Purchased my 500 9/05 it only had 5 miles on it. 6 months later loud explosion in engine which began to leak some sort of fluid got the car towed to dealer purchased was told A/C leaking oil and they had to replace the manifold I wasn't even using the A/C was March!!! my dash console had to be replaced since it was defective and the computer also had to be reprogrammed since the car wouldn't start in 30 degree weather this happened in jan06......my fuel straps were replaced due to recall and my door locks were replaced due to recall and I had 22K miles when the back brakes began making a terrible grinding noise when backing up took to dealer said that although car is under warranty brakes are under wear and tear and would not be covered now which didn't make any sense since the front brakes were good how could back brakes go bad before front brakes unless you only drive your car in reverse"???" I paid the $400 to fix since was informed 500 rotors cant be turned ever will always have to purchase new ones......then 6 months later brakes were recalled and I did request refund which I did receive. However I now have 44K no longer have warranty since expired and I didn't buy extended warranty brought car in to Ford since transmission light was turning on and off along with the traction control light then had trans censor replaced was told that was problem then 2 days later light still turning on and car will not reverse took into dealer again was told trans axle broke in half and need new trans which costs $5300 car is only work 9K!!!! Ford company said they will offer assistance only of 3K since out of warranty they also informed me that had I purchased the extended warranty I would only be paying $100 nothing like throwing that in your face. I have no choice but to pay it need a car and am a single parent of 2. also back doors trim is coming apart passenger since is completely rotted out.

- Round Lake Beach, IL, USA

Driving at approximately 40-45 miles per hour a loud noise emanated from the bottom of the car, engine rpms raced from 1500 to 4500, a clattering noise followed sounding like a metal spoon dropped into a running garbage disposal, car dramatically slowed complete loss of acceleration control, steering control uncertain as car wandered. No unusual events occurred prior to this incident, its occurrence came without warning and was totally unexpected. Event occurred on two lane rural road, vehicles following and oncoming had to take evasive action but no collision occurred. Passengers stranded. Vehicle towed to dealership. Right axle shaft broken in half. Right axle carrier bearing broken transmission and splines damaged. Old parts are available. Axle shaft and carrier bearing were replaced and transmission splines filed down.

- Fenwick Island, DE, USA