Two problems related to axle shaft have been reported for the 2005 Ford Five Hundred. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2005 Ford Five Hundred based on all problems reported for the 2005 Five Hundred.
Front driver side lower control arm ball joint sheared off at 25 mph while making a left hand turn and then snapped the cv joint axle shaft causing the driver side wheel to jam inside the wheel well and damage lower part of body and fender. The vehicl was totally disable at this point sitting in the middle of an intersection. Similar incident happened two years ago with the passenger side front wheel and the lower control arm ball joint sheared and snapped the cv joint axle shaft at 45 mph and caused vehicle to turn 180 degrees blocking two lanes of hwy. That time front wheel damaged wheel well and sensor wires on that side fo the engine bay.
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.