2006 Ford 500 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 2006 Ford 500 sits mid-pack among 500 years: 105 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 78, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across speed control (24), transmission (20), and engine (17), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
105
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
7
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2006 compare to other 500 years?
What are the most common 2006 Ford 500 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Control | 24 | 23% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 20 | 19% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 17 | 16% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 15 | 14% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 8 | 8% | — flat |
| Lighting | 6 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Other | 6 | 6% | — flat |
| Airbags | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 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 34 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE…”
“FIRST NOTICED WHEN I WAS IN LINE AT A DRIVE THROUGH CAR WOULD JUMP FORWARD. IT IS GETTING WORSE AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF PARKING LOT AT THE GROCERY STORE CAR JUMPED FELT LIKE THE ACCLERATOR WAS STUCK, I HIT MY BRAKE AND IT FELT AS IF IT WENT TO THE FLOOR. I ALMOST HIT ANOTHER CAR THANK GOD THERE WAS…”
“EXPERIENCE MOMENTARY, INTERMITTENT ENGINE IDLE RPM SURGE (IDLE FLARE) WHEN STOPPED, DURING LOW SPEED DRIVING MANEUVERS AND TURNING ON A/C SUCH AS IN A PARKING LOT OR DRIVEWAY. UNSTABLE IDLE SPEED. *TR”
“WHILE STARTING MY CAR ( PARKED ) WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW DOWN SMOKE BEGAN TO APPEAR FROM BEHIND THE PASSENGER REAR VIEW WINDOW. I SAW A FLAME ( FIRE ) APPEAR FROM BEHIND THE PASSENGER REAR VIEW MIRROR. WHEN I TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE THE FLAME WENT OUT. AFTER THE FIRE NONE OF THE WINDOWS WILL…”
“THE ENGINE DIED, MEANING NO ACCELERATION. I RESTARTED THE ENGINE AFTER A REST AND IT STARTED AND DROVE AGAIN. IT HAPPENED AGAIN LATER THAT DAY AND I NOTICED THAT THE RPMS SURGED JUST BEFORE THE ENGINE DIED. I TOOK IT TO AUTOZONE TO GET THE CODES FROM THE COMPUTER, AND THE CODES ARE P2111 AND P2104.…”
2006 Ford 500 — common questions
Is the 2006 Ford 500 reliable?
It is close to typical for the 500: 105 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2006 500 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (24 complaints), transmission (20 complaints), engine (17 complaints).
Does the 2006 Ford 500 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2006 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.