2006 Ford 500: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 68 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (24% of complaints); the 2007 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
68
owner complaints
3
fire reports
100,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaignsProblems tend to appear late (median 100,000 mi)Weak spot: power train (24%)3 fire reports
Common problems
Computed from 68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)24% · 16 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)23% · 15 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)14% · 9 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)12% · 8 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System (fuel pump, tank, lines)8% · 5 complaints
Exterior Lighting (headlights, taillights)6% · 4 complaints
“While starting my car ( parked ) with the front passenger window down smoke began to appear from behind the passenger rear view window. I saw a flame ( fire ) appear from behind the passenger rear view mirror. When I turned off the vehicle the flame went out. After the fire none of the windows will work and the interior lights will not come on manually or come on as usual when the key is taken out of the ignition.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2018
“Airbag failed to deploy in a crash with a vehicle which made a left turn in front of me. Speed was 35-40mph. I suffered fractured sternum as a result when my chest hit the steering wheel. Crash happened in eagan, mn. On cliff road”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2017
“Transmission is broken and need replacement. Said to be non-repairable as ford discontinued making the transmission 3 years after introduction car has only 70,000 miles on it. Now I have large flower planter as I can't drive it! Ford, but for this issue I had a perfectly usable/reliable car! Now it is a safety hazard! What are you going to do about it! Happens in motion”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2017
Show 7 more owner reports
“There many issues motor just blew up today sitting in drive way I just bought it and started it and it blew up power steering wiring cadillac converters it has a lot of problems”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford 500. While driving various speeds, the alternator burned out without warning. The contact had the alternator replaced five times. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford 500. While driving various speeds, the transmission warning indicator illuminated without warning. In addition, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was diagnosed as needing either a valve body or transmission replacement. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,000. Updated 01/05/17*lj”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2016
“The engine surges and the car lurches periodically - normally after the engine warms up. It surges when you take the car out of park and place the selector in drive or reverse. It also surges and lurches when sitting at a light and removing pressure on the brake pedal. The potential for property and personal damage are substantial. Ford should be compelled to issue a recall. There are many complaints regarding this defect on other websites and nothing seems to be moving in the direction of resolution. Please help.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Oct 2016
“Throttle body has been replaced twice now. Vehicle currently has 106,982 miles. Third throttle body needs to be replaced. Very dangerous for my teenager to drive as there is no warning when the acceleration won't work and she can be on a highway in traffic. Also, the back doors are constantly filling with water after a rain storm and need to be drained.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Mar 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford 500. When the vehicle was shifted into reverse, it experienced unintended acceleration and a complete loss of power. The maintenance warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2016
“Customer reported right lowbeam inoperative. Inspection revealed melted connector and discolored headlight pin. Replaced right lowbeam headlight connector only. 2 months later customer reported right lowbeam inoperative. Inspection revealed melted right lowbeam connector melted and discolored headlight pin. Replaced headlight bulb and connector. 371 days later customer reports right lowbeam inoperative. Inspection revealed melted right lowbeam connector melted. Right lowbeam currently taken out of service. Problem always reported in cold weather months and low outdoor temperatures and short daylight hours.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Dec 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
Check your exact 500 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Ford 500 reliable?
NHTSA has 68 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2006 Ford 500. The most complained-about area is power train (24% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2006 Ford 500 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 100,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.