MODEL
Ford Maverick Early Release
NHTSA safety across every Ford Maverick Early Release model year we cover.
Across the 1 model year of the Ford Maverick Early Release we cover (2025 to 2025), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2025 at 87 on the NHTSA Safety Index. No recalls are on record across those years.
The 2025 Ford Maverick Early Release enters the compact truck-based utility space as a surprisingly car-like offering, slotting into the sedan body style category and aimed squarely at budget-conscious buyers who want practicality without sacrificing modern safety credentials. It targets daily commuters and small-family shoppers who prioritize value and efficiency, making its federal safety scorecard a natural first stop for any serious shopper.
MotorCaliber's safety picture for the 2025 Ford Maverick Early Release is genuinely encouraging. The model earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, landing it firmly in the Strong band, and the underlying crash-test results back that score up. Both frontal and side barrier tests return a full 5 out of 5 stars, which is the ceiling, and represents meaningful real-world protection in the two most common collision scenarios. Rollover resistance comes in at 4 out of 5 stars, a respectable but not perfect result that shoppers in high-center-of-gravity vehicles should note, even if this model rides lower than a traditional truck. On the recall front, the picture is clean. Across the 2025 model year, Ford has issued zero recalls for this vehicle, which is a positive early signal for a newly released product. Owner complaints total 20 across the covered period, with 3 involving alleged crashes, 1 involving an alleged fire, and 1 involving alleged injuries. No deaths have been reported. These are unverified allegations and the sample size is small for a new model, but the fire and injury flags are worth monitoring as the owner pool grows. Bottom line: the Maverick Early Release posts a strong safety foundation. The five-star scores in frontal and side testing are the headline, and the zero-recall status is a clean start. Keep an eye on the complaint tracker as more owners report in.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Maverick as a smart, accessible entry that punches above its price point in everyday usability. Most praise its approachable size and car-like driving manners, while noting the trucklet format involves some real-world compromises. Overall sentiment trends positive, with particular appreciation for how well it fits urban and suburban ownership patterns.
- The 2025 Maverick Early Release earns a Strong-band NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it among the more capable performers in its class on federal safety metrics.
- Frontal and side crash-test scores are both a maximum 5 out of 5 stars, meaning it performs at the top of the federal testing scale in the collision types most likely to affect real-world occupants.
- Rollover protection is rated 4 out of 5 stars, a solid but not perfect result. Shoppers who frequently carry loads or passengers should factor this into their evaluation.
- Zero recalls have been issued for the 2025 model year so far, which is a clean early record. However, 20 owner complaints have been filed including 3 alleged crashes and 1 alleged fire. These are unverified, but worth tracking as the ownership base expands.