8.8

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$720
Average Mileage:
97,750 miles
Total Complaints:
22 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (11 reports)
  2. replace throttle body (7 reports)
  3. clean the throttle bottle with throttle body spray cleaner. (1 reports)
  4. dealer, $128 diagnosis;$615 fix electronic trottle body etb (1 reports)
  5. looking for a solution (1 reports)
  6. sell my car and never buy a Ford (1 reports)
2005 Ford Five Hundred engine problems

engine problem

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2005 Ford Five Hundred Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #22

Jul 112018

Five Hundred SEL 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 135,129 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This is the 2nd time I've been replaced the throttle body, the 1st time was maybe a year ago, yet dealership says no recall??? I'm driving at 60 miles an hour on the highway and all of a sudden I have no gas pedal to accelerate and the dash read "failsafe engine mode" failsafe almost caused my death, how in the hell is that safe??? I love my car but 2 throttle body in 1 year at 500 a pop just for the part, thank god I have mechanics in my family to do the work for almost free otherwise I'd be out thousands of dollars. If Ford knows this is a problem why in the hell isn't there a recall? I've been reading a lot of complaints about this same problem. I don't want to die because Ford puts my car into "failsafe mode", and are too cheap to put out a recall!! If this happens one more time whether the car is in limp mode, failsafe engine mode, it be inside showroom mode because I will coast it right through. At first I couldn't keep a battery for more than a year, then it was stabilizer links every 6 months, now its throttle body every year, come on Ford is this why you got rid of the five hundreds and replaced them with the Fusion?? If you can stand behind the product you sell then get out if business, I know one thing I will not buy another Ford ever in my life. I bought a used Chevy caviler that I sold with over 200,000 miles on it no rust never put any major repairs into it its still running to this day, huge mistake on my part. I take very good care of my cars and keep up with the scheduled maintainence but this Ford it doesn't matter if you keep up or not!! It just keeps breaking down........How about a recall or refund Ford Motor Company..

- Cheryl B., Bridgeville, US

problem #21

Nov 282016

Five Hundred

  • Automatic transmission
  • 104,210 miles

Local mechanic finally got a repair code showing the problem is with the throttle and/or throttle assembly. This has been an issue in other FORD models. Is there a recall? There needs to be a recall before I get run over by other vehicles when my engine stalls while trying to accelerate! It is extremely dangerous to enter or exit highways and beltways when one cannot be sure the car engine will remain operational, power steering guidance will remain available and another vehicle will not be able to avoid running into me.

This most recent experience resulted in heart spasms from fear. I had to take a nitroglycerin tablet... I do not want to have a heart attack because my 2005 FORD 500 has a rotten throttle problem. Other Ford models have had a recall issued due to similar problems. When will FORD recognize this model has a need for a recall? After I get killed?

- renaultannamar, Essex, MD, US

problem #20

Jan 012010

Five Hundred

  • Automatic transmission
  • 99,419 miles

A big thank you to the people who understand vehicles. Over 9 years of thinking that my car was old.

Extremely dangerous, serious defects-that affect your (General Public) Safety. Accidents waiting to happen. 1. Many times (hundreds) I have pulled out on a street or highway to find the car engine hesitate and then lurched forward, to the point vehicles (and pedestrians) that come up behind me or around me almost collide with my vehicle. 2. In, or around 2011 there were several accounts of the engine surging (and dips) while driving 105 km/h on major highways. Very scary considering I was braking on a long downhills usually rounding 90 degree corners, and was losing control of steering and braking because the motor was revving to 3000 rpm. While pressing hard on the brake (sometimes with all my might). This problem was not limited to high speeds. The vehicle would do this, so unexpectedly, even at low speeds. Very scary with no control of steering, when the car accelerated on its own. NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE110018 Nov. 9.12 Engine RPM fluctuation at highway cruising speeds. Vehicles built prior to 8.2.05 *Can’t brake properly. (Idle and Dips flare) Customer Service Bulletin (CSB) Program No. 12N03 RPM Surge, Throttle Body Deposits. Check engine lamp Codes P0505, P0506, P061.B May 11-11 Feb. 7-13 TSB Technical Safety Bulletin 11.10.21 superseding 11.8.5 3. On many occasions I had frightful experiences when the car would make a loud popping sound (like the motor blew). Power was lost to the point that the car was almost impossible to pull over safely, yet the power would come back on and I would continue shaking from fright. Fright that I almost had an accident. In one particular incident I was passing a vehicle in a passing lane going 100km/hr. when this happened. There were vehicles behind me and on my right, so I could hardly control the vehicle to limp to the shoulder. 4. Instrument Cluster Failure this would happen at unexpected times. 5. I have actually had to plan and reroute my driving maps to exclude steep inclines that I know I would have to be going 90-100km/hr. at the bottom, so I would not lose power and make it to the top without slowing to 70 km/hr. 6. Latches. Front latches, driver and passenger not working properly through the winters of 2009-2015. I volunteer drive seniors and disabled to medical appointments in and around the Ottawa, Pembroke, and surrounding areas. You get the picture. I am a very punctual person that expects to have these vulnerable people get safely to and from their destinations. On several occasions at the last minute I would have to call in for a no show because my doors would not stay closed. On one other occasion when I got to my appointment, my door would not stay closed. Try driving like that. I replaced the l/F door latch December 13, 2012 and the R/F door latch March 25, 2013. $500. Later I still have a problem with them. www.odi.nhtsa.dot.gov Owner notice began Nov. 3, 2006, Latches Recall No. 06S45 The worst part about this happening is you never can trust that you are going to make it to or from your destination. Extremely Dangerous. I had to decline from volunteer driving because I cannot ensure my passengers or general public’s safety, let alone my own. In July 2015 I had a mechanic put the car on a scanner to be told they didn’t see any problems in codes? What can you do for me? Friday, November 13, 2015 I have lost all power. Thankfully I was in town and my very kind, generous neighbor boosted me three times to limp into a mechanic. The fix an alternator $500. That’s OK and good. My question is do I spend that money to be told that the most severe problem might cost me $1,000. For an Electric Throttle Body Motor that may or may not work. I have read on NHTSA 1.888.327.4236, HTTP://www.odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm, that one fellow had his changed and budgets $1,000 every year for just this one fix. Or possibly $7,000. On another unofficial recall for transmissions? A/C compressor, Transmission $3,000, then alternator the same day. Complaint-Surges revs up, have to sit on brake. By default is it a defective power train?

I called Urban Ford in Arnprior, Ontario (Josh) 1.613.623.7344 and they had no information about defects, and referred me to Quick Lane, Ford dealership Renfrew, Ontario (Graham) 1.613.433.8290. What do I love about my 2005 Ford Five Hundred? I love the comfortable drive, despite the heart pounding episodes that come way to frequently, that I have lost count. I love the spaciousness that I could put a pole saw through the trunk to the front window to return it to Rental. Now it is up to Ford to make me a believer before I forfeit all expenses for: a. alternator, b. electric throttle Body Motor, (Fords quick fix, a special cleaner $3.50/can for deposits with and reprogram electric throttle body motor) c. door latches d. gas tank connections e. brakes f. transmission problems g. fuel filter NHTSA Complaints-October 2009-June 2014 NHTSA Complaint, May 2013, Alex E, Hamilton, Ontario-Code P2104-Cleaner 2 cans Part No. 5f9z-9E926-AA TSB-Technical Services Bulletin-05-25-13-Jan. 17, 2014 ETB (Electrical Throttle Body) part-made Recall No. 12N03-Codes (DTC) P2111 Stuck open and P2112 Stuck Closed. Special Customer Satisfaction Program CSP13N03. Warranty coverage-dealers are to update the powertrain calibration 10 years-150,000 km, from the warranty start date of the vehicle. See complete resume in the document file for PE 13-003. Investigative file ALL eligible. Jan. 31, 2015 regardless of mileage. Ford authorized dealership to replace electrical throttle body (ETB) FREE- Customer satisfied 2100 rpm at 90 km now at 115 km. Good job Ford! July 18, 2012-Complaint A/C compressor, Transmission $3,000, then alternator the same day. Complaint-Surges revs up, have to sit on brake. By default is it a defective power train? odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/defect/request/preview.cfm Code of Federal Regulations TIS Technical Information Services Vehicle Safety Hotline 1.888.327.4236 Recalls Status of Defect Investigation Referrals to Offices and Organizations WHY do I have to research and spend my time and money to do the leg work for Fords defects and malfunctions? If you want to give me a job, which I may add having a reliable vehicle is essential, I’m available. I could plan my life around Ford. Have you driven a Ford lately? I have. Not very pleasant. Do I advertise by making my paper weight a permanent driveway fixture? I think so after I replace the alternator. Hey it still runs. OR Ford could replace the alternator, Electric Throttle Body Motor, door latches; and make any repairs that stem from future malfunctions and defects.

Update from Nov 18, 2015: November 18, 2015 Have any photos? How can you fix something if a scan cannot give you a failure code. How are you going to get pictures of that? Quick Lane (Ford), Graham, Renfrew, ON 1613.433.8290 Diagnosis-Computer Scan $107.35. 80% sure I have to replace alternator $440. Then deal with Engine Idle Surge-Take apart, 1 1/2 hours labor, clean with $10? can cleaner and reprogram.-Not covered. OK Then, what if engine is losing power Then, what if the car still lunges forward. By default, has the power lose, and surges contributed to the replacement of the alternator? Then, by default have all Fords problems contributed to a transmission problem. Why would Ford not take care of these obvious and seriously, dangerous problems. FORD needs to do a recall. I will not be putting in an alternator to see if I should spend another dollar to fix Fords problems. Your dealer just made $107.35 on a diagnosis to tell me what I already knew. Thank you.

- Darleen L., Renfrew, ON, Canada

problem #19

May 282014

Five Hundred 3.0L

  • CVT transmission
  • 162,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I love my car and its looks and the ride is great but all the issues I'm having is really discouraging to say the least. A bad throttle body, transmission jumping out of my hood the CVT trans busted my motor mounts, my breaks squeak so loud when pressure is applied it isn't funny, my AC unit lasted 2 yrs, and I'm pretty sure Ford knows about this.

I just can't understand why they don't recall this if the throttle body is a bad unit. Cost us all 1200.00 dollars to repair, no recalls or repairs for these other than a hood latch. I have always been a Ford guy but man, even the dealers know about this, how sad is that .... I only have 162.000 miles, I'm afraid to fix it, and has anyone else dealt with this? I just might part my car out or send it to salvage, I don't even know if I could ever trust this type of set ever again. My family doesn't deserve the uncertainty of a faulty unit....

- Felipe C., la Puente, CA, US

problem #18

May 212013

Five Hundred SE 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 113,090 miles

to tell the full story we have to go back a few months. i pulled into my drive way and when i put my car in park it reved to 3000rpms which freaked me out so i called my mechanic and he said it was probably a one time thing and it was. but then i started noticing my car was jerky when i would try to accelerate. everyone thought i was crazy and that my car was just getting old. so its "normal" HELL NO! about 3 weeks ago my car went into limp mode while i was driving and a code P2104 came up on the computer. that night i was online and found out that november 2012 they sent out a recall on 2005-2007 ford five hundred and freestyles about a throttle body issue and you were to bring your vehicle into a dealership and they would clean it for free and that would fix the issue. So i called my dealer told them about the recall they took my car in and did the cleaning. when i got the car back it was running a bit better but not by much. so when ford called a week later to see how my car was i told them it was still kinda off so i made another appointment. but before i could make it to the shop it blew AGAIN! this time we were almost in an accident with my 3 year old in the car! i was livid i got it to the shop that night and went back in the am when they opened. they said they would take my car in and see what was going on. they gave me a rental car i went to work got a call a few hours later ford authorized my dealership to REPLACE the throttle body for FREE! i was so happy and now my car runs like new! it accelerates like a dream and my car is more fuel efficient! i was running 2100rpm to go 90km/h now its 2100rpm to go 115km/h. I couldnt be happier. for those that want to know about the recall its RECALL 12N03. Good Luck!

- Alexis E., Hamilton, Ontario, canada

problem #17

Mar 192013

Five Hundred SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 111,215 miles

I bought this car new in 2005 it has great performance .. I love the space kept up service up on my car.. I just paid money to get it serviced 1000.00 ..has low miles 111215 .. I was told there are numerous customers that has had this problem with the ford five hundred and fusion. I have been buying my cars from ford over the past 10 years ..I would appreciate if ford would step up and fix the throttle. Was on highway driving 70 miles car staring shaking real bad. saw smoke ..then when tried to use the brakes at first it did not want to slow down.. rmp went up real high ..It was very scary and dangerous ... Ford really needs to step up and replace this on all their cars ..God have mercy on them if one of their customers looses their life or a love one because of this problem...

- Sarah P., seguin, TX, US

problem #16

Jul 312012

Five Hundred Limited 3.0L

  • CVT transmission
  • 93,206 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I understand that there is a class action lawsuit in the US just wondering what i can do in Canada.

- gildrouillard, Windsor, Ontario, Canada

problem #15

Sep 272012

Five Hundred ES

  • CVT transmission
  • 150,000 miles

Brought a 2005 Ford Five Hundred brand new. While driving it home noticed it was revving put and down as I drove. Returned to dealer who stated the air condition needed adjustment. Year later while on vacation in Arizona the throttle body went out. replace it at a gas station shop because Ford was closed and need to get home. Fast Forward to 2012 I've replace this part a total of six times since owning this nightmare. So every year I put as side anywhere from $529.00 to $650.00 for replacement. Is there anything we can do to make Ford responsible for producing a bad product ?

- Sam P., Lakewood, CA, US

problem #14

Jul 182012

Five Hundred LS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 102,000 miles

Nary a problem for the first 100,000 miles, except brake jobs in 2 years -???? Recently, It's been in & out of the shop 3X in 4 weeks, for a total of 20 days - it's still there!! I'm driving around an uncomfortable Mazda sports car, which seat KILLS my back. The FH has BEST COMFORTABLE seats ever - that and the quiet ride made me fall in love with it yrs ago!! However, all of the problems it's having makes me realize we should have traded it in a year ago. First a/c compressor, then transmission ($3000, never fixed properly), then alternator (the same day it came out of shop for tranny), then original tranny problem came back!!! They've had the thing for a week & still do not know how to fix it!! What a nightmare. Used to love Ford but now probably will try Buick. Don't even know what will happen if they cant fix it!! We can't be out that original $3000 for work not done properly??? Oh Heaven help us!!

- dlk, Rochester, NY, US

problem #13

Jul 212012

Five Hundred Limited 3.0L V

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,563 miles

Having this repaired at the Ford dealership is very expensive and should be a problem Ford deals with. This is not due to extreme driving by any means. Cost will be $800.00 to $1000.00. FIX IT!!

- tilghman55, Independence, MO, US

problem #12

Apr 042012

Five Hundred Limited 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 169,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

First off let me say I love my car...very comfortable to travel in, spacious...just a joy to have.

I noticed that it would suddenly lunge forward when in drive at low speeds or in reverse would lunge backwards. It is worse when the AC is running. The Throttle would run really high and really low almost to shutting off the vehicle. Initially, when I first had it serviced because it wouldn't start. When I took it to the dealer I was told it needed a throttle body replaced $1200.00. That's a down payment on a new car!!!!!!!! INSANE....Now I'm stuck with this problem and coming up with the money to fix because FORD refuses to see the severity of this increasingly dangerous problem with their vehicles.

- affennee, Baltimore, MD, US

problem #11

Sep 082011

Five Hundred ES 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

I want Ford to recall this part, it is obviously an issue by what I have seen here. It is also very dangerous. I can put the car in reverse with my foot on the brake,,, and it reves up and would fly backwards if I didn't have my foot on the brake. Does the same thing in Drive, what the heck. I do love my car, bought it new in 2005. Made sure that all service required was done on it, and it still looks great. Now this....Ford, please step up and fix your problems.

- Donna J., New Port Richey, FL, US

problem #10

Jul 272011

Five Hundred Limited 3.0L

  • CVT transmission
  • 73,000 miles

Apparently there are issues with the Ford Five Hundred and engine surges related to the throttle bodies going bad. This vehicle has other issues that occur in a significant number of the same year vehicles. The Compressor Regulator Valve in the Air Conditioner Compressor goes bad around 62,000. The rear back up sensors go bad around 50,000. Now I have this issue with the throttle body going bad and causing surges which are really quite dangerous. they happen at low speeds going forward or in reverse. Ford does not have a safety recall on these but should. The cost I have been told is between $850 and $1050. Ford should be picking up some or all of this.

Update from Nov 29, 2011: Repaired the issue at least temporarily by cleaning the throttle body with a cleaner recommended at another repair site. For $3.50 it was worth a shot. I actually ended up using 2 cans of spray cleaner and it did the trick. The surges have stopped and not returned in the last 5000 miles.

- Wayne F., Wyoming, OH, US

problem #9

Jun 022011

Five Hundred Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

This problem's cost for repair should be covered by Ford!!! With so many people suffering the same problem with this vehicle there should of been a recall!! This is very dangerous & if there hasn't been already I'm sure there will be lawsuits against Ford for injuries from accidents that occur due to the problem!! The car lunges even while holding the brake in reverse & in drive!!

- cbaalerud, Warren, MI, US

problem #8

Jun 142011

Five Hundred ES V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

I own a 2005 Ford Five Hundred and recently every time i drive and push the gas it would go into Failsafe Mode in the middle of traffic about every mile so i took it to the dealer and they said it was something else and then they would reset it and within the next couple of days it would do it again until it got so annoying that i just could not drive my car, take it back to the dealer and then they say it's the throttle body and it will cost 700.00 to repair so i google it and found that everyone that owns a ford 500 has to replace the throttle body, i think its a shame that Ford does not do a recall on this because everybody and i mean everybody that owns a ford 500 is having this problem and the cost is crazy because this part is not carried in Autozones or the Discount auto part store . and for some body that is on a fixed income or just cant afford to purchase the part what can they do when you try to support American Made cars and this is what you get...Go figure FORD......

- kal_yvette, Tampa, FL, US

problem #7

Apr 212011

Five Hundred Limited AWD V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 130,379 miles

Driving from Nashville to Knoxville ,about 74 miles from Knoxville car almost came to complete stop from 80mph, coasted to side of road and wrench light came on. Waited about 5minutes started car it ran normal for a few miles the same thing happened car slowed to about 20mph wrench light came on and also check engine light. After repeated stopping and starting, finally made it to Knoxville Ford dealership. Problem was diagnosed and throttle body was replaced @ a cost of $889.00. After that I completed my trip to Charlotte, NC and back to Nashville,TN, a few days later with no problems.

- mitchelltn, Nashville, TN, US

problem #6

Jul 232010

Five Hundred Limited 3.0L V6

  • CVT transmission
  • 104,361 miles

There is a technical bulletin out on this defective Electronic Throttle Body part that Ford dealers have and should share with you. It is TSB 05-25-13. It pertains to not only the 2005 Ford 500, but the 2005 Ford Freestyle and the Mercury Montego. There was a new ETB part made just for this Ford 500 problem (I got the first one in Shawnee, Kansas) and I think the part number is 5F9Z-9E926-AA. My Ford 500 is a 2005 with more than 100,000 miles on it.This part and replacement is eligible for replacement under Ford's warranty you may have (according to the TSB), however the repair and replacement cost came out of my pocket this time.

I would consider this a serious defect that can affect your safety. With the problem, the car moves forward or backward in drive or reverse WITHOUT pressing on the gas pedal. You cannot parallel park or park in stalls near walls without holding your foot to the brake pedal. That is extremely dangerous. I have know other people who have had this problem with a late model Ford 500 and some are contacting Ford customer service to see if they can get a refund. I know Ford is aware of this problem since they last year (2010) came out with a modified electronic throttle body part that is very different from the original. If I was Ford, I would be contacting all owners of 2005 Ford 500's (and others affected) to make them aware of this problem (in addition to the door latches, gas tank connections, brakes, and transmission problems this model has experienced). I love my 500 despite the problems, but when it comes to safety, Ford needs to do something about this electronic throttle body problem and replace them all. CFV

- Charley V., Shawnee, KS, US

problem #5

Jul 012010

Five Hundred Limited 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 96,000 miles

We've taken the vehicle to 3 different Ford dealers and the only thing done was the PCM was reprogrammed with updated software. The vehicle still stalls on the highway and goes into Failsafe. I have already filed a safety complaint with the NTSA. It appears this is a major problem with this model of Ford. There needs to be a recall for safety concerns.

- Shawn S., Springboro, OH, US

problem #4

Aug 272009

Five Hundred Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

took 3 months to get a replacement part. want to know why it took so long. all I got from ford was sorry for your inconeivence.my car broke down while in was in nashville, tenn., I live in michigan. I had to rent a car to get back home, then I was without a car for 3 months. then I had to buy a plane ticket to pick my car up. ford's customer care solutions team was of no help at all would not return many of my phone calls and just did not seem to care about the whole situation and the inconievence i was having. ford customer relationship center did not reply to the survey i filled out, I guess they don't give a rats ass about this whole situation.

when my replacement part was not ready on the expected day, i called ford's quality dept. and the person i talked to was able to get my part to the dealership in a day, why did it take so long to get the part,is what i would like to know. i have been a loyal ford customer and am now a retired ford worker. i don't know if i will buy another ford product if this is how ford's take care of their customers.

- Deborah E., Milford, MI, US

problem #3

Sep 152009

Five Hundred Limited 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 96,000 miles

Like the others, we have been told the part is not yet available. Maybe in December. The car was bought new and all service done at the dealer with no problems at all. We gave the car to our daughter so we would not worry about about car problems when she went off to college. In September 09 it quit. Throttle body. We have been told the company who manufactured the part went out of business suddenly and all inventory had been depleted. So now we are waiting for someone tto make them. Like the others - Ford has refused to help in any way with rental fees, loaner cars ,or even say for sure when a part will be available.

My questions are -- if all inventory has been depleted--how big of a problem is this? Why has Ford not spoken out on the issue? How many Five-Hundreds are out there sitting at the dealerships waitng for the part? And why aren't more people complaining? And finally . Why won't Ford try to do anything for us?

- Greg L., Champaign, IL, US

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