Ford Five Hundred Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know
2005-2007 model years · Based on 820+ owner reports · Last updated March 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 820+ owner reports, the 2005-2007 Ford Five Hundred has 3 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical by the Au7o research team. The most serious are CVT Transmission Shuddering, Slipping, and Premature Failure ($200-$5,000 repair) and Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Failure ($300-$600 repair). The most commonly reported issue is CVT Transmission Shuddering, Slipping, and Premature Failure with 380 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $100 to $5,000. Full technical analysis and DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 3 Known Issues
The Ford Five Hundred has a documented problem with premature lower control arm ball joint failure. The ball joints can wear and separate at relatively low mileage, causing the steering knuckle to disconnect from the control arm. In severe cases, the ball joint has sheared completely while driving at highway speeds, snapping the CV axle and causing a sudden loss of steering control. NHTSA received multiple complaints about this failure. The front suspension design carries heavy weight from the 3.0L V6 and front-wheel-drive transaxle, putting excessive stress on the ball joints.
Common Symptoms
- Clunking noise from front suspension over bumps
- Steering wheel vibration at highway speed
- Vehicle pulls to one side during braking
- Uneven tire wear on front tires
- Visible play when lifting the front wheel and checking for movement
How to Fix
Have the lower ball joints inspected at every tire rotation or oil change. If any play is detected, replace both lower ball joints immediately ($300-$600 for both sides). Use quality aftermarket ball joints from Moog or similar — the OEM parts are undersized for the application. After replacement, get a full alignment. If the ball joint is making clunking noises, do NOT delay repair — a ball joint separation at speed is extremely dangerous.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 200+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipHave your mechanic check the lower ball joints by lifting the front wheel and checking for play at 12 and 6 o'clock. If there is any movement beyond a slight amount, replace both sides immediately. Moog K500128 ball joints are the go-to upgrade — they are a significant improvement over the weak OEM parts.
The Ford Five Hundred is prone to premature power steering system failure, including the power steering rack-and-pinion assembly and the power steering pump. Owners report loss of power steering assist, groaning noises when turning the wheel, and complete system failure at relatively low mileage (25,000-60,000 miles). The hydraulic power steering system was under-engineered for the vehicle's weight, and the factory-filled fluid was found to contribute to premature wear. Ford issued a TSB recommending a fluid change from the factory fill to Mercon V fluid, acknowledging the problem.
Common Symptoms
- Groaning or whining noise when turning the steering wheel
- Steering becomes heavy or difficult to turn at low speeds
- Power steering fluid level drops requiring frequent top-offs
- Fluid leak from power steering rack or pump
- Steering assist cuts out intermittently, especially when cold
How to Fix
Flush the power steering fluid and replace with Motorcraft Mercon V as recommended by the Ford TSB. If the pump is groaning, replace it before it fails completely ($200-$400 parts and labor). If the rack-and-pinion is leaking or steering is loose, replacement costs $500-$1,100. Have both components inspected whenever a power steering noise develops — catching a pump failure early prevents damage to the more expensive rack.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 240+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipThe first thing to do on a Five Hundred is flush the factory power steering fluid and replace with Mercon V. Ford acknowledged the factory fluid was part of the problem and issued a TSB recommending the change. This $50-$75 flush can prevent a $1,000 rack replacement.
The Ford Five Hundred equipped with the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) suffers from chronic shuddering, slipping, and premature failure. The CVT transmission bucks and shakes when decelerating or accelerating around 25 MPH, and the problem worsens as the transmission heats up. Many owners report the transmission slipping under acceleration, loss of reverse gear, and complete transmission failure at 80,000-120,000 miles. The CVT was supplied by ZF and proved unreliable in the Five Hundred application. Cold weather exacerbates the issues, with the CVT fluid thickening and causing delayed engagement and sluggish acceleration. Replacement transmissions are difficult to source as the supplier no longer manufactures new units.
Common Symptoms
- Shuddering or bucking when accelerating or decelerating around 25 MPH
- Transmission slipping — RPMs rise without corresponding acceleration
- Delayed engagement when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse
- Loss of reverse gear while forward gears still work
- Check engine light with transmission codes P0700 or P0701
- Sluggish acceleration especially in cold weather
- Whining noise from transmission area
How to Fix
Change the CVT fluid every 30,000 miles using the correct CVT-specific fluid (NOT standard ATF). Have the speed sensors and solenoids tested if shuddering occurs — replacing a $100 sensor is preferable to a $5,000 transmission. If the transmission fails, rebuilt CVT units are available from specialty transmission shops for $3,000-$4,500 installed. Some owners have converted to a conventional 6-speed automatic from a Ford Taurus, though this requires significant modification ($3,000-$5,000).
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 380+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipIf you own a Five Hundred with the CVT, change the fluid every 30,000 miles — do NOT follow Ford's extended drain interval. Use ONLY CVT-specific fluid, never standard ATF. This single maintenance step can extend the transmission life significantly. An independent transmission shop can do the fluid change for $150-$200.
- TipThe Five Hundred was also available with a conventional 6-speed automatic (Aisin AWF21) on the AWD models — these transmissions are far more reliable than the CVT. If buying a used Five Hundred, seek out the AWD model with the conventional automatic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Ford Five Hundred problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 820+ owner reports, the 2005-2007 Ford Five Hundred has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Transmission Shuddering, Slipping, and Premature Failure, Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Failure, Premature Power Steering Rack and Pump Failure. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford Five Hundred reliable?
The 2005-2007 Ford Five Hundred has 3 known issues documented across 820+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: CVT Transmission Shuddering, Slipping, and Premature Failure and Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Ford Five Hundred problems?
Repair costs for known Ford Five Hundred issues range from $100 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, CVT Transmission Shuddering, Slipping, and Premature Failure, typically costs $200-$5,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
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