VehicleVerdict

2006 Ford Five Hundred problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2006 Ford Five Hundred sits mid-pack among Five Hundred years: 523 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 405, with a single recall and one closed investigation.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across speed control (118), transmission (106), and engine (60), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

523

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

31

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Five Hundred years?

Five Hundred NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted716 complaints2004: 1 complaints2005: 716 complaints2006: 523 complaints2007: 287 complaints
Five Hundred NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Five Hundred years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Ford Five Hundred problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control11823%
Transmission10620%
Engine6011%
Electrical System5911%
Brakes469%
Fuel System387%
Other224%
Body & Structure183%
Lighting143%
Tires & Wheels92%
Airbags71%
Steering71%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)61%
Visibility & Wipers61%
Suspension31%
Seat Belts10%
Driver Assistance10%
Latches & Locks10%
Seats10%

Does the 2006 Ford Five Hundred have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E056000Fuel SystemJune 13, 2006 · 58,640 units

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.

Consequence

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.

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 FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHIFTING INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ABNORMALLY AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A DUMPSTER. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER BUT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · April 17, 2011 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 16, 2015 · crash

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 7, 2020 · crash

“CPSC: I1390188A. 2006 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. CONSUMER STATED THE LEFT FRONT HEAD LIGHT CAUGHT ON FIRE SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE HAVING BEEN PARKED FOR 30 MINUTES IN THE GARAGE AND ENGINE WAS OFF. *LN THE FIRE DESTROYED THE LEFT FRONT ENGINE AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 29, 2013 · fire

“UNINTENDED ACCELERATION FROM STOP WHEN BRAKE RELEASED. FROM SEPT 2006 UNTIL PRESENT. APPROX $3000 EACH TIME. HIT GARAGE WALL. (APPROX 5 COLLISIONS WITH WALL) STILL DOES IT. FINALLY FOUND OUT WHEN & WHY. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 13, 2006 · crash

2006 Ford Five Hundred — common questions

Is the 2006 Ford Five Hundred reliable?

It is close to typical for the Five Hundred: 523 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2006 Five Hundred problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (118 complaints), transmission (106 complaints), engine (60 complaints).

Does the 2006 Ford Five Hundred have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2006 Ford Five Hundred. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2006 Ford Five Hundred under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Five Hundred years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Five Hundred years to avoid are 2005. The cleanest record among Five Hundred years belongs to 2004.

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.