According to Au7o's analysis of 820+ owner reports, the 2006 Ford Five Hundred has 6 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are CVT Transmission Shuddering, Slipping, and Premature Failure ($200-$5,000 repair), Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Failure ($300-$600 repair) and Sludged 3.0L Duratec Electronic Throttle Body Sticks and Forces the Car to Idle ($400-$1,200 repair). The most commonly reported issue is CVT Transmission Shuddering, Slipping, and Premature Failure with 380 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $100 to $5,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2005-2007 Ford Five Hundred 3.0L V6, 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.
High Confidence200 owner reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026
Community reported
240 owners
On the 2005-2007 Ford Five Hundred, 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.
High Confidence240 owner reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026
On the 2005-2007 Ford Five Hundred, the front wheel bearing hub assemblies fail, causing a droning/humming noise that increases with speed. The bearing is integrated into the hub assembly and cannot be pressed separately. Common on AWD models.
Replace the hub and bearing assembly. The ABS sensor is integrated, so the tone ring alignment is automatic with a new assembly. Torque the axle nut to 233 ft-lbs.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly
Cross-refBR930704
Fitment confirmed against the ShowMeTheParts catalog for this vehicle's year and engine.
On the 2005-2007 Ford Five Hundred 3.0L Duratec 30 V6, the 2005-2007 Five Hundred, and its Freestyle and Mercury Montego siblings, use a coolant-heated electronic throttle body on the 3.0L Duratec V6 that is unusually prone to internal sludging and actuator failure. Crankcase vapour routed through the intake tract deposits an oily varnish in the throttle bore and around the plate edges, and because the unit is water-jacketed it runs at a temperature that bakes those deposits into a hard film. Ford acknowledged the sludge condition in TSB 09-24-12 for 2005-2007 Freestyle, Five Hundred and Montego vehicles with the 3.0L engine, where the symptom is a low idle with P0505 or P0506 set, and the service procedure is to clean sludge from the edges of the throttle plate and the mating surface of the bore. Left alone the condition escalates: the plate binds hard enough that the actuator motor can no longer position it against the return spring, or the motor itself gives up. At that point the PCM's commanded-versus-actual throttle comparison fails, it forces the engine to idle and logs P2104. Owner complaints collected on CarComplaints from NHTSA describe exactly this - a 2005 Five Hundred owner lost power, pulled P2104 along with a partner throttle code, and had the dealer replace the throttle body at roughly $690 in parts plus labor. Because the same platform is also known for surging, hesitation and no-start complaints traced to the same throttle body, a Five Hundred that idles poorly or surges is giving warning well before it strands you.
Complete loss of power while driving - car sputters and will then only idle
Accelerator pedal has no effect; vehicle can barely be moved off the roadway
Low, rough or hunting idle before the failure becomes permanent
Surging or hesitation on light throttle
Hard starting or no-start after the throttle body sticks
Check engine light with wrench / reduced-power indication
How to Fix
Confirm the partner code first. P2104 with a stuck-open or stuck-closed code, or with P0505/P0506 idle-control codes, points squarely at the throttle body on this car. Engine off, remove the intake duct and try to move the throttle plate by hand - a healthy unit snaps back crisply, a sludged one drags or stays where you put it, and you will see a black gummy ring on the bore where the plate seals. Watch commanded versus actual throttle position on a scan tool while sweeping the pedal; a lagging or flat actual value confirms the actuator cannot overcome the binding. If deposits are the only problem and the codes are historical, follow the TSB approach: remove the throttle body (deal with the coolant hoses feeding the heater circuit, so drain enough coolant to avoid a mess and be ready to bleed the system), clean the bore and both faces of the plate, reinstall with a new gasket, top and bleed the coolant, and run the idle relearn. If the unit has already stuck badly enough to force idle, or sets the code again after cleaning, replace the complete assembly - the motor and position sensors are not serviceable separately. Address the cause as well: check the PCV system and clean the intake so the new unit does not sludge up again, and keep oil changes current, since the 3.0L Duratec's sludge tolerance is what feeds this failure. Dealer throttle bodies have been reported near $690 in parts alone plus labor; aftermarket units for this application are far cheaper, and owner-reported totals run roughly $400-$1,200.
On the 2005-2007 Ford Five Hundred, the electronic throttle body sticks or fails, causing the engine to enter limp mode with reduced power. The throttle plate bore wears and allows the plate to stick. May trigger wrench warning light on the dash.
On the 2005-2007 Ford Five Hundred, 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.
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).
High Confidence380 owner reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026
NHTSA Recalls4 recalls
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
Campaign #06E05600013/06/2006
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED AND MERCURY MONTEGO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 11, 2006. THE FUEL TANKS MAY NOT HAVE CONSISTENT WELDS BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL FILLER NECK SPUD WHICH CAN AFFECT THE STRENGTH OF THE JOINT. SOME FUEL TANK SPUD WELDS MAY NOT PROVIDE THE EXPECTED STRENGTH IN THE EVENT OF A SEVERE REAR IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. AN IMPROPER WELD CAN RESULT IN A CRACK IN THE JOINT WHICH COULD ILLUMINATE THE EMISSIONS MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT, CAUSE A FUEL ODOR, OR ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK OUT.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE STRAPS THAT SECURE THE FUEL TANK TO THE VEHICLE BODY MAY BREAK, CAUSING THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL TANK HEAT SHIELD TO DROP ON THE DRIVESHAFT (ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES) OR EXHAUST SYSTEM (FRONT WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES).
Campaign #05V51500009/11/2005
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. THE SIDE DOOR LATCH MECHANISMS MAY EXPERIENCE WATER INTRUSION ALLOWING THE LATCH MECHANISM TO FREEZE IN COLD WEATHER.
Campaign #06V38300005/10/2006
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What are the most common Ford Five Hundred problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 820+ owner reports, the 2006 Ford Five Hundred has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Transmission Shuddering, Slipping, and Premature Failure, Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Failure, Sludged 3.0L Duratec Electronic Throttle Body Sticks and Forces the Car to Idle. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford Five Hundred reliable?
The 2006 Ford Five Hundred has 6 known issues documented across 820+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: CVT Transmission Shuddering, Slipping, and Premature Failure and Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Failure and Sludged 3.0L Duratec Electronic Throttle Body Sticks and Forces the Car to Idle. 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.
What is the 2005-2007 Ford Five Hundred CVT Transmission Shuddering, Slipping, and Premature Failure?
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 he… Repairs typically run $200-$5,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2005-2007 Ford Five Hundred Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Failure?
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 comple… Repairs typically run $300-$600. Severity: high.
What is the 2005-2007 Ford Five Hundred Sludged 3.0L Duratec Electronic Throttle Body Sticks and Forces the Car to Idle?
The 2005-2007 Five Hundred, and its Freestyle and Mercury Montego siblings, use a coolant-heated electronic throttle body on the 3.0L Duratec V6 that is unusually prone to internal sludging and actuator failure. Crankcase vapour routed through the intake tract deposits an oily va… Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: high.
What is the 2005-2007 Ford Five Hundred Premature Power Steering Rack and Pump Failure?
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 relati… Repairs typically run $100-$1,100. Severity: medium.
What is the 2005-2007 Ford Five Hundred Front Wheel Bearing Hub Assembly Failure?
The front wheel bearing hub assemblies fail, causing a droning/humming noise that increases with speed. The bearing is integrated into the hub assembly and cannot be pressed separately. Common on AWD models. Repairs typically run $200-$400. Severity: medium.
What is the 2005-2007 Ford Five Hundred Electronic Throttle Body Failure?
The electronic throttle body sticks or fails, causing the engine to enter limp mode with reduced power. The throttle plate bore wears and allows the plate to stick. May trigger wrench warning light on the dash. Repairs typically run $200-$450. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
