Ford Recalls Hundreds of Thousands of Maverick Pickup Trucks.

If you’re a Ford Maverick owner or thinking about buying one, you’ve likely caught wind of the recent recalls affecting hundreds of thousands of these compact pickup trucks. It’s a big deal nobody wants to hear that their vehicle might have safety issues. But don’t worry, we’re here to break it all down for you. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what’s happening with the Ford Maverick recalls, why they’re happening, and what you can do about it. From brake fluid problems to battery defects, we’ve got the details covered. So, grab a coffee, and let’s dive into what this means for you and your truck.
Understanding the Recall
First things first what’s a recall, anyway? Picture this: a recall is like the manufacturer raising their hand and saying, “Oops, we found a problem, and we’re going to fix it for free because your safety matters.” It’s when a company like Ford spots a defect that could put drivers at risk and takes responsibility to address it. The government, through agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), makes sure these fixes happen at no cost to you.
For the Ford Maverick, we’re not talking about just one little hiccup. Hundreds of thousands of these trucks have been recalled due to multiple issues across different model years, primarily 2022 to 2024. Whether it’s brake troubles, software bugs, or battery glitches, Ford is stepping up to tackle them. Recalls might sound scary, but they’re pretty common in the auto world it’s all about keeping you safe on the road.
Issues Leading to the Recall
So, what’s gone wrong with the Maverick? Let’s break it down into the key problems Ford has identified. Each one has its own story, and we’ll explain them in a way that’s easy to follow.
Brake Fluid Concerns
One of the biggest headaches is a brake fluid issue. Imagine pressing your brake pedal and it feels a bit off maybe it takes longer to stop. That’s what could happen here. Ford found that the brake fluid reservoir in some 2022-2024 Mavericks might not be sealed properly, which could lead to a leak. If too much fluid escapes, your brakes might not work as well, or worse, they could fail entirely. That’s not something you want to mess around with.
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Affected Models: Ford Maverick, 2022-2024
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Number of Vehicles: 242,669
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Risks: Longer stopping distances, potential brake failure
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Ford’s Fix: Dealers will check the reservoir and replace it if needed
This isn’t just a minor annoyance it’s a serious safety concern. Brakes are your lifeline on the road, so Ford’s taking it seriously.
Software Glitches
Next up, we’ve got some tech troubles. Modern trucks like the Maverick rely heavily on software, and when it goes haywire, it can cause all sorts of problems. For instance, some 2022-2023 Mavericks have software in the instrument panel that’s not programmed right. This means your gauges or warning lights like the one telling you your oil’s low might not light up when you start the truck. There’s also an issue with the anti-lock braking system (ABS) software in a smaller batch, where brake lights might turn on even when you’re not braking, confusing drivers behind you.
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Affected Models: Ford Maverick, 2022-2023
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Number of Vehicles: 12,833 (instrument panel); 141 (ABS glitch)
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Risks: Missing critical warnings, road confusion
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Ford’s Fix: A quick software update at the dealership
It’s like your truck’s brain got a little scrambled, but Ford’s got a patch to sort it out.
Battery Defects
Then there’s the battery issue. Some Mavericks have a problem with the 12-volt battery monitoring system it might not notice when the charge is low. If the battery dies while you’re driving, your truck could lose power out of nowhere. Imagine cruising down the highway and suddenly, nothing. No power, no hazard lights, just you and a dead truck. That’s a scary thought.
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Affected Models: Ford Maverick, 2022-2023
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Number of Vehicles: 272,817
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Risks: Sudden power loss, no hazard lights
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Ford’s Fix: Software tweak to keep an eye on the battery
This one affects a huge chunk of Mavericks, so it’s a top priority for Ford to fix.
Tail Light Failures
Ever driven at night and realized how much you rely on seeing other cars’ tail lights? Well, some Mavericks have tail lights that might not turn on properly, making them harder to spot in the dark or bad weather. This recall overlaps with the brake fluid one in terms of numbers, hitting a lot of the same trucks.
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Affected Models: Ford Maverick, 2022-2024
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Number of Vehicles: 242,669
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Risks: Poor visibility, higher crash risk
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Ford’s Fix: Inspection and repair or replacement of tail light parts
It’s a straightforward fix, but it’s critical for staying safe on the road.
Trailer Brake Software Issues
If you tow with your Maverick, listen up. There’s a recall for trucks with trailer brake controllers where the software might not let the trailer’s brakes work right. When you hit the brakes in your truck, the trailer should slow down too but if it doesn’t, towing gets a lot trickier and riskier.
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Affected Models: Ford Maverick, 2022 (and other Ford models)
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Number of Vehicles: 10,627 (across models)
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Risks: Poor trailer braking, longer stops
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Ford’s Fix: Software update for the trailer relay module
This one’s less common for Maverick owners, but it’s still worth checking if you haul stuff.
What Owners Should Do
Okay, so your Maverick might be part of this recall mess what now? Don’t panic; here’s a simple plan to get it sorted:
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Find Your VIN: Grab your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) it’s a 17-digit code on your dashboard or driver’s side door. This is your truck’s ID.
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Check Online: Pop that VIN into Ford’s recall website or the NHTSA’s recall portal to see if your truck’s affected.
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Watch Your Mail: Ford will send you a letter if your truck’s on the list, so keep an eye out.
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Call Your Dealer: If you’re in, schedule a free repair with your local Ford dealership. They’ll handle it.
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Need Help?: Confused? Ring Ford’s customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
The key here is not to wait around. Some of these issues like brakes or battery problems could turn a normal drive into a dangerous one. Plus, the repairs are free, so there’s no reason to put it off.
Ford’s Response and Fixes
Ford isn’t sitting on their hands with this. They’ve owned up to the problems and are rolling out fixes through their dealers. Here’s what they’re doing for each issue:
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Brake Fluid: Checking and replacing leaky reservoirs.
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Software Glitches: Updating the truck’s systems to get everything working right.
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Battery Defects: Tweaking software to monitor battery health better.
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Tail Lights: Fixing or replacing faulty assemblies.
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Trailer Brakes: Patching the software for safer towing.
Ford’s been upfront, saying they’re committed to your safety and working fast to get parts and updates ready. Depending on the issue, you might be in and out of the dealership in an hour, or it might take a bit longer if parts are needed. Either way, they’re footing the bill.
Historical Context of Ford Recalls
Ford’s no stranger to recalls it’s part of being a big player in the auto game. From 2020 to 2023, they topped the charts as the most recalled automaker. In 2024 alone, they had 67 recalls affecting over 4.7 million vehicles. The Maverick’s issues are just a slice of that pie. But here’s the thing: recalls aren’t unique to Ford. Every major brand deals with them it’s how they respond that counts.
For the Maverick, this isn’t its first rodeo either. Past recalls have tackled things like software hiccups and minor defects. Ford’s even agreed to let an independent team review their recall process, showing they’re serious about tightening things up. Historically, they’ve handled big recalls before and kept chugging along, so this isn’t a death knell for the Maverick.
Safety Implications
Let’s talk about the stakes. Some of these problems are more annoying than dangerous like a wonky dashboard light but others could really mess up your day. A brake failure? That’s a crash waiting to happen. A dead battery on the highway? You’re stranded and vulnerable. Tail lights out? Someone might not see you in time.
Here’s a quick rundown of the risks:
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Brake Fluid: Could mean you can’t stop when you need to.
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Battery: Power cuts out, leaving you stuck.
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Tail Lights: Harder for others to spot you.
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Software: Missing warnings could hide bigger issues.
Ford says they haven’t linked these to any crashes or injuries yet, but why take the chance? Getting these fixed ASAP is your best bet for staying safe.
Comparison with Other Recalls
How does the Maverick stack up against other big recalls? Check out this table:
Manufacturer |
Model |
Year |
Vehicles Affected |
Issue |
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Ford |
Maverick |
2025 |
Hundreds of thousands |
Multiple (brakes, etc.) |
GM |
Sierra |
2025 | 800,000 |
Engine failure |
Toyota |
Camry |
2020 | 1,000,000 |
Airbag defect |
Tesla |
Model S |
2023 | 363,000 |
Software issue |
The Maverick’s recall isn’t the biggest out there Toyota’s Camry airbag fiasco hit a million cars but it’s still a hefty number with multiple issues at play. It shows recalls are an industry-wide thing, not just a Ford problem.
Future Outlook for Ford Maverick
Will these recalls sink the Maverick? Probably not. It’s still a hot seller 131,142 units moved in 2024, up from 94,058 the year before. At $26,995 for the 2025 model, it’s the cheapest new truck you can buy, and its hybrid option and handy bed keep buyers coming. Sure, recalls sting the reputation a bit, but Ford’s quick action helps soften the blow. If they keep improving their quality checks, the Maverick’s future looks solid.
FAQ Section
Got questions? We’ve got answers based on what Maverick owners are asking.
How do I know if my Ford Maverick is affected by the recall?
Head to Ford’s recall site or the NHTSA portal, punch in your VIN, and see if your truck’s listed. Your dealer can help too.
What should I do if my truck is part of the recall?
Call your Ford dealer and set up a free repair. Don’t wait safety’s on the line.
Is it safe to drive my Maverick until the recall is fixed?
Depends. Brake or battery issues? Get it fixed fast. Software glitches? You might be okay short-term, but don’t dawdle.
Will Ford cover the cost of the repairs?
Yup, 100% free. That’s the law with recalls.
How long will the repairs take?
Software fixes are quick maybe an hour. Parts like reservoirs might take longer if they’re backordered. Ask your dealer.