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Why is there a shortage of Ford Mavericks?

The shortage of Ford Mavericks is driven by a combination of supply-chain constraints and strong demand, rather than a single issue. In short, it is a broader industry challenge with model-specific effects. This article explains the main factors and what buyers can expect in the current market.

Root causes of the Maverick shortage

The following factors are the primary drivers behind the limited Maverick supply in recent years.

Global semiconductor chip shortages that have constrained production across nearly all new vehicles, including the Maverick’s onboard electronics, safety systems, and infotainment features.

Surging demand for the Maverick, particularly the efficient hybrid variant, which has outpaced early production plans and created a backlog at many dealers.

Production bottlenecks at North American assembly facilities due to supply-chain disruptions, downtime for retooling, and the need to balance output with other high-demand Ford models.

Logistics challenges—port backlogs, container shortages, and higher freight costs—that delay shipments from the factory to dealership lots.

Component constraints tied to suppliers for popular configurations, leading to shortages in certain trims, options, or color packages.

General material and labor constraints impacting manufacturing timelines and delivery schedules across the auto industry.

These factors together slow Maverick output while consumer interest remains elevated, producing a palpable scarcity for shoppers.

Impact on buyers and the market

For buyers, the combination of limited inventory and high demand translates into longer wait times and tighter dealership allocations. The impact can vary by region, trim, and whether a hybrid or gasoline version is chosen.

Dealerships often have few Maverick units on the lot, with many orders operating on backlogs or factory orders rather than immediate pickup.

Prices at retail can be less forgiving than in a normal year; incentives may be scarce and some markets see near-MSRP pricing due to scarcity.

Lead times for delivery can stretch from several weeks to several months, depending on configuration and regional supply.

The used-Maverick market can experience price shifts as new-vehicle supply remains tight, influencing consumer choices.

Flexibility on trim, powertrain (hybrid vs. gas), and color can improve the odds of securing a Maverick sooner.

Dealers and Ford have been working to increase production and improve allocation, but relief depends on ongoing improvements in chip supply, factory schedules, and logistic conditions.

Strategies for securing a Maverick

To help buyers navigate the shortage, consider these practical steps:

Be flexible on configuration: consider both hybrid and gasoline versions, and avoid highly specific color or trim combinations that slow fulfillment.

Place a factory order rather than relying solely on dealer-lot inventory to secure a guaranteed slot in production.

Expand the search geographically: check multiple nearby dealers or markets where allocations may differ.

Compare online ordering options offered by Ford and Network dealerships to streamline the process and monitor progress.

Plan for potential delays in budgeting and timing to avoid rushed, suboptimal purchase decisions.

Adopting these strategies can improve the odds of obtaining a Maverick as supply conditions gradually improve and production ramps up.

What to watch for in the near term

Industry observers expect continued improvement as semiconductor supply stabilizes and automakers adjust production lines. However, the pace of relief will vary by region and by the specific Maverick configuration. Buyers should stay in close contact with dealerships, monitor official Ford communications, and be prepared for ongoing variability in availability.

Summary

The Maverick shortage reflects a broader auto industry pattern: evolving supply chains, chip constraints, and robust demand colliding in a way that tightens dealer inventories. While production is working toward normalization, patience and flexibility remain essential for prospective Maverick buyers. As supply chains heal and production capacity increases, more Mavericks should reach dealers, reducing wait times over the coming months.

Are Ford Mavericks in high demand?

It goes without saying that the now-three-peat 10Best winner is in high demand. And rightfully so. It's the mini-Leatherman utility tool of the vehicular world. Much of the Maverick's popularity can be attributed to its versatility, but sipping fuel in the process is a welcome bonus.

Does the Ford Maverick have a lot of issues?

Common Ford Maverick problems include build quality issues like inconsistent panel gaps, rattling interior trim, and poor paint finish, which can lead to rust over time. More serious concerns involve several recalls for safety-related issues, including potential engine fires in hybrid models and problems with side curtain airbags and seat belt anchors. Owners have also reported electrical system glitches and brake problems.

You can watch this video to learn about the common problems with the Ford Maverick, including fire risks and poor build quality: 57sFuel ForceYouTube · Sep 22, 2025
Build quality and design

Rattling and poor fit: Early models frequently have issues with interior trim, misaligned panel gaps, and poorly fitted steering wheel upholstery.
Rust: The use of steel in parts of the body and a lack of extensive underbody protection has raised concerns about future rust, especially in areas with poor paint or fender liner issues.
Engine noise: There have been complaints about a lack of insulation between the engine and the cabin, allowing engine noise and vibrations to enter.

Safety and recalls

Engine fire risk: A significant recall was issued for certain hybrid models due to a risk of engine fire caused by oil and fuel vapor leaks.
Airbags and seat belts: Recalls have also been issued for side curtain airbags that may not deploy correctly and rear seat belt anchors that were improperly secured.
Trailer brake controller: Some trucks were recalled for issues with the trailer brake controller system.

Electrical and brake issues

Electrical glitches: Owners have reported a range of electrical problems, including dead batteries, frozen infotainment systems, and random warning lights.
Brake problems: Common brake issues include premature wear, sticking or grabbing brakes at low speeds, and problems with the anti-lock brake system.

Why was the Ford Maverick discontinued?

Because the Maverick truck competes with budget sedans (in addition to small SUVs) which Ford no longer makes. Other manufacturers would be killing their existing sales instead of stealing sales from competitors.

What is the current wait time for a Ford Maverick?

Wait times for a Ford Maverick can vary significantly, with some orders taking 4 to 12+ months and others arriving much faster, especially for EcoBoost models. Factors like the specific trim, popular configurations like the Lariat and hybrid, and production/shipping delays all play a major role. For example, while some XL orders face a backlog, Lariat models can be scheduled more quickly.
General wait times

Overall: Expect a wait of at least 4+ months, but delivery can range from under 6 months to over a year.
Hybrid vs. EcoBoost: EcoBoost models generally have shorter wait times (around 8-10 months) compared to hybrids, which can have longer backlogs.
Factors: Delivery time depends on trim, options (like the Lux package), dealer allocation, and current production schedules.

Specific configurations and examples

Lariat: Lariat models may schedule more quickly, with some reports indicating a wait of around a week from order submission to scheduling, depending on dealer allocation.
Lariat Tremor: The Lariat with the Tremor package reportedly has the fastest scheduling time of any configuration.
XL: XL orders can face a longer backlog.
Example: One user reported a 2022 Hybrid XLT LUX took 465 days from order to delivery, while another waited 13 months for their 2023 order to roll over to a 2024 model. In contrast, some Lariat configurations have been delivered in as little as 3-4 months.

What to expect after ordering

Production: Once scheduled, a vehicle is typically built in about 6-8 weeks.
Transportation: After production, it can take approximately 6-8 weeks for the vehicle to be delivered to the dealer.
Overall: The total time from order to delivery can be influenced by any of these steps, as well as supply chain and shipping delays.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.