NHTSA (USA)CriticalDo Not Drive
At a glance
This page covers 24 recalls, 327 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2023 Ford Maverick.
24–25 mpg combined
9.4–9.8 L/100km
Small Pickup Trucks 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2023 Ford Maverick draws the most complaints around the powertrain and electrical system. On the powertrain side, owners frequently describe intense shuddering and vibration during acceleration and at mid-range highway speeds, often pointing to the CV axles as the source. Some describe the shaking as severe enough to affect lateral stability in the lane. Electrical complaints center heavily on the 12-volt battery draining while the truck sits parked under normal conditions, leaving owners with a dead vehicle. The forward collision avoidance system also draws a notable cluster of reports, with owners describing unexpected activations or system behavior that doesn't match road conditions. A smaller but recurring pattern involves the driver-side door check hinge, owners report the rivets breaking during normal door use, which can interfere with window operation.
327
Total Complaints
10
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
5
With Injuries
By System
I need to group these 24 recalls carefully before writing.
Grouping analysis:
- 12V battery / control module failure causing loss of power or accessories (Recalls 1, 2, 3, 7, 10, 11): These cluster around the 12V battery degrading or control modules failing to detect low battery state, causing unexpected neutral shifts or loss of drive power. Recalls 2, 3, 7, 11 are hybrid powertrain control module issues (some are prior-repair-failed versions). Recalls 1, 3, 10 are battery state-of-charge detection failures. I'll group these as: hybrid powertrain/battery control issues causing loss of drive power or electrical accessories. Note prior repair carve-out applies to recalls 2, 3.
- Engine compartment fire risk on 2.5L HEV/PHEV (Recalls 4, 6): Recall 6 is the original, Recall 4 is a prior-repair-failed version. Group as one fire risk with prior repair note.
- Block heater fire risk (Recall 5): Separate fire risk.
- Front lower control arm ball joint detachment (Recall 8): Standalone, high severity.
- Tire defect (Recall 9): Standalone.
- Lighting cluster: - Trailer taillights not illuminating (Recalls 12, 14, 15) — group as one - Rear taillights deactivating
At a glance
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
The front lower control arm ball joints may have been installed or repaired incorrectly at the factory, which could allow the control arm to separate from the front wheel knuckle.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and repair the front lower control arm ball joints as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module may lose communication with the vehicle, causing brake lights, turn signal lights, or brake function to stop working.
What the fix does
A dealer will update the integrated trailer module software, or the vehicle will receive a software update over-the-air. Both are free of charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module software may unexpectedly shift the vehicle into neutral, causing loss of drive power.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module software at no charge to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine block heater can crack and leak coolant. When plugged in, the leaked coolant may cause an electrical short circuit.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the block heater at no cost, or install a blanking plug and remove the heater cord.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image or fail to clear the image after backing up.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the rearview camera software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Incorrect prior repairs to 2.5L hybrid or plug-in hybrid engines may allow engine oil and fuel vapor to leak into the engine compartment, where they can accumulate near hot surfaces and ignition sources, risking engine compartment fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software at no cost to reprogram engine controls and prevent the failure.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The body and powertrain control modules may not properly detect changes in your 12-volt battery's charge level.
What the fix does
Dealers will recalibrate the body control module and powertrain control module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The instrument panel cluster may fail to properly light up warning lights or gauges due to incorrect repair from a previous recall.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the instrument panel cluster software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, resulting in loss of drive power.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The body control module may incorrectly turn off one or both rear tail lights on certain previously repaired vehicles.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the body control module software at no cost to restore proper tail light function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A rear turn signal may stop working. The vehicle won't change its turn signal flash rate to alert you that the signal has failed.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the body control module software at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The 12-volt battery may degrade and suddenly fail, leaving the vehicle without electrical power.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the 12-volt battery and replace it if necessary at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The windshield wiper motor may have a manufacturing defect that causes it to fail, preventing the wipers from operating.
What the fix does
Ford will mail you instructions to bring your vehicle to a dealership for inspection and replacement of the wiper motor if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera image may freeze when the vehicle is in reverse, affecting visibility.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Connected Touch Radio software at no cost to restore camera function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front windshield wiper motor may stop working, causing the wipers to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield wiper motor as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module software may unexpectedly shift the vehicle into neutral, causing loss of driving power.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The body control module may unintentionally turn off one or both rear tail lights.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the body control module software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The body and powertrain control modules may not properly detect changes in your 12-volt battery's charge level.
What the fix does
Dealers will recalibrate the body control module and powertrain control module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tires may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause loss of vehicle handling and control.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the tires as necessary at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The instrument panel cluster may fail to display warning lights or gauges properly, preventing drivers from seeing important information.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the instrument panel cluster software at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
When a rear turn signal fails, the vehicle doesn't change the flash rate to alert you that the signal isn't working properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the body control module software at no cost to restore the warning system.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Engine oil and fuel vapor may leak into the engine compartment when the engine fails, accumulating near hot components and creating a fire risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the engine long-block in 2023 models or update powertrain software in others. Engine replacement occurs if connecting rod bearing failure is detected.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical wiring circuit connecting to the trailer tow connector is missing on some trucks with the tow package. This prevents trailer tail lamps from working when towing.
What the fix does
Ford will add the missing electrical circuit to the engine bay wiring harness at a dealership at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The trailer taillights may not turn on when you plug a trailer into the vehicle's tow connector due to a missing electrical circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will add an electrical circuit to the engine bay wiring harness at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
