The 2007 Ford Five Hundred with the 3.0L Duratec V6 and CVT or 6-speed auto is a spacious, comfortable sedan let down by chronic transmission issues and emerging engine timing problems as mileage climbs. Budget for transmission work if buying used.
CVT Transmission Failure (CVT-equipped models)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Shuddering or hesitation during acceleration, Whining or grinding noise from transmission, Loss of power or refusal to move in Drive, Check Engine light with transmission codes (P0722, P0731, P0868)
Fix: CVT replacement or rebuild required; transmission mounts often replaced simultaneously. Expect 8-12 hours labor for full R&R. Used units are risky; remanufactured is safer. Ford discontinued this CVT design for good reason.
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500
Timing Chain Stretch and Cam Phaser Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold starts (first 5-10 seconds), Check Engine light with cam/crank correlation codes (P0340, P0341, P0016), Rough idle or hesitation, Reduced fuel economy
Fix: Timing chain, tensioners, guides, and cam phasers require replacement. Front of engine disassembly; 10-14 hours labor. Do NOT delay—jumped timing can grenade the engine. Replace water pump while you're in there.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddles under vehicle (pink/red fluid), Burnt transmission smell, Transmission slipping or overheating, Low fluid level on dipstick
Fix: Hard lines from radiator to trans corrode at fittings or develop pinhole leaks. Replace both cooler lines and flush system. 2-3 hours labor. Catch early to avoid cooking the transmission.
Estimated cost: $350-650
Fuel Filler Neck Corrosion (Recall-related)
Common · medium severitySymptoms: Fuel smell near rear of vehicle, Difficulty filling tank (pump clicks off repeatedly), Check Engine light with EVAP codes (P0442, P0456), Visible rust or fuel staining on filler neck
Fix: Filler neck rusts through where it meets tank, especially in salt-belt states. Ford issued recall 14S32 but many weren't fixed. Replacement neck required; 1.5-2.5 hours labor depending on rust severity.
Estimated cost: $250-500
Transmission Mounts Collapse
Common · low severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting into Drive or Reverse, Vibration at idle in gear, Excessive engine movement visible when revving
Fix: Upper and lower trans mounts wear quickly on CVT models due to constant vibration. Replace both mounts; 2-3 hours labor. Often done alongside other trans work.
Estimated cost: $350-550
Harmonic Balancer Separation
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Severe vibration at idle that worsens with RPM, Squealing from serpentine belt area, Visible wobble on crankshaft pulley, Check Engine light with misfire or crank sensor codes
Fix: Rubber isolator between inner hub and outer ring deteriorates. Balancer wobbles and can destroy crank snout if it seizes. Replace immediately. 2-3 hours labor; use OEM or Dorman.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Cylinder Head Gasket Seepage
Rare · medium severityTypical onset: 120,000+ mi
Symptoms: Coolant smell from engine bay, Slow coolant loss without visible leaks, White residue around head gasket seam, Occasional overheating in extreme conditions
Fix: 3.0L Duratec can develop minor head gasket seepage at high miles, usually external. Full gasket job with head resurface: 12-16 hours labor. Often discovered during timing chain work. Check for warpage.
Estimated cost: $2,500-4,200
Pass on CVT models entirely; 6-speed versions are acceptable if timing chain and trans cooler lines have been addressed, but there are more reliable choices in this segment for the money.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.