Common Problem Categories
Complaints by Model Year
Ford 500 Years to Avoid
The 2005 launch year has the most complaints at 294, being the first model year of this new platform. The 2006 model year follows with 210 complaints. Both years show significantly more issues than the final production year.
Best Ford 500 Years
The 2007 model year is clearly the best choice with 102 complaints - less than half of the 2006 and about a third of the 2005 complaints. Ford addressed many initial issues by the final production year.
What Owners Are Reporting
Power train issues are the most common complaint, including transmission problems that affected the CVT (continuously variable transmission) option and conventional automatic gearbox.
Engine-related complaints are nearly as common, with owners reporting various engine performance and reliability issues affecting the 3.0L V6 engine.
Vehicle speed control complaints are notable, including issues with cruise control, throttle response, and acceleration-related problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common problems with Ford 500/Five Hundred?
Power train issues lead at 118 complaints, followed by engine problems at 110 and vehicle speed control issues at 100 complaints.
Which Ford 500 model years should I avoid?
The 2005 launch year has the most complaints (294), and 2006 follows with 210 complaints. The first year of any new platform typically has more issues.
Is the Ford 500 reliable?
Reliability improved significantly over the short production run. The 2007 model year has less than half the complaints of 2006 and about a third of 2005.
Are there transmission problems with the Ford 500?
Power train issues, including transmission concerns, are the leading complaint category. The CVT option in particular has generated owner complaints.
Which Ford 500 year is the best to buy?
The 2007 model year is clearly the best choice with only 102 complaints. Ford resolved many first-year issues by this final production year.