What is the life expectancy of the Ford Five Hundred?

In general, a Ford Five Hundred can be expected to last about 200,000 miles with regular maintenance, though outcomes vary widely depending on care and usage.

The Ford Five Hundred was produced from 2005 to 2007 as Ford’s full-size sedan offering before the lineup shifted to a Taurus-based design. Longevity for this vehicle depends on maintenance history, driving conditions, and how closely owners follow service schedules. Because the model is no longer in production, reliability data comes from owner reports and mechanic observations of late-model used examples, making a disciplined maintenance approach crucial for maximizing lifespan.

Factors that influence longevity

The lifespan of a Five Hundred is shaped by several variables. The following list highlights the most impactful factors that determine how long the car remains reliable on the road.

• Maintenance history: Regular oil changes, fluid replacements, filter changes, and timely repairs are essential.


• Driving conditions: Long highway trips generally put less stress on components than frequent short trips and heavy city driving.


• Climate and exposure: Harsh winters, road salt, and high humidity can accelerate rust and wear if not addressed.


• Drive train reliability: The car’s engine, transmission, and cooling system durability influence total life.


• Repair quality and parts: Use of OEM or quality equivalent parts and skilled service improves longevity.


• Maintenance records: Comprehensive service history helps establish how well the car has been cared for over time.

In practice, diligent maintenance and attentive ownership can considerably extend the Five Hundred’s life, whereas neglect or accumulated issues can shorten it.

Typical mileage benchmarks for the Ford Five Hundred

The following milestones reflect common experiences among owners and technicians, not guarantees. Individual results vary based on how the vehicle has been cared for and used.

1. Around 150,000–180,000 miles: A reachable milestone for many well-maintained examples.


2. Approximately 180,000–200,000 miles: A commonly cited range for cars with solid maintenance records.


3. Beyond 200,000 miles: Possible, but increasingly dependent on preventive care and early addressing of issues.


4. Past 250,000 miles: Rare but documented by dedicated owners who kept up with service and repairs.

These ranges illustrate potential lifespans rather than guarantees; real-world results depend on upkeep and driving history.

Maintenance practices to maximize longevity

Regular, proactive maintenance is the most reliable way to extend the Five Hundred’s usable life. The following guidelines are widely recommended by owners and mechanics.

• Adhere to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for oil changes, fluids, and filters, using quality parts.


• Perform timely transmission and cooling system service per Ford’s recommendations or at least every 30,000–60,000 miles as advised by a trusted technician.


• Inspect belts, hoses, brakes, and tires regularly; address wear and leaks promptly to prevent collateral damage.


• Keep the cooling system healthy with proper coolant levels and periodic flushes to prevent overheating.


• Protect the underbody from rust, especially in regions with road salt; wash and treat as needed.


• Stay current on recalls and TSBs (technical service bulletins) and have any repairs performed by qualified technicians.


• Maintain comprehensive service records and address unusual noises or handling changes early.

Following these practices can significantly improve the odds of reaching higher mileage with fewer major repairs.

Ownership considerations and outlook

Because the Ford Five Hundred is no longer in production, availability of new parts and the cost of ongoing maintenance should be weighed when assessing long-term ownership prospects. If evaluating a used Five Hundred, check for a complete service history, evidence of rust protection, and prior transmission or engine repairs. With careful maintenance, many owners have enjoyed durable service well into the 180,000–200,000 mile range and beyond.

Summary

The Ford Five Hundred can deliver solid longevity when cared for, with a practical life expectancy around 200,000 miles for well-maintained examples. Real-world results vary based on maintenance discipline, driving patterns, climate, and repair quality. For anyone considering a used Five Hundred, a thorough service history review and a proactive maintenance plan are key to maximizing its lifespan.

Which Ford engine lasts the longest?

Diesel engines.
Ford trucks and SUVs with diesel engines will last much longer than their gasoline counterparts. Diesel engines are known for their longevity, frequently surpassing 400,000 miles. There are even reports of a Ford diesel engine making it to 1 million miles.

What year to stay away from Ford?

Ford years to avoid include the 2004-2006, 2010, and 2013-2017 F-150s due to issues like engine and transmission problems, while some model years of the Escape, like 2013, 2016, and 2021, are also flagged for various defects. Other years like 2011-2012 for the EcoBoost F-150 and 2011 F-250 are also listed for specific, though sometimes separate, concerns. 
Ford F-150

• 2004-2006: Prone to engine problems with the 5.4L Triton V8, such as spark plug breakage and cam phaser failures, as well as transmission issues and electrical problems. 
• 2010: Experienced transmission issues, including harsh shifting, along with widespread problems like frame rust and door handle failures. 
• 2013: This year had issues with the transmission downshifting and requires a specific recall to be completed. 
• 2015-2017: These years saw problems with the introduction of aluminum bodies and the 10-speed transmission, along with turbocharger and timing chain issues in some models. 
• 2018 with 5.0L V8: Suffered from a major oil consumption problem. 
• 2021: As the first year of the new generation, this model has had electrical issues, infotainment glitches, and problems with the PowerBoost hybrid system. 

Ford Escape

• 2013: Had various electronic and mechanical issues, including problems with the GPS, radio, and backup camera/sensors. 
• 2016: Prone to transmission issues, engine failures, power steering problems, and noisy brakes. 
• 2020-2021: Experienced oil leaks, electrical problems, and engine oil separator leaks. 

Other Ford models

• 2011 F-250: This year is known for the "death wobble" and other transmission woes. 
• 2017 F-250: Also has a high number of complaints and recalls, largely due to the "death wobble" suspension issue. 
• 2008 and 2013-2014 Ford Escape: These model years are also flagged for engine and transmission concerns. 

How many miles does a Ford Five Hundred last?

The Ford Five Hundred has an average lifespan of 140,554 miles or about 9.4 years. The Five Hundred's predicted lifespan is derived from over 300 million data points iSeeCars analyzed to determine this model's average lifespan.

Is the Ford Five Hundred reliable?

The Ford 500's reliability is considered average to good, with high owner satisfaction scores for comfort and overall dependability, though some common problems have been reported, particularly with the CVT transmission in some models and issues with the A/C compressor. Many owners report going over 100,000 miles with only routine maintenance. However, the six-speed automatic transmission was more prone to failure than the CVT, which was generally more dependable.
 
This video discusses reliable Ford vehicles including the F-150, which is known for its high reliability scores: 55sJohn Kennedy DealershipsYouTube · Aug 6, 2025
Positive aspects of reliability

• High owner satisfaction: Many owners report high reliability and are happy with the vehicle. 
• Long life: Several owners report driving the car for over 100,000 miles with only routine maintenance. 
• CVT vs. automatic: The CVT transmission was generally more dependable than the six-speed automatic transmission, which had a higher failure rate. 
• Available parts: Parts for the Ford 500 are still readily available, making repairs manageable. 

Common issues

• Transmission problems: Some owners reported issues with the six-speed automatic transmission, while others found their CVT transmissions to be more dependable. However, one source notes a continuing issue with the CVT transmission in 2005-2007 models, leading to breakdowns. 
• Air conditioning: The A/C compressor is a reported recurring problem for some owners, with some experiencing failures after only five years. 
• Electrical issues: Some owners have reported electrical problems, such as the dashboard flickering or power loss. 
• Shifting issues: Some have reported problems with the automatic transmission's shifting, which can be harsh or delayed. 
• Brakes: Some owners have noted that the rear brakes wear out faster than expected. 

What to consider

• Transmission type: If you're considering a Ford 500, a model with the CVT transmission is likely the more reliable choice. 
• Maintenance history: A well-maintained vehicle will be more reliable. Check for a complete service history. 
• Potential problems: Be aware of the potential for issues with the A/C compressor and transmission, especially in higher-mileage vehicles. 
• Cost of repairs: Consider the potential cost of repairs, especially for major components like the transmission or A/C compressor, which can be expensive.