2024 Ford Maverick: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 139 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the transmission, electrical, and engine. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2024- Owner complaints
- 139
- Recalls
- 14
- Crashes reported
- 7
- 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
2024 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 hand0/1
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/1
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/4
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 2024 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 | 25–26 mpg |
| 2.5L 4-cylHybrid | FWD | 37 mpg |
- The 2024 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 25 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.
Hybrid 12-volt battery drain
1,880–17,000 miles
Front CV axle failure
20,000–30,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2024 Ford Maverick, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Transmission32No crashes
Front CV axles wear out and make the truck shake under acceleration, worst at 40 to 50 mph or under load. Failures show up from around 20,000 to 30,000 miles and later, often with a leaking CV boot and no warning light. A second pattern is sudden power loss, reduced-power mode, or stalling at highway speed. In some cases the transmission locks in park. Other reports describe the transmission dropping into neutral at speed and the truck lurching forward while stopped in drive. Dealers often cannot reproduce the stalls.
Electrical301 crash
The hybrid's 12-volt battery drains while parked and puts the truck into Deep Sleep mode. That shuts off remote start and remote locking and can leave the truck unable to start. Reports begin as early as 1,880 miles and continue after battery replacements. Some dealers tell owners to drive daily or use a trickle charger. A low battery can cause electrical glitches and drivability problems. Separate reports describe sudden "Stop Safely Now" shutdowns with a locked transmission dial, and a backup camera that still freezes after the recall update.
Engine11No crashes
The main pattern is sudden loss of acceleration at highway speed. The gas pedal stops responding, cruise control cancels, and the truck coasts to the shoulder, often with no warning light. Turning the truck off and back on usually restores power, but several owners report repeat episodes, and some trucks stall outright. Other reports cite misfire counts in all four cylinders, metal flakes in early oil changes, milky residue under the oil cap, and an exhaust leak from a badly installed clamp.
Steering81 crash
The wheel turns stiff or power assist cuts out without warning. One driver crashed into a fence at 10,500 miles after the wheel became hard to turn. In another case the front wheels lost power while the driver was passing on the highway, and the truck jerked and slowed sharply. A car behind swerved into a ditch, and 3 people in it were injured. Owners who flat-tow behind motorhomes report violent wheel wobble in left turns. Other reports cite heavy steering knuckle rust at 8,221 miles and a loud click when turning right.
Acceleration and cruise control8No crashes
Driver-assist systems brake hard or flash collision warnings when nothing is in the lane, often because a car in the next lane slows. In one case, adaptive cruise missed stopped traffic and began to accelerate. On some hybrids, after a dead 12-volt battery and a jump start, the truck ignores the gas pedal but creeps up to 30 to 40 mph once the brake is released. Other reports describe the truck acting as if it were in neutral when pulling away from a light, and an internal engine failure with smoke on the freeway.
Backup camera72 crashes
Nearly all of these reports concern recall 24V684, which covers a backup camera that freezes or shows a distorted picture. The main complaint is that repair parts stayed unavailable for months, and several owners filed without having a failure. Two crashes are reported. In one, the camera froze while the driver was backing out of a gas station. In the other, the rear camera's visual and audible warnings did not activate and the truck backed into a pole. One owner could not get a cracked windshield replaced until the camera was fixed.
Brakes5No crashes
The brake pedal sinks to the floor with no pressure, or the truck rolls while the pedal is pressed. One of these failures came at just 470 miles. Another came with ABS and parking brake warnings, and the dealer suspected the electronic brake booster controller. Hybrid owners also describe grabby brakes just before a stop and pulsing brakes after turning off cruise control. One owner says a brake-light software recall broke trailer braking, so the dash shows "Trailer disconnected" every time the brakes are applied.
Body and structure4No crashes
Rainwater leaks into the front passenger footwell and soaks the carpet, which leads to mold. In another report, a driver's door hinge was not properly welded at the factory, which caused trouble rolling down the window and meant the whole door had to be replaced. A hood that was released but not latched flew up against the windshield at 35 mph and blocked the driver's view. The base XL also lacks the bed D-rings the owner's manual says to use for tying down a damaged tire.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Maverick owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
The vehicle is 9 month old with less than 12,000 miles. Factory battery repeatedly entered "deep sleep" mode, disabling vehicle remote features and failed to start the engine. Battery test showed sulfation and can no longer function as designed.
Filed with NHTSA, April 2025
Car battery died. When jumped, it then started up. However, upon getting onto the street - only the hybrid battery would engage (not the combustion engine). Thus, my speed was limited to ~10 miles per hour and this made the drive very unsafe.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2024
VEHICLE KEEPS GOING INTO " DEEP SLEEP" MODE. Can ot start and can not get into the vehicle. Requires a jump start and you are left stranded anywhere. Ford told me they are aware of this issue in the hybrid but their engineering department has NO solution. You can be left stranded in unsafe or dangerours places. I bought the vehicle in march 2024, new, so that at 74 years old Iv would have a reliable and safe vehicle.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2024
Vehicle keeps going into "Battery Saver Mode" and having 12-volt battery not maintaining charge. When the battery gets low, the vehicle beings having various electrical system glitches and drivability issues. This is a well-known issue with Ford Maverick Hybrid trucks and Ford is not fixing the problem. Ford changed the 12 volt battery in the 2025 and 2026 Maverick Hybrids to an AGM design due to this issue.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2026
prematurely changed engine oil on New vehicle at 2200 miles, break-in period. I refilled with recommended 5.7 quarts of oil. Removed from the ramp. Level ground dip stick check. Over full. I removed 1.5 quarts, and see metal in Brand new oil. I have video. 2 weeks later I random removed 0.75 quart to inspect the integrity. More metal flakes from engine. Ford did not debur engine components of this vehicle.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2024
Exhaust flange clamp improperly installed during manufacturing process causing exhaust leak not identified until consumer noticed after approximately 40 miles of use. At time of writing dealership has not inspected. No warning lights or indicators. Audible sputtering heard when gas engine runs. Hybrid vehicle.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2024
I was flat towing the vehicle behind a motorcoach. I pulled off the interstate and made a gradual left turn. The maverick started to violently wobble. Pulled off to the side of road and could not tell if anything was wrong. Spent the night at a campground. Next morning I had a steering assist warning come up.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2025
In reducing the truck's speed, there is a sharp-pitched, loud, one-click sound , when I turn the steering to the right hand side. (This sound seems to come from the driver's left side, between the front door and the rear door.) It happens very often, but not every time.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2024
How the 2024 compares with other Maverick years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2024 ranks third for owner complaints among 4 Maverick years, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Transmission3289
- Electrical3066
- Engine1124
- Steering85
- Acceleration and cruise control85
- Backup camera71
Recalls to confirm (14)
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.
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.
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.
24V778000Child SeatOct 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Maverick vehicles. The second-row child seat tether anchors may not properly secure a child seat, due to incomplete thread engagement. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems.".
Risk: A child seat that is not secured properly increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will repair the tether anchorage points, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C33.
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.
24V266000EquipmentApr 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Maverick vehicles. The tire and loading information label may state the incorrect vehicle capacity, tire pressure, and spare tire size. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims.".
Risk: Incorrect tire and capacity information may result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will mail new labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 1, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C08.
24V185000Fuel systemMar 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Maverick vehicles. The fuel tanks may have an open pinch joint between the two molds, which can allow fuel to leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Fix: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine immediately if a fuel leak is detected or the Malfunction Indicator Lamp illuminates. Dealers will replace the fuel tanks, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 10, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S17.
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.
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