 147 complaints put the 2005 model at #1 of 4 500 years. It is one of the 500 years to avoid.
What are the most common 2005 500 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (32 complaints), transmission (28 complaints), electrical system (24 complaints).
Does the 2005 Ford 500 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2005 Ford 500.
Which Ford 500 years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 500 years to avoid are 2005. The cleanest record among 500 years belongs to 1979.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.