2005 Ford GT

The 2005 Ford GT is a mid-engine, two-seater sports car that pays homage to the Ford GT40 racing cars of the 1960s. It was produced for the 2005 and 2006 model years. All 2005 Ford GTs came equipped with a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine producing 550 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Ricardo 6-speed manual transmission. Owners generally praise the car’s performance, iconic design, and collectibility. Common criticisms include the limited production numbers, high purchase price, and occasional maintenance challenges due to the car’s specialized components.

Engine

5.4L Supercharged V8

• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The original Bosch fuel injectors are known to fail, resulting in poor engine performance, misfires, rough idling, and potential fuel leaks.
  • Solution: Replace all fuel injectors with updated, more reliable units. Many owners upgrade to aftermarket injectors for improved performance and longevity.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Supercharger Intercooler Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The pump responsible for circulating coolant through the supercharger intercooler can fail, leading to increased intake air temperatures and reduced engine performance. Overheating may occur under strenuous driving conditions.
  • Solution: Replace the intercooler pump with an upgraded aftermarket unit or a later-generation OEM pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Supercharger Belt Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The supercharger belt can slip, crack, or break, leading to a loss of supercharger boost and reduced engine power.
  • Solution: Replace the supercharger belt with a high-quality aftermarket belt. Ensure proper belt tension and alignment to prevent recurrence.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Ricardo 6-Speed Manual

• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The original clutch can be prone to failure, especially under high-performance driving. Symptoms include clutch slippage, difficulty shifting, and a burning smell.
  • Solution: Replace the clutch with an upgraded aftermarket performance clutch kit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Shift Fork Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature wear on shift forks, particularly in high-use gears, can lead to difficulty engaging gears, grinding noises during shifts, and eventually, complete failure to shift into certain gears.
  • Solution: Transmission disassembly, inspection, and replacement of worn shift forks. Upgraded shift forks are available.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Ride Height Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The ride height sensors, which are part of the car’s adjustable suspension system, can fail. This can lead to warning lights on the dashboard and incorrect ride height settings, potentially affecting handling and ride quality.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty ride height sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ per sensor
  • Recalls: None Found
• Damper Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The original Bilstein dampers can leak or lose their effectiveness over time, resulting in a bouncy ride, poor handling, and reduced cornering ability.
  • Solution: Replace the dampers with new OEM or aftermarket units.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with excessive battery drain, especially when the car is not driven regularly.
  • Solution: Check for parasitic draws on the electrical system and address any identified issues. Use a battery tender when the car is stored for extended periods.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the cause)
  • Recalls: None Found
• ECU Reflash Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Reflashing the ECU can cause issues that requires an expert to fix.
  • Solution: Have an expert reflash the ECU.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Hood Alignment
  • Description/Symptoms: The aluminum hood can be difficult to align correctly, leading to uneven gaps and potential fitment issues.
  • Solution: Adjust the hood hinges and latch mechanism to achieve proper alignment. This may require professional assistance.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Gauge Cluster Pixelation
  • Description/Symptoms: The LCD displays in the instrument cluster can experience pixelation or failure over time.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2005 Ford GT, while an exceptional performance vehicle, is not without its potential issues. The most common problems relate to the fuel injectors, clutch, supercharger components, and certain electrical and suspension components. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to potentially expensive repairs, especially when drivetrain work is needed. Addressing these issues proactively, or being aware of them when purchasing a used Ford GT, can help ensure a more enjoyable ownership experience. The cost to fix these issues can vary greatly, ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand depending on the specific problem and the chosen repair method.