2023 Ford Maverick: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 308 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the transmission, electrical, and brakes. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2023- Owner complaints
- 308
- Recalls
- 20
- Crashes reported
- 10
- 5 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2023 Ford Maverick: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/3
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Maverick is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2023 Ford Maverick. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cylGas | AWD, FWD | 24–25 mpg |
| 2.5L 4-cylHybrid | FWD | 37 mpg |
- The 2023 Ford Maverick was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- On the hybrid, watch for the car moving off on electric power at low speed and for any hybrid system warning on the dash.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Maverick that averages well under the EPA 24 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Low-speed brake grabbing
4500–7,000 miles
12-volt battery drain
12,000–14000 miles
Sudden power loss, limp mode
15,000–20,000 miles
Front CV axle failure
17,000–50,000 miles
Cabin water leaks, mold
37,000–40,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2023 Ford Maverick, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Transmission107No crashes
Front CV axles wear out early and cause violent shaking under acceleration, often between 40 and 50 mph. Failures cluster from about 17,000 to 50,000 miles. Some replacement axles fail again, torn boots spray grease, and parts often have no arrival date. The other major pattern is a sudden loss of drive power at highway speed. The truck drops into limp mode or neutral, shows powertrain, AdvanceTrac and pre-collision warnings, and sometimes sets the parking brake. Owners describe near rear-end collisions. A restart usually clears it, but software updates have not always stopped it.
Electrical592 crashes
The 12-volt battery drains while the truck sits. It goes into battery saver or deep sleep mode, which disables locks, interior lights and remote features, and sometimes it will not start. Dealers replace batteries repeatedly without curing it, and recall 25S02 covers battery replacement. A rear camera image that freezes during backing is tied to recall 24V684 and to a backing crash. Other reports describe full electrical shutdowns while driving and loud pops from the speakers, which caused one ear injury. The category includes 2 crash-related complaints.
Brakes221 crash
Hybrid trucks grab, shudder or lurch when slowing below about 6 mph. The problem is worse on cold mornings and in wet weather, and owners describe regenerative and friction braking fighting each other. Ford software fixes, including TSB23-2060, have not cured it for many owners. Rarer but more serious reports describe the pedal failing to stop the truck while brake and ABS warnings light up. One of these is a crash with an injury. Others report rear brakes applying on their own at highway speed and a trailer brake controller that does not work.
Engine181 crash
Power cuts out at highway speed, or the gas engine shuts off entirely, with the same stack of warnings seen in the powertrain complaints. A restart usually brings it back, and dealers often cannot reproduce the fault. Several complaints are only about recall 23V380000, where the repair part was not yet available. Other reports include oil leaks at the valve cover, a cracking coolant overflow tank, a throttle body failure near 40,000 miles in extreme cold, and shaking when the truck switches from gas to electric. One complaint is crash-related.
Suspension15No crashes
Worn CV axles make the front end shake violently under acceleration, worse on inclines, sometimes with clicking in turns. Front tires wear quickly as a result. Most failures fall between 20,000 and 45,000 miles, and some axles replaced under warranty fail again within a few thousand miles. Owners report back-ordered parts, dealers blaming tires before finding the axles, and axles replaced one side at a time. Separately, one report describes a fractured front stabilizer and link that made a loud clunk at 8,000 miles.
Body and structure9No crashes
Spot welds break at the driver door check. The bracket gets pushed into the door, which makes the door hard to open or shut, causes popping, blocks the window and can stop the door from latching. Some owners were asked to pay for the repair. Water also leaks onto the passenger floor through the windshield cowl, a cracked cabin air filter or poorly sealed floor plugs, leaving wet carpet and mold. Some trucks need repeat dealer visits to find the leak. A few owners also report the windshield groaning over bumps.
Acceleration and cruise control9No crashes
The gas pedal stops responding while driving, sometimes with a wall of warnings and sometimes with none, and the truck coasts until the driver pulls over. A restart usually restores normal driving. Several reports describe the opposite: the truck creeps or accelerates on its own after a fault, shifts into park near 5 mph, or locks the wheels at 70 mph. Some incidents happened shortly after recall work. Owners stress the rear-end collision risk when power drops in traffic.
Airbags32 crashes
Front airbags fail to deploy in collisions. Both crash reports describe the main driver and passenger airbags staying silent, and in one only the knee airbag deployed. One driver suffered a rotator cuff tear and a pinched nerve. The third complaint describes an airbag warning light tied to a seat belt system fault, with driver and rear seat fault indicators. With only 3 complaints, there is no broad pattern, but the reports involve serious crash outcomes.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Maverick owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Driving at approximately 65 miles per hour. Vehicle suddenly went into neutral I was forced to pull over on a busy highway. The dashboard was illuminated with several warning lights and messages. After one key cycle, I was only able to drive in a limited limp mode. After a second key cycle and waiting a few minutes, I was able to drive like normal but an engine light stayed illuminated.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2024
CV axles failed at 30,000 miles, repaired under warranty. Replaced axles have failed again at 60,000 miles, no warranty. No hard driving, simply highway miles. This seems to be common in these vehicles and need to be recalled for defective parts. This has caused me poor fuel mileage, damage to new tires, instability while driving, and possible unknown damage to transaxle.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2025
Rear window driver side passenger failed and won’t go up or down bad regulator Transmission failure needs replaced at 1 year old Rear camera frozen no remedy on recall Engine failure during acceleration shifts to neutral then shifts to acceleration Engine acceleration at slow stops jerks forward during breaking Tires 1 year old under 25k miles no tread and needs replaced already Display shuts off randomly and stays frozen
Filed with NHTSA, December 2024
The vehicle has less than 12,000 miles. Vehicle repeatedly entered "deep sleep" mode, disabling vehicle remote features and lights inside of vehicle. Took to dealership multiple times. Battery test showed sulfation and can no longer function as designed. Factory 12v battery replaced and software update completed yet still experiencing the same “deep sleep” mode.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2025
Brakes surge shortly after startup causing vehicle to lunge forward multiple times when at a stop. Has happened multiple times since getting vehicle new with less than 4500 miles. No warning lights has not been inspected by dealership but many other people have mentioned this happens to them frequently on Ford Maverick truck forums.
Filed with NHTSA, April 2024
Brake controller does not activate electric brakes on trailer. maverick is equipped with the 4k tow package. Unable to get satisfactory service from dealer and problem has yet to be resolved.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2023
The plastic cooling system overflow expansion tank sign is stress cracking in the inlet tubing at approximately 8K miles. It has gotten worse with my odometer at 12K now. I have not contacted Ford regarding a warranty replacement because they would just replace it with the same defective part. I have further investigated this issue and found several documented cases with complete failure of the tank at a little as 20 K miles.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2024
Vehicle will not accelerate faster after stopping. Runs at less than 5 mph for 3-4 minutes and will accelerate afterwards. If stop again it will continue stalling during acceleration. Very unsafe in traffic. Rear end collision would take place as the driver id that vehicle is not aware of the stalling.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2023
How the 2023 compares with other Maverick years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2023 ranks second for owner complaints among 4 Maverick years, close to the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Transmission10764
- Electrical5957
- Brakes2231
- Engine1822
- Suspension155
- Body and structure96
Recalls to confirm (20)
Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V881000TransmissionDec 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick Hybrid and 2020 Escape Hybrid vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 12, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 15, 2026. This is an expansion of Recalls 24V330 (24S33) and 25V133 (25S16).
25V685000EquipmentOct 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
25V442000Backup cameraJun 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
25V345000EngineJun 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2021-2023 Corsair, and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines that were repaired incorrectly under recall 23V380. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S54.
25V158000TransmissionMar 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-267. The body and power train control modules may fail to detect a change in the 12-volt battery state of charge.
Risk: An undetected low battery charge can result in a loss of electrical accessories such as hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will recalibrate the body control module and power train control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 23, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S26.
25V133000TransmissionFeb 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-330. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S16.
25V123000ElectricalFeb 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Maverick Hybrid vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-140. The instrument panel cluster may not properly illuminate warning lights or gauges. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays," and 102, "Transmission shift position sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect" as well as FMVSS numbers 105, 108, and 208.
Risk: An instrument panel that does not illuminate critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 9, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C06.
25V094000Exterior lightsFeb 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V-848. In the event that one of the rear turn signals stops working, the vehicle will not adjust the turn signal flash rate frequency to warn the driver that a turn signal has failed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.".
Risk: A nonfunctioning exterior turn signal cannot notify other drivers that the vehicle is turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C04.
25V095000Exterior lightsFeb 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-293. The body control module (BCM) may inadvertently deactivate one or both rear tail lights.
Risk: Rear tail lights that fail to illuminate can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S07.
25V019000ElectricalJan 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles. The 12-volt battery may experience degradation and suddenly fail.
Risk: Battery failure can result in a loss of electrical accessories, including the hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the 12-volt battery, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S02. Vehicles in this recall were previously repaired under 24V-267 and will need to have the new remedy completed.
24V684000Backup cameraSep 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Ford Maverick vehicles equipped with Connected Touch Radios (CTR). The rearview camera image may freeze when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk: An inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the Connected Touch Radio (CTR) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 21, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S59.
24V594000Wipers and visibilityAug 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Maverick, Ford Bronco Sport, and Mustang Mach-E vehicles. The front windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.
Risk: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield wiper motor as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 6, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S51.
24V330000TransmissionMay 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33.
24V293000Exterior lightsApr 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The Body Control Module (BCM) may inadvertently deactivate one or both rear tail lights.
Risk: Rear tail lights that fail to illuminate can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the BCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 10, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S24.
24V267000ElectricalApr 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles. The body and power train control modules may fail to detect a change in the 12-volt battery state of charge.
Risk: An undetected low battery charge can result in a loss of electrical accessories such as hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will recalibrate the body control module and power train control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 4, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S24.
24V223000Wheels and tiresMar 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Maverick and Bronco Sport vehicles. The tires may have been manufactured incorrectly, which may result in a loss of vehicle handling and control.
Risk: A loss of vehicle handling and control increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the tires, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S20.
24V140000ElectricalFeb 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Maverick Hybrid vehicles. The Instrument Panel Cluster may not properly illuminate warning lights or gauges. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays," and 102, "Transmission shift position sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect" as well as FMVSS numbers 105, 108, and 208.
Risk: An instrument panel that does not illuminate critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the instrument panel cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 26, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C01.
23V848000Exterior lightsDec 2023
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. In the event that one of the rear turn signals stops working, the vehicle will not adjust the turn signal flash rate frequency to warn the driver that a turn signal is not working correctly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.".
Risk: A nonfunctioning exterior turn signal will not notify other drivers that the vehicle is turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 16, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C41.
23V380000EngineMay 2023
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will replace the engine long-block in 2023 Escape and Corsair vehicles. For the other vehicles, dealers will update the powertrain control module software. If a connecting rod bearing failure is detected, dealers will replace the engine long-block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 14, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S27. This recall expands and replaces recall number 22V-484. Vehicles previously repaired under 22V-484 will need to have the new remedy completed. Vehicles previously repaired under 22V-484 will need to have the new remedy completed.
23V160000Exterior lightsMar 2023
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Maverick vehicles. A missing electrical circuit may cause the trailer taillights to not illuminate as intended when utilizing the vehicle trailer tow electrical connector. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.".
Risk: Trailer taillights that do not illuminate as intended can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will add an electrical circuit to the engine bay wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C04.
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