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 severity
Typical 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 severity
Typical 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 severity
Typical 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 severity
Symptoms: 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 severity
Typical 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 severity
Typical 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 severity
Typical 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
Owner tips
If buying a CVT model, get pre-purchase inspection specifically checking for trans shudder and fluid condition—these CVTs are grenades on a timer
Change transmission fluid every 30k miles regardless of 'lifetime fill' claims; use Mercon SP only
Listen for timing chain rattle on cold starts—catching stretch early saves $2k+ in engine damage
Inspect transmission cooler lines annually if you live in rust belt; $50 in preventive lines beats a $4k trans replacement
6-speed automatic models (SEL AWD) are significantly more reliable than CVT—seek those out
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.
Fitment notes: Standard top post battery; located in engine compartment
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Control Modules — 2007 Ford Five Hundred
Every control module on the 2005-2007 Ford Five Hundred — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
⚠️ Not a separate module; PATS function resides in PCM. Key programming requires IDS
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP · 11V355000
2011-07-13
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 FORD FIVE HUNDRED AND MERCURY MONTEGO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 11, 2006. THE FUEL TANKS MAY NOT HAVE CONSISTENT WELDS BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL FILLER NECK SPUD WHICH CAN AFFECT THE STRENGTH OF THE JOINT. SOME FUEL TANK SPUD WELDS MAY NOT PROVIDE THE EXPECTED STRENGTH IN THE EVENT OF A SEVERE REAR IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. AN IMPROPER WELD CAN RESULT IN A CRACK IN THE JOINT WHICH COULD ILLUMINATE THE EMISSIONS MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT, CAUSE A FUEL ODOR, OR ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK OUT.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 16, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE · 06E056000
2006-06-13
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
Consequence: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2007 Ford Five Hundred 3.0L V6 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.