Has Ford Maverick had any problems?

Yes. The Maverick has experienced some issues and recalls since its introduction, but it remains a popular value-oriented pickup with generally positive reliability impressions. This article surveys commonly reported problems, recalls, and Ford’s responses to help readers gauge risk versus reward.

The Maverick, launched for the 2022 model year as a compact pickup, has been praised for its efficiency, versatility, and competitive pricing. Like many new vehicles, early production runs and certain powertrain options have generated a mix of reliability concerns and ongoing service campaigns. The sections below summarize what owners and reviewers have reported, what recalls have been issued, and how Ford has addressed these matters.

Common issues reported by owners and reviewers

Below is a snapshot of problems that have surfaced in owner reports and automotive journalism. These items are not universal and vary by model year, trim, and maintenance history.

• Transmission and drivetrain concerns—The hybrid’s eCVT and the EcoBoost’s 8-speed automatic have occasionally drawn reports of hesitations, unusual shifting, or transient performance quirks, particularly in cold starts or under load. Most cases are described as infrequent and not widespread, but they recur enough to merit attention from buyers and technicians.


• Infotainment and electrical glitches—Owners have occasionally reported touchscreen freezes, Bluetooth pairing drops, or other SYNC/electronics quirks that can affect navigation, audio, and connectivity.


• Interior build quality and rattles—Some Mavericks have exhibited rattles, squeaks, or trim gaps, especially in early production runs or with higher-mileage examples. These issues tend to be more noticeable in urban driving or at higher speeds.


• Exterior paint and fit quality—A subset of early Mavericks saw paint flaws, panel gaps, or alignment irregularities. Ford has addressed some concerns through service campaigns and early-production refinements in later builds.


• Recall-driven safety and component concerns—Various safety-related recalls have involved Mavericks across model years. While not affecting all vehicles, these campaigns require dealer service to repair at no cost to owners and can impact perceived reliability until resolved.

These categories reflect patterns observed in consumer forums, professional reviews, and recall activity. They illustrate where problems have been most commonly reported while underscoring that many Mavericks operate without notable issues for years.

Recalls, service campaigns, and Ford’s responses

Ford has conducted several recall campaigns and issued service bulletins to address reported problems. The following items summarize how recalls and manufacturer-directed updates typically unfold and how owners can engage with the process.

• Recalls and safety campaigns—Ford has issued recalls affecting some Maverick vehicles, coordinated with regulatory authorities. If a Maverick is recalled, Ford will provide the necessary repairs at no charge to the owner, and it is important to verify your vehicle’s status by using the VIN on the official recall portals.


• Technical Service Bulletins and software updates—Dealers may issue TSBs to address drivability, electrical, or infotainment concerns. These updates can include software recalibrations or hardware adjustments designed to improve reliability and performance.


• Warranty coverage and goodwill programs—Standard warranties apply, with separate coverage for hybrid components and batteries under applicable terms. Ford has historically offered dealer-supported goodwill adjustments in certain cases, depending on age, mileage, and service history, in addition to mandatory recall work.

For the most accurate and up-to-date status, buyers should check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall database and Ford’s official recalls portal using the vehicle’s VIN. This ensures visibility into open campaigns, past repairs, and any recommended service actions.

What to watch when assessing a Ford Maverick

Whether you’re considering a new or used Maverick, these practices can help mitigate risk and improve peace of mind:

• Check for open recalls and recent service campaigns on the vehicle’s VIN through NHTSA or Ford’s recall lookup.


• Review the vehicle’s maintenance history, focusing on transmission service, software updates, and any infotainment repairs.


• Take a thorough test drive that includes cold starts, acceleration in all gears (for the EcoBoost), and a demonstration of hybrid mode behavior if applicable.


• Ask for any available service records related to drivetrain software updates or infotainment system replacements.

By confirming recalls are resolved and that any relevant software or hardware updates have been completed, buyers can better gauge the Maverick’s reliability for their needs.

Summary

In summary, the Ford Maverick has experienced some issues and multiple recall campaigns since its launch, particularly around transmission behavior in hybrid and EcoBoost variants, infotainment glitches, and early build quality. However, the model also benefits from Ford’s standard warranty coverage, ongoing service bulletins, and recall remedies that address safety and reliability concerns. Overall, the Maverick remains a strong value proposition in its class, with most owners reporting satisfactory long-term ownership when vehicles are properly cared for and up to date on recalls and software updates.

Owners and prospective buyers should remain vigilant about recall status, maintain regular service, and conduct thorough test drives to ensure the Maverick meets personal expectations for reliability, performance, and practicality.

What is the lawsuit against the Ford Maverick?

Ford Maverick lawsuits involve several issues, including a 12-volt battery defect causing power loss and stalling, a defective side curtain airbag that may not deploy correctly, and a hybrid engine fire risk in certain models like the Escape and Lincoln Corsair, which some Maverick owners are also part of. The lawsuits allege Ford's failures in recalls and fixes for these problems. 
12-volt battery defect 

• Issue: A defect in the 12-volt battery, supplied by Camel Group, can cause sudden power loss, stalling, and failure of the start/stop system, even after being replaced. 
• Lawsuit: A class action lawsuit was filed claiming the recall's fix is ineffective and that Ford knowingly sold defective vehicles. 
• Affected vehicles: Primarily 2022 and 2023 Bronco Sport and Maverick models. 

Side curtain airbag defect 

• Issue: A defect in the "Safety Canopy" side curtain airbags may prevent them from deploying properly in a crash. 
• Lawsuit: A class action lawsuit alleges this poses a severe safety risk and that Ford's temporary fix is insufficient, leaving owners with unsafe vehicles or no vehicle at all. 
• Affected vehicles: Model year 2022 Ford Maverick trucks. 

Hybrid engine fire risk

• Issue: A defect can cause a "blown engine," leading to a stall and the release of flammable fluids, creating a risk of fire. 
• Lawsuit: A class action lawsuit claims Ford sold these vehicles with the defect, and that the company's attempted "fix" was ineffective and did not mitigate the risk. 
• Affected vehicles: Includes 2020-2022 Ford Escape, 2022 Ford Maverick, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair hybrids. Note: A previous version of this lawsuit was dismissed for lack of evidence of concrete injury. 

What year of Ford Maverick to avoid?

The main Ford Maverick years to avoid are 2022, due to a high number of recalls and a below-average reliability rating, and to a lesser extent, the 2024, which has seen many recalls for driveline and electrical issues. The 2022 model year was considered the worst, particularly the hybrid, while the 2024 model also has its share of problems, though it has shown improvement in later production. The 2023 model year is a potential risk for the 2.5L HEV/PHEV engine issues, but is generally seen as more reliable than the first two years.
 
This video discusses potential problems with the Ford Maverick, including quality control issues: 58sFuel ForceYouTube · Jun 9, 2025
2022 Ford Maverick

• Recalls: Had the highest number of recalls, at 15 from the NHTSA. 
• Reliability: Received a below-average reliability rating from Consumer Reports, especially the hybrid model. 
• Issues: Experienced numerous issues, including frequent electrical system problems, and was subject to a recall related to potential engine fires in the hybrid model. 

2024 Ford Maverick

• Recalls: Has been recalled 12 times for issues such as driveline components, electrical failures, and the rearview camera display.
• Issues: Common problems include driveline vibrations, electrical issues, and problems with the rearview camera display freezing or being unresponsive. 

2023 Ford Maverick

• Engine issues: While generally more reliable than earlier years, the 2023 model year is also subject to the engine failure recall for the 2.5L HEV/PHEV engine. 
• Recommendation: Some sources suggest the 2023 model year is an improvement over the 2022 model, but it is still important to check for any outstanding recalls on the specific vehicle. 

What to consider

• Launch years: Launch year vehicles like the 2022 model year often have more problems than subsequent years, as manufacturers work out the kinks in earlier releases. 
• Model year: Newer model years, such as 2023 and 2024, are generally more reliable than 2022, though some issues persist. 
• Specific issues: Be aware of specific problems, such as the engine fire risk in some hybrid models, and the rearview camera display in some 2024 models, and check to see if they apply to the vehicle you are considering. 
• Warranty: Ensure all recalls are addressed by a dealer and look for vehicles with an extended warranty. 

What are the problems with Ford Maverick?

Some of the most commonly reported problems by Maverick owners so far include engine problems, electrical systems issues, and structural problems. Because the 2025 Maverick is still very new, there have not yet been any official recalls announced.

Are Ford Mavericks a reliable vehicle?

Early Reliability Reports
JD Power Initial Quality Scores: The Maverick has scored above average for its segment, signaling fewer issues reported by owners in the first months of ownership compared to other compact trucks. Consumer Reports Owner Satisfaction: Owner feedback, particularly from hybrid buyers, is strong.