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2007 Ford Five Hundred Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2007 Ford Five Hundred has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Battery drain and instrument cluster failure.” 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 2007 Ford Five Hundred.

Reported to NHTSA

Battery drain and instrument cluster failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

13 NHTSA complaints · 2007-03 → 2020-02

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10903480
“WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, ALL OF THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER STOPPED FUNCTIONING AND DISPLAYED READINGS OF ZERO. CONTINUED TO DRIVE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10621633
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11310704

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air conditioning compressor failure

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

5 NHTSA complaints · 2011-06 → 2011-07

“WE PURCHASED OUR 2007 FORD 500 IN JULY OF 2007. AT 87,000 MILES THE A/C COMPRESSOR IS FAILING. THE A/C WORKS PROPERLY IF GOING ABOVE 45 MILES PER HOUR, HOWEVER ONCE YOU SLOW DOWN AND OR STOP, THE AIR STARTS WARMING UP. I WAS JUST QUOTED $1400.00+ TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10415605
“A/C COMPRESSOR IN 2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED WENT OUT WITH APPROX 91,000 MILES. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10406263

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Aluminum hood paint bubbling and corrosion

STRUCTURE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2009-03 → 2016-05

“PAINT IS BUBBLING ON HOOD WHICH RESULT IN TOTAL CORROSION OF ALUMINUM HOOD. HOOD MAY EVENTUALLY RUST THROUGH AND SEPARATE FROM FRAME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10865112
“THE PAINT IS BUBBLING UP ALL ALONG THE LOWER EDGE OF THE HOODLINE. THERE ARE NO CHIPS. DEALERSHIP LOOKED AT THE HOOD AND EXPLAINED THAT THE HOOD IS MADE FROM ALUMINUM AND CAN CORRODE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10498429
“THE PAINT IS BUBBLING UP ALL ALONG THE LOWER EDGE OF THE HOODLINE. THERE ARE NO CHIPS VISIBLE, IF YOU TOUCH THE BUBBLE , THE PAINT FLAKES OFF & EXPOSES THE RUST UNDERNEATH THE PAINT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10263724

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden acceleration or lunge shifting into gear

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

115 NHTSA complaints · 2009-08 → 2020-02

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHIFTING FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THE CONTACT WAS NOT GIVEN A DIAGNOSIS AS TO WHY THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10500922
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN REVERSE THE VEHICLE LUNGED BACKWARD AND CRASHED INTO A MAILBOX. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONSTANTLY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSE THAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10479736
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHIFTING OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE WOULD UNEXPECTEDLY LUNGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO BOTH STATED THAT THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10461663

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission stall, bucking, or limp mode while driving

POWER TRAIN

8 NHTSA complaints · 2009-01 → 2017-08

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THERE WAS A DELAY IN ACCELERATION. THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10725709
“2007 FORD 500 TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTS TO BUCK OUT OF THE BLUE. CANNOT PASS PEOPLE ON NORMAL ROADS OR BARELY MAKE IT UP HILLS, ACCELERATION IS VERY SLOW. FAILURE OCCURS EVERY TIME THE CAR IS DRIVEN, GETTING WORSE EVERY DAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10403686
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED. WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND RELEASED IT BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UP TO 100 MPH AND AFTER A FEW MOMENTS, IT DECELERATED SUDDENLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10327929

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Side air bags fail to deploy in side-impact crash

AIR BAGS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2007-05 → 2012-05

“ON JUNE 25, 2009, OUR CLIENTS WERE DRIVING THEIR FORD 500 4DR. SEDAN WHEN THEY WERE BROADSIDED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE SIDE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, CAUSING AT LEAST IN SUBSTANTIAL PART, SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURIES TO THE DRIVER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10281252
“DRIVING A FORD 500, INVOLVED IN A CRASH. CAR WAS HIT BROADSIDE BY ANOTHER DRIVER GOING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, CAUSING THE WHEEL TO FOLD IN, THE BACK OF THE FRONT QUARTER PANEL AND DRIVERS SIDE DOOR ARE CRUSHED. DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10191691
“SIDE/FRONT DRIVER IMPACT, GOING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, AND NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CAR WAS DAMAGED TO THE POINT THAT THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED THE CAR. THIS WAS NOT A MINOR ACCIDENT. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10285893

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)

86 crashes 1990–2024

How the 86 occupant deaths break down

66

driver deaths

20

passenger deaths

86

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2007 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.

17

complaints mentioning a crash

3

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 2007 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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