Own a Ford 500 in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Ford 500 for model years 2005 to 2007. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help 500 owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 204 owner complaints on file for the 500 and 0 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are power train (59), engine (55), vehicle speed control (50).
Most-Reported Ford 500 Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the 500 (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 59 | 28% | |
| Engine | 55 | 26% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 50 | 24% | |
| Electrical System | 41 | 20% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 17 | 8% | |
| Exterior Lighting | 11 | 5% | |
| Structure | 10 | 4% | |
| Air Bags | 9 | 4% |
Power Train
59 of the 204 complaints (28%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Engine
55 of the 204 complaints (26%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Vehicle Speed Control
50 of the 204 complaints (24%) mention vehicle speed control (throttle and cruise control). Speed control complaints involve the throttle, cruise control and related sensors. We scan for stored codes and test the throttle system and sensors to find the actual cause instead of guessing. See our check engine light diagnostics and auto repair pages.
Ford 500 Complaints by Model Year
The 500 model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2005, 2006, 2007. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 99 | |
| 2006 | 68 | |
| 2007 | 37 |
Most Common Ford 500 Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the 500. The most-cited is P2104 (powertrain code), mentioned in 3 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| P2104 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 3 |
| P2111 | Throttle actuator control stuck open Dirty or failing electronic throttle body; can cause stalling or reduced power. | 2 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the 500, 10 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, 9 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Ford 500 Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Ford will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a 500 that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for 500 owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Ford 500, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Ford 500 Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Ford 500 repair service, or choose a service below.
Ford 500 FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Ford 500?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Ford 500 are power train (59), engine (55), vehicle speed control (50). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which 500 model years have the most complaints?
The 500 model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2005, 2006, 2007. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Ford 500?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Ford 500, the codes cited most often are P2104 (powertrain code), P2111 (throttle actuator control stuck open). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Ford 500 have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns for the Ford 500 across model years 2005 to 2007. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Ford 500 in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Ford vehicles including the 500, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Ford 500?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Ford 500 in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Ford Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.