Ford Maverick problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

Maverick issues are almost all recalls, concentrated on 2022–2024 hybrids: an engine-failure fire risk on the 2.5L hybrid, software that can shift into neutral, and 12-volt battery failures. All model years also have a do-not-drive front lower ball joint recall, so confirm every campaign is complete by VIN.

CarWhere lists 6 documented Maverick issues, including 6 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, engines, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source.

Maverick generations at a glance

Ford Maverick generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
1st gen2022–present2.5L hybrid engine failure can lead to an engine-bay fire · Hybrid software can shift into neutral and cut drive power · 12-volt battery can fail suddenly · Front lower ball joints may be incorrectly installed (do-not-drive recall) · Fuel tank damaged by drill holes during assembly (2022) · Engine block heater can crack and short circuit

1st gen Maverick problems (2022–present)

2.5L hybrid engine failure can lead to an engine-bay fire (2022–2023)

Safety recall
Generation:
1st gen (2022–2023)
Years:
2022–2023
Engine:
2.5L hybrid I-4

Ford recalled 2022–2023 Maverick hybrids (along with Escape and Corsair hybrids) because, if the 2.5L engine fails, oil and fuel vapor can be released and ignite on hot engine or exhaust parts. For Mavericks the remedy is a powertrain software update, with a new long block if a connecting-rod bearing failure is found; 23V-380 replaced the earlier 22V-484, and 25V-345 covers trucks repaired incorrectly.

Symptoms

  • Unexpected engine noise or sudden loss of power
  • Smoke from under the hood

Check before buying

  • Check the VIN for 22V-484, 23V-380 and 25V-345
  • Look for oil residue around the engine and underbody

NHTSA recall: 23V-380 (2023-05)

Sources: [1]

Hybrid software can shift into neutral and cut drive power (2022–2024)

Safety recall
Generation:
1st gen (2022–2024)
Years:
2022–2024
Engine:
2.5L hybrid I-4

The hybrid powertrain control module software on certain 2022–2024 Mavericks can shift the truck into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power. Ford's fix is a software update; a second campaign (25V-133) covers trucks that were not repaired properly the first time.

Symptoms

  • Sudden loss of drive while moving
  • Dash warnings followed by the truck coasting in neutral

Check before buying

  • Check the VIN for 24V-330 and 25V-133
  • Confirm the latest hybrid software update was applied

NHTSA recall: 24V-330 (2024-05)

Sources: [2][3]

12-volt battery can fail suddenly (2022–2023)

Safety recall
Generation:
1st gen (2022–2023)
Years:
2022–2023
Engine:
All engines

Two recalls address the 12-volt system on 2022–2023 Mavericks: one recalibrates the body and powertrain modules that may not detect a falling battery charge (24V-267), and another inspects and replaces batteries that can degrade and fail suddenly (25V-019). A dead battery can disable accessories, including hazard lights, or cut drive power.

Symptoms

  • Slow cranking or no-start
  • Electrical accessories shutting off
  • Battery warning messages

Check before buying

  • Check the VIN for 24V-267, 24V-590 and 25V-019
  • Have the 12-volt battery load-tested

NHTSA recall: 25V-019 (2025-01)

Sources: [4]

Front lower ball joints may be incorrectly installed (do-not-drive recall) (2022–2026)

Safety recall
Generation:
1st gen (2022–2026)
Years:
2022–2026
Engine:
All engines

Ford recalled certain 2022–2026 Mavericks and Bronco Sports because the front lower control arm ball joints may have been installed or repaired incorrectly at the plant, allowing the arm to separate from the knuckle. Owners were told not to drive until the repair is done.

Symptoms

  • Clunk or knock from the front end
  • Wandering or uneven steering

Check before buying

  • Check the VIN for 26V-340 and do not test-drive an unrepaired truck
  • Have the lower ball joints inspected

NHTSA recall: 26V-340 (2026-05)

Sources: [4]

Fuel tank damaged by drill holes during assembly (2022) (2022)

Safety recall
Generation:
1st gen (2022)
Years:
2022
Engine:
All engines

Ford recalled certain 2022 Mavericks because the fuel tank may have been punctured by drill holes during assembly, which can cause a fuel leak and fire risk. Dealers inspect and replace the tank as necessary.

Symptoms

  • Fuel smell around the truck
  • Fuel drips near the tank

Check before buying

  • Check the VIN for 21V-976
  • Look under the truck for fuel staining near the tank

NHTSA recall: 21V-976 (2021-12)

Sources: [4]

Engine block heater can crack and short circuit (2022–2024)

Safety recall
Generation:
1st gen (2022–2024)
Years:
2022–2024
Engine:
Trucks with a factory engine block heater

Ford recalled 2022–2024 Mavericks (and many other models) with a factory block heater because the heater can crack, leak coolant and short circuit when plugged in, increasing fire risk. Owners were told not to plug it in until it is replaced.

Symptoms

  • Coolant leak near the block heater
  • Tripped outlet when the heater is plugged in

Check before buying

  • Check the VIN for 25V-685
  • Look for a block-heater cord at the front of the truck

NHTSA recall: 25V-685 (2025-10)

Sources: [4]

Related Maverick research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints is a different question, answered in the years-to-avoid research from NHTSA complaint counts.

Confirm exactly how a Maverick was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and equipment decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere build sheet decodes a Ford Maverick VIN into its factory record — powertrain, equipment groups and options as built. $9.99, instant.

Ford build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common Ford Maverick problems?

The best-documented Ford Maverick issues are 2.5L hybrid engine failure can lead to an engine-bay fire (1st gen, 2022–2023), hybrid software can shift into neutral and cut drive power (1st gen, 2022–2024), 12-volt battery can fail suddenly (1st gen, 2022–2023) and front lower ball joints may be incorrectly installed (do-not-drive recall) (1st gen, 2022–2026). Which ones matter depends on the generation and engine, so check the section for the exact truck or car you are looking at.

Has the Ford Maverick had any recalls?

Yes. Recalls covered on this page include 2.5L hybrid engine failure can lead to an engine-bay fire (NHTSA 23V-380), hybrid software can shift into neutral and cut drive power (NHTSA 24V-330), 12-volt battery can fail suddenly (NHTSA 25V-019) and front lower ball joints may be incorrectly installed (do-not-drive recall) (NHTSA 26V-340). Recall repairs are free at a Ford dealer; check any specific vehicle’s VIN with NHTSA to see whether the work was completed.

What should I check before buying a used Maverick?

Check the VIN for 22V-484, 23V-380 and 25V-345. Check the VIN for 24V-330 and 25V-133. Check the VIN for 24V-267, 24V-590 and 25V-019. Check the VIN for 26V-340 and do not test-drive an unrepaired truck. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic covers these and should include a scan for stored fault codes.

Is the Ford Maverick reliable?

Most well-known Maverick problems are tied to a specific generation, engine or transmission rather than the model as a whole, and many have a published fix, updated part or recall remedy.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. NHTSA recalls: 2023 Ford Maverick — NHTSA
  2. NHTSA recalls: 2024 Ford Maverick — NHTSA
  3. 2021–2024 Ford hybrids recalled over loss of power — Ford Authority
  4. NHTSA recalls: 2022 Ford Maverick — NHTSA

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Ford Motor Company. Ford, Power Stroke, EcoBoost, Coyote and the model names are trademarks of their owner.