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Vehicle Stats/FORD/FIVE Hundred Reliability
NHTSA Official DataUpdated Sep 2026Methodology

FORD FIVE Hundred Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data

Poor reliability signalOur verdict from 1,073 complaints and 6 recalls on NHTSA record

Comparing used FORD FIVE Hundred options? We analyzed 3 model years (2005–2007) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.

1,073
Total Complaints
NHTSA filed
6
Safety Recalls
federal campaigns
57
Crash-Related
crash complaints
15
Fire-Related
fire complaints
25
Injuries Reported
across all years
3
Years Analyzed
2005–2007

Free VIN check

Found a FORD FIVE Hundred? Check that exact car.

Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.

  • Accident & damage history
  • Odometer rollback records
  • Open recalls & title brands
NMVTIS official data Instant results No signup for the preview
Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the FORD FIVE Hundred has 1,073 owner complaints and 6 safety recalls across model years 2005–2007. The most reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. 2005 drew the most complaints; 2007 drew the fewest.

FORD FIVE Hundred — key reliability facts
Make
FORD
Model
FIVE Hundred
Model years analyzed
2005–2007 (3 years)
Total NHTSA complaints
1,073
Safety recall campaigns
6
Crash-related complaints
57
Fire-related complaints
15
Worst model year (by complaints)
2005 (510 complaints)
Best model year (fewest complaints)
2007 (199 complaints)
Top reported issue area
POWER TRAIN
Reliability signal
Poor
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) · Data last refreshed Sep 4, 2026
This FIVE Hundred has 6 open recall campaigns on record. Check whether yours is affected.Check my VIN free →

By model year

FORD FIVE Hundred: which years to avoid & which to buy

Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.

Years to avoid
2005510 complaints2006364 complaints2007199 complaints

These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.

Best years to buy
2007199 complaints2006364 complaints2005510 complaints

These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.

Looking at a 2005 FORD FIVE Hundred? It logged the most NHTSA complaints of any model year — averages won't tell you whether this exact car is affected.Check this VIN free →

Crash test ratings

NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings

New Car Assessment Program

NCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.

How to read NCAP stars
5 stars — Excellent
4 stars — Good
3 stars — Average
2 stars — Below average
1 star — Poor

Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings

What the complaint data suggests

Poor
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Data engine & NHTSA methodology by Eduard Batog, Co-founder & Data Engineer. How we calculate this.

The FORD FIVE HUNDRED has 1,073 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. 57 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Key findings
  • 1,073 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 6 federal recall campaigns
  • 57 crash-related complaints on record
Top concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Worst years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.

Best years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.

What to check before buying used
  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume — popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Problems by model year (best vs. worst)

2005
510
2006
364
2007
199

Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026

Safety recalls

NHTSA safety recalls

6 recalls found

Safety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.

Safety recall

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

#06V383000LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCHMay 10, 2006
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING

#05V515000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTINGSeptember 11, 2005
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

#11V355000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

#06E056000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

#06E056000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

#06E056000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2005–2007. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.

Common problems

What goes wrong most often

The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 1,073 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.

01
POWER TRAIN299 complaints
02
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL292 complaints
03
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM168 complaints
04
ENGINE115 complaints
05
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING91 complaints
06
SERVICE BRAKES86 complaints
07
HYDRAULIC73 complaints
08
FUEL SYSTEM67 complaints

Owner complaints

NHTSA complaint reports

1,073 total

These are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.

POWER TRAINNov 2023

It's starting not going into highway gears (5&6) just revs real high and when it does finally, it kicks really hard. Sounds and feels like it's going to drop out from under the car.

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMFeb 2021

AFTER DRIVING HALF-HOUR IN HIGH-WAY SOUTHWARD ON I-45 IN THE MORNING. THE CAR CANNOT BE ACCELERATE AT AROUND 40MPH WHEN I RAMP UP TO 288, AND THE AUTO-LOCK LIGHT TURNED RED. SECONDS LATER, IT RECOVERED BACK. 2 MINUTES LATER, IT HAPPENED AGAIN . AND AGAIN . SO I PARKED IT . ~8-HOURS LATER, I STARTED IT AND THE AUTO-LOCK LIGHT RED AGAIN. SECONDS LATER, THE ENGINE STOPPED WHEN I BACK THE CAR. I STEPPED ON GAS-PEDAL WHEN I TRIED 3RD TIME, AND THE CAR MOVED AND THE AUTO-LOCK LIGHT KEPT RED. 10-MINUTS LATER, WHEN I DRIVE ON 288-SOUTH AT ~60MPH, BOTH OF THE REPAIR LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT TURNED YELLOW AND THE AUTO-LOCK LIGHT OFF, SECONDS LATER, THE REPAIR LIGHT OFF. THE ENGINE LIGHT KEPT ON. SO I GET DOWN THE HIGHWAY, CANNOT ACCELERATE CAR WITH GAS-PEDAL ON AND CANNOT TURN STERRING WHEEL, THE CAR SLOW DOWN AND STOPPED BY ITSELF. 5-MINUTES LATER, I STARTED IT AGAIN WITH ENGINE LIGHT ON WITH YELLOW, THE CAR MOVED AND 10 MINUTES LATER, I PARKED IT HOME.

CrashELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMJul 2020

I HAD THIS CAR REPAIRED TWICE AT A PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC SHOP THAT COST ME THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. EVERY TIME, THE CAR COMES TO STOP OR DIES ON ME. I REPLACED THE FUEL FILTER ONE TIME THAT IS UNDERNEATH THE CAR. NOW THE CAR IS SITTING IN MY GARAGE BECAUSE OF THE FUEL PUMP NOT FUNCTIONING AND DOES NOT MAKE THAT SOUND ANYMORE WHEN YOU TURN THE KEY ON.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFeb 2020

IT BEGAN WITH THE 12 VOLT NOT WORKING. PUT IN NEW FUSE IT BLEW. THEN INSTRUMENT PANEL SPEEDOMETER GOES BLACK, IF YOU GOT THE DASH IT COMES BACK ON THE BATTERY GOT COMPLETELY DRAINED BOUGHT A NEW ONE. STILL HAVE A SHORT SOMEWHERE . NOTICED A MILLION OTHER COMPLAINTS THE SAME SHOULD THIS NOT BE INVESTIGATED? A SODERING DEFECT OR ELECTRICAL SHORT DRAINING BATTERY, IT'S OBVIOUSLY A VEHICLE DEFECT. ISN'T FORD A BIG ENOUGH COMPANY TO TAKE CARE OF THIS INSTEAD OF IGNORING IT? THIS IS ON A 2007 FORD 500, LOW MILES. THIS HAPPENS SITTING STILL OR DRIVING.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMFeb 2020

CAR IS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE GAS TANK AREA, LOOKS LIKE ITS LEAKING FROM THE FILLER NECK. AT TIMES IT LEAKS A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT. I'M ALSO HAVING SURGING ISSUES. MAINLY AT LOW SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE HAS ALSO SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. THESE PROBLEMS TRULY CONCERN ME AND I QUESTION THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE AND MY CHILDREN AND MYSELF WHILE IN THIS VEHICLE.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMJan 2020

I DON'T KNOW IF THIS BELONGS IN ENGINE OR FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. THERE WAS NO MENTION OF 'GAS PEDDLE' IN EITHER. THE DATE OF 07/17/2013 IS APPROXIMATE. IT MAY HAVE BEEN BETWEEN 2013 - 2015. I AM NOT SURE OF THE EXACT DATES. IT WAS WHEN I WAS GOING TO A PAIN SPECIALIST IN BUFFALO AFTER MY REAR-END ACCIDENT IN MY PREVIOUS CAR IN JULY 2012. LOCATION - I-190 & NY-198 BUFFALO, NY 14207 42.930405, -78.899552 MERGE RAMP FROM THE NY-198 TO THE I-190 NORTH. 2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED THE PROBLEM: THE GAS PEDDLE STUCK WHEN I HAD TO DO A FAST ACCELERATION / I FLOORED IT. I HAD TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND PRESS THE GAS PEDDLE A COUPLE TIMES TO GET IT UNSTUCK. I HAD IT IN TO THE FORD DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT IT AND THEY FIXED OR CLEANED SOMETHING. THE FORD DEALER SAID THAT IT WOULD COST ABOUT $400.00 TO REPLACE THE COMPONENT IF THIS DIDN'T WORK. IT HAPPENED AGAIN WHEN I DID ANOTHER FAST ACCELERATION. I WAS ABLE AGAIN TO GET IT UNSTUCK. I HAVE NOT HAD THE OCCASION TO DO A FAST ACCELERATION SINCE. I DON'T RUN IT FAST IF I CAN HELP IT.

Read 14 more owner reports
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNov 2019

THE ANTI THEFT IS ON

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOct 2019

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FLASHES THEN GOES BLACK WHILE DRIVING. INTERIOR EXTERIOR AND GAUGE LIGHTS GO BRIGHT AND DIM AND GO OUT ALTOGETHER WHILE DRIVING. CAR DIES WHILE MOVING. BATTERIES ONLY LAST 1 YEAR FROM BEING DRAINED. NO ALTERNATOR ISSUE PER 3 DIFFERENT MECHANICS.

EXTERIOR LIGHTINGOct 2019

DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT SOCKET BURNS OUT THE BULB. THE BULB HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES IN THE PAST THREE MONTHS. THE ENTIRE LIGHT SOCKET UNIT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE SERVICE TECH INFORMED ME THAT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL VEHICLE.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMJun 2019

VEHICLE SURGES WHEN YOU LET OFF THE BRAKE. THIS STARTED SHORTLY AFTER WE PURCHASED THE CAR A COUPLE YEARS AGO. THEY EITHER SERVICED OR REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY AND THAT WORKED FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS OR SO. NOW THE CAR SHAKES REALLY BAD ANYTIME WE HAVE TO STOP AND HAVE TO KEEP FOOT ON THE BRAKE REALLY HARD, SOMETIMES THE CAR DIES DURING THIS TOO AS WELL AS GOING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. AS SOON AS YOU LET OFF THE BRAKE THE CAR ACCELERATES, CAN MAKE IT UP TO ALMOST 40 MPH WITHOUT EVEN TOUCHING THE GAS. IT RUNS HORRIBLY IN THE HEAT TOO. ANY TEMP OVER 70 IT JERKS INTO 2 OR 3RD GEAR HARD WHEN STOPPING AND GOING.

CrashUNKNOWN OR OTHERSep 2018

THROTTLE HAD IT FIXED WITH RECALL, IT LUNGES YOU INTO TRAFFIC WHILE STOPPED. AGAIN IT HAS DONE THAT NOW FAILED, THIS IS A DANGEROUS CAR. IT IS GARAGE KEPT AND WELL MAINTAINED WENT DOWN TO GET GAS, MAIL AND WHILE STOPPED IT JERKED ME OUT OF THE STOPPED POSITION INTO THE MAILBOX THEN THE WRENCH, TRACTION AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND IT BUCKED TILL I GOT IT 10 FEET TO THE GARAGE NO, IT WILL NOT START!!! TO EVEN GET IT TO THE DEALERSHIP OR GARAGE, ITS A SAFETY FEATURE I WAS TOLD, THE WAY IT LUNGES IS DANGEROUS, I ALMOST WENT THROUGH HE GARAGE WALL WHICH IS CONCRETE, LAST TIME I HIT MY TEETH ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND KNOCKED ONE BACK OUT OF ALIGNMENT. WHICH THE FORD PERSON THOUGHT WAS FUNNY LAST TIME. FORD KNOWS THIS IS A DANGEROUS CAR, IT SHOULD BE REPLACED AND THESE SHOULD BE CRUSHED LIKE THE DEMON CAR THEY ARE. PEOPLE SPEND HARD EARNED MONEY ON THESE VEHICLES ALL FOR THIS TO HAPPEN?

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJul 2018

PERIODICALLY BUT OCCURING MORE OFTEN. ONCE THE CAR IS PLACED IN DRIVE OR REVERSE BUT FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE, ONCE THE BRAKE IS RELEASED THE CAR QUICKLY AND AGGRESSIVELY ACCELERATES ON IT'S OWN WITHOUT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL AND WITH VERY LITTLE REACTION TIME YOU HAVE TO SLAM THE BRAKE PEDAL TO MAKE THE CAR STOP AND THEN THE CAR CUTS OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 4 TIMES WITHIN THE LAST MONTH. VERY DANGEROUS! I HAVE RESEARCHED RECALL INFORMATION FOR THIS MODEL AS WELL AS MY DIRECT VIN NUMBER ASSOCIATED WITH MY VEHICLE BUT I HAVE YET TO FIND A RECALL. HOWEVER I HAVE READ MANY REVIEWS OF THE SAME ISSUES WITH OTHER FORD 500 OWNERS.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEFeb 2018

FUEL TANK FAILURE ,FUEL LEAK, VAPOR LEAK. THIS DUE TO A FAILURE OF THE SEALS ON THE FUEL TANK ALONG WITH THE DETERIORATION OF THE MOUNTING BRACKETS ON THE FUEL PUMP AND FUEL SENDING UNITS.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAug 2017

DASH PANEL LIGHT GO ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING, REVERSE LIGHTS COME ON AND CAR WANTS TO STALL. PUT NEW BATTERY IN AND HAD ALTERNATOR REPLACED STILL HAVING PROBLEM. CAN NOT DRIVE CAR BECAUSE OF SAFETY RISKS. BEEN DOING THIS FOR A MONTH AND STILL DOING IT EVEN AFTER REPAIRS DONE BY MECHANIC.

UNKNOWN OR OTHERJul 2017

MY RPM GETS HIGH AND IT JOLTS WHEN I SHIFT FROM PARK TO REVERSE OR NEUTRAL. IT IS WORSE WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ON. HAVE ONLY HAD THIS CAR FOR 4 WEEKS AND HAS LESS THAN 103,000 MILES ON IT.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSep 2016

SINCE I BOUGHT MY CAR IN 2007 I AM ON MY 4TH BATTERY. THE BATTERY WILL JUST DIE AND STOP HOLDING A CHARGE. THE DEALER CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHAT IS CAUSING THE BATTERY TO DRAIN. EVERY TIME THE CHARGE IT, THE CAR JUST DRAINS IT. THE BATTERIES ON OVERAGE ONLY LAST AROUND 2 YEARS. WHEN I GO UP AND DOWN STEEP HILLS MY CHECK BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON, BUT ONCE ON LEVEL THE LIGHT GOES OUT. MY CAR IS FINE AND THEN I GO TO START THE CAR IT WON'T START. NO WARNING WHAT SO EVER. THE CHECK BATTERY LIGHT NEVER EVEN COME ON. UNLESS OF COURSE WHILE I AM DRIVING UP OR DOWN A STEEP HILL. I LIVE IN SPOKANE WASHINGTON, BUT I HAD TO HAVE THE BATTERY REPLACED ONCE WHILE I WAS ON VACATION IN MONTANA. SOMETHING HAS TO BE DRAINING THE BATTERY BUT WE CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHAT IT IS.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINEAug 2016

WHEN PLACING THE CAR IN REVERSE OR DRIVES IT REVS. IN ORDER TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT I HAVE TO ENSURE THAT MY FEET ARE ON THE BRAKES AT ALL TIMES! THERE HAVE BEEN INSTANCES WHERE I'VE ALMOST HIT THE CAR IN FRONT ME!

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMJun 2016

THE CAR SURGES SEVERAL FEET WHEN YOU RELEASE THE BRAKE. IT WILL DO THIS MOVING FORWARD OR WHEN BACKING UP. THE CAR LITERALLY JUMPS A FEW FEET AND YOU MUST APPLY THE BRAKES IMMEDIATELY OR RISK HITTING ANYTHING CLOSE. IT MAKES IT VERY HARD TO PARK AND WORRIES US A LOT WHEN AT STOPLIGHTS WITH PEDESTRIANS CROSSING. THE CAR CAN BE A AT A COMPLETE STOP OR SIMPLY RELEASING THE BRAKE PEDAL IN A TURN , BACKING UP OR GOING STRAIGHT, IT IS VERY SCARY. THE SURGE USUALLY IS MORE OF A JUMP OF 2-4 FEET. THE INTERNET IS CHOCK FULL OF CUSTOMERS WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINEJun 2016

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

STRUCTUREMay 2016

PAINT IS BUBBLING ON HOOD WHICH RESULT IN TOTAL CORROSION OF ALUMINUM HOOD. HOOD MAY EVENTUALLY RUST THROUGH AND SEPARATE FROM FRAME.

Showing 20 of 1,073 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Check the exact car

Before you buy, check the exact FORD FIVE Hundred

These pages show model-year patterns across 3 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.

The basics

How to read this data

Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used FORD FIVE Hundred, in plain English.

01

What is an NHTSA Complaint?

An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The FORD FIVE Hundred has 1,073 complaints on record across 3 model years.

02

What is a Safety Recall?

A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The FORD FIVE Hundred has 6 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.

03

What Are Crash Complaints?

Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 57 of the FORD FIVE Hundred's 1,073 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.

04

How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?

The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.

05

Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?

Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.

06

Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN

Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all FORD FIVE Hundred vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two FORD FIVE Hundred vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.

07

What Are NHTSA Investigations?

When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The FORD FIVE Hundred has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.

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By state

Check a FORD FIVE Hundred by state

Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used FORD FIVE Hundred.

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Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

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FORD FIVE Hundred reliability — frequently asked questions

Is the FORD FIVE Hundred reliable?

Poor. The FORD FIVE Hundred has 1,073 NHTSA owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is POWER TRAIN. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.

Which FORD FIVE Hundred years to avoid?

Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2005 (510 complaints), 2006 (364 complaints), 2007 (199 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.

What are the most common FORD FIVE Hundred problems?

Top reported issues: POWER TRAIN (299 complaints); VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (292 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (168 complaints).

Does the FORD FIVE Hundred have recalls?

Yes — 6 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the FORD FIVE Hundred. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

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