Wrench.Pro

2006 Ford Five Hundred Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2006 Ford Five Hundred has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “CVT transmission failure requiring replacement.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2006 Ford Five Hundred.

Reported to NHTSA

CVT transmission failure requiring replacement

POWER TRAIN

32 NHTSA complaints · 2011-09 → 2021-11

“2006 FORD FIVE HUNDRED, INTERNAL FAILURE OF CVT TRANSMISSION (TORQUE CONVERTER AND SHAFT), NO NOTICE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10937720
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. WHILE DRIVING 55-60 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND THE VEHICLE JERKED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11149680
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE BECAME UNRESPONSIVE TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS AS THE WRENCH ICON AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10568357

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air conditioning failure to cool

EQUIPMENT

6 NHTSA complaints · 2011-09 → 2014-10

“DEAR SIR/MADAM, I HAVE A 2006 FORD FIVE HUNDRED AND HAS ABOUT 93K MILES ON IT.VIN # [XXX] . I TAKE GOOD CARE OF THE CAR AND HAVE NEVER MISSED ANY SERVICE. I ALWAYS HAD A KNOCKING SOUND ON TURNING ON AND TURNING OFF THE AC”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10643746
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT FAILED AND WAS BLOWING HOT AIR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10514821
“I NOTICED A LEAK UNDER MY VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR LEAKING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10463915

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering shaft coupling binding

STEERING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2014-04 → 2015-02

“AS MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING THE CAR ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS WE NOTICED INCONSISTENCY IN THE RESPONSIVENESS OF THE STEERING WHEEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10681143
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SWERVED INTO THE NEXT LANE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10679890
“STEERING BINDS WHILE TURNING FORCING DRIVER TO "MUSCLE" THE STEERING WHEEL THROUGH THE REST OF THE TURN; ALSO STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT RETURN BACK TO STRAIGHT POSITION WITHOUT DRIVER ASSISTANCE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10578499

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration when shifting into gear

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

77 NHTSA complaints · 2011-07 → 2016-07

“MY 2006 FORD FIVE HUNDRED ACCELERATES UNCONTROLLABLY. WHEN THE CAR IS SHIFTED INTO GEAR IT ACCELERATES WITHOUT THROTTLING. IT HAPPENS FROM PARK-TO-ANY GEAR AND SOMETIMES WHEN AT TRAFFIC STOPS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10416334
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT ANY WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10445210
“AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE IN A PARKING GARAGE THE ENIGINE REVED UP AND JUMPED HITTING A BEAM IN THE GARAGE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10424255

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Stall and loss of acceleration with wrench light

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE

40 NHTSA complaints · 2011-09 → 2022-08

“I would be driving on highway my wrench light would come on and my car would come to a crawl I always have kids in my car I could easily be rear ended and maybe hurt or killed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11481505
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD 500. ON MANY OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, IT FAILED TO ACCELERATE FORWARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11142333
“I HAD JUST BOUGHT A 2006 FORD FIVE HUNDRED WITH ABOUT 131000 MILES. DROVE GREAT FROM THE DEALERSHIP THEN LATER THAT AFTERNOON THE THROTTLE ALL OF A SUDDEN WENT DEAD. I WAS GOING 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND HAD NO THROTTLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10439834

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Instrument cluster shutdown while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

14 NHTSA complaints · 2011-10 → 2022-08

“WHILE DRIVING, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BOTTOMS OUT ON THE SPEEDOMETER, TACH, AND ALL OTHER WARNINGS - BACKUP LIGHTS COME ON AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS GO OUT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11052172
“CLUSTER CONSTANTLY GIVES OUT, THERE IS A RECALL IN PLACE FOR THE 2005 VERSION WHICH HAS THE SAME ISSUE BUT NOT THE 2006”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10691114
“INSTRUMENT PANEL IDIOT LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE SPEEDO,RPM AND ODOMETER WENT TO ZERO ALSO TRACTION CONTROL SHUT OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10448031

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Underhood or headlight fire

ENGINE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2013-10 → 2018-10

“CPSC: I1390188A. 2006 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. CONSUMER STATED THE LEFT FRONT HEAD LIGHT CAUGHT ON FIRE SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE HAVING BEEN PARKED FOR 30 MINUTES IN THE GARAGE AND ENGINE WAS OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10549160
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT DETECTED A BURNING ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10629016
“PULLED IN DROP OFF A DONATION AT A SECOND HAND STORE. I PUT IT IN PARK AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE; OPENED THE TRUNK; AND LOOKED UP STARTLED WHEN A GUY SITTING NEARBY SAID THAT MY CAR WAS SMOKING AND ON FIRE (ABOUT 10 SECONDS SINCE I SWITCHED THE CAR OFF AND GOT OUT)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11140496

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

On 4x4 models, replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

134 crashes 1990–2024

How the 134 occupant deaths break down

96

driver deaths

38

passenger deaths

134

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2006 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

20

complaints mentioning a crash

6

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2006 Ford Five Hundred reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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