Are you familiar with the Ford Maverick problems?
With a unique look and great functionality, the Ford Maverick is a workhorse truck that justifies its position next to the Ranger and the F-150. It features four doors and a very roomy interior with several innovative storage ideas, and it shares its platform with the Bronco Sport SUV.
The Maverick can be configured to tow up to 4000 pounds, which is more than enough payload for a weekend’s worth of home improvement supplies.
Three trims—XL, XLT, and Lariat—are available for the Ford Maverick, with the XL being the most cost-effective option. The XLT is the most affordable variant because it comes with 17-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control, a power tailgate lock, power exterior mirrors, and other features.
There are several typical Ford Maverick issues that owners have mentioned, and you ought to keep an eye out for them if you’re considering buying one. For instance, the NHTSA received 163 customer complaints and issued 6 recalls concerning the 2022 Ford Maverick [1].
Most complaints are related to the brakes. At 67, they account for almost half of all NHTSA complaints. However, there are still another 15 faults that are classified as “unknown/other” in addition to these.
Electrical system complaints came in second with 57 complaints. There are 18 complaints regarding the powertrain and 29 about the engine and/or engine cooling.
Most Common Ford Maverick Problems
- Brakes Failure
Many owner complaints are made concerning the brakes’ poor performance or sticking while the eco mode is engaged. Brake issues have been reported by numerous drivers at low speeds.
When traveling at a speed below 10mph, there have been complaints that the Maverick’s brakes can be unpredictable and grabby. The car stops suddenly, and a loud noise can be heard coming from the engine [2].
It is inconsistent and increases the risk of driving in parking lots, pulling out of a driveway, or anywhere else that calls for driving slowly. The problem is widespread and poses a safety risk to Maverick drivers, other motorists, and pedestrians.
To make matters worse, when the brakes suddenly grip and lock, no safety lights or warnings flash. It is upsetting and makes driving stressful. Ford released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 22-2493) regarding the grabby brakes [3].
The braking problem appeared to be rectified after the PCM and SOBDM-C were reconfigured at the dealership. Nevertheless, the brakes listed on the NHTSA website continue to receive a lot of complaints.
- Electrical System Problems
For many owners, driving the Maverick is made difficult by dead batteries, faulty wiring harnesses, and trucks that enter deep sleep mode. Moreover, the Mavericks’ sudden overnight 100% loss of power has drawn criticism. These problems may be all interconnected.
Ford claims that their vehicles are built to save battery life by entering what they term Deep Sleep Mode automatically or manually. According to them, when the battery has been dormant for 14 straight days, the battery voltage dips below 9.5 volts.
And when it is excessively hot or cold outside, the Deep Sleep Mode is activated automatically [4]. By manually starting your car with the push-button start or your key, you can disable Deep Sleep Mode. The modem may reconnect to the Ford Pass App in 20 to 30 seconds.
The battery wiring harness problem was first acknowledged in June 2022, after a Maverick “died in the driveway.” Since then, the NHTSA has received at least 20 reports about faulty wire harnesses [5]. Many battery and deep sleep mode concerns may also be brought on by bad wire harnesses.
In a technical service bulletin, Ford instructs dealers on what to do if Maverick owners encounter this issue. The TSB covers the 2022 Ford Maverick 2.5-liter full hybrid electric vehicle (FHEV). It applies specifically to Mavericks created on or before May 13, 2022.
The TSB claims that without a 12-volt power source in the battery junction box, these vehicles could exhibit a no-crank/no-start scenario. A detached or loose eyelet termination could be to blame for this. The wiring assembly replacement process and remedy are described in the TSB. Only “if required” should batteries be tested and changed.
- Airbag Problems
The NHTSA campaign number 22V594000 refers to an issue with the airbag, which is one of the most frequent Ford Maverick issues. A few 2022 Maverick vehicles were recalled by Ford because the side-curtain airbags could not deploy correctly.
After being made aware of the situation, some drivers attempted to fix the airbags, but the part was not available. According to Ford, the left and right side-curtain airbag modules would be replaced with a new model at no cost to the customer.
The airbags themselves or faults with the car can prevent them from deploying during a collision. Defective electrical components might block proper airbag signaling, hence preventing its deployment. The sensors that detect a collision could also have flaws that prevent the airbag from inflating.
This could happen as a result of a design flaw, subpar calibration, or faulty installation. An airbag that has been deployed during a collision should always be replaced. If the airbag wasn’t changed, it won’t deploy during the subsequent collision [6].
- Engine Problems
Several complaints have been filed concerning the engine of the Ford Maverick. The hybrid engine appears to have more problems than the alternate. When converting from gasoline to a hybrid powertrain, some owners say they feel shaking, vibrating, or trembling.
A 2022 Ford Maverick owner reported that the Check Engine light was on. The car was running rough while driving. Engine and exhaust problems were discovered when the car was taken to the local dealer.
An engine may misfire in one or more cylinders due to worn or dirty spark plugs, which may result in vibrations while the car is idling or moving at a slow pace [8]. The simplest remedy is to change your spark plugs and examine the associated wiring.
Fuel and air systems might also be the cause of engine vibrations. Sometimes the issue can be resolved with modest adjustments to the fuel intake system, such as altering the idle on the carburetors or cleaning the fuel intake system [9].
The timing belt makes sure that the pistons’ movement and the opening and closing of your intake and exhaust valves are coordinated. Your engine will tremble if there are any problems with it or any of the other belt-driven equipment, which will throw off this exact calibration. If your timing belt is worn out and damaged, replacing it will fix the issue.
Read Also: Ford Kuga Problems
Conclusion
Since it debuted on the market, the Ford Maverick truck has been very popular. It is simple to understand why people appreciate it because it is small, inexpensive, and adaptable to many different lifestyles.
However, like any other car, the Maverick has been associated with several problems. Complaints have been made on several customer forums.
The component and system categories affected by these complaints include airbags, the electrical system, the engine and engine cooling, the fuel/propulsion system, service brakes, and the unknown or other categories.
The Ford Maverick is a dependable car despite its issues. Modern cars are generally more dependable than older ones. Ford has a lengthy history of producing cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Proper maintenance is vital to keep the car in good condition for a long period.
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