MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2025 Ford Maverick Early Release

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2025 Ford Maverick Early Release Safety Ratings

The 2025 Ford Maverick Early Release scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 20 owner complaints on file.

Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar

0Recalls
20Complaints
0Investigations
VERDICT

The 2025 Ford Maverick Early Release achieved perfect ratings in both frontal and side impact crash tests conducted by NHTSA. This strong performance, alongside a complete absence of recalls on file, contributes to its overall NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100, positioning the vehicle within the "Strong" safety band. The defect record sub-score further reinforces this assessment, indicating a robust safety profile for prospective owners.

The 2025 Ford Maverick Early Release holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars, sourced from federal NHTSA data.

MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026

Among the 90 Sedans from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Ford Maverick Early Release ranks 63 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
2025 Ford Maverick Early Release safety at a glance (source: NHTSA)
NHTSA Safety Index87 / 100 (Strong)
Overall crash rating4 of 5 stars
Frontal / Side / Rollover5 / 5 / 4 stars
Rollover risk15.5%
Recalls on file0
Owner complaints20 (unverified allegations)
Class rank63 of 90 Sedans tested for 2025
Data verifiedOct 1, 2026

ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Ford Maverick Early Release?

The 2025 Ford Maverick Early Release enters the safety review with a notable absence of recall campaigns. This clean record contributes to a defect record sub-score of 17.25 out of 20, a significant factor for a new vehicle. Overall, the Maverick Early Release achieves an 87/100 Safety Index, placing it in the Strong band. This initial rating establishes a baseline for the model's future safety assessments. Its crash protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 drives this strong performance. NHTSA published 5-star ratings for both frontal and side crash tests. The vehicle also received a 4-star rollover rating, with a 16 percent risk of rollover and a "No Tip" dynamic test result. The primary area for improvement lies in the avoidance technology sub-score, which stands at 3.5 out of 10. This score reflects that lane departure warning is an optional feature. Forward collision warning is listed with both standard and optional designations, depending on the specific vehicle configuration. Twenty owner complaints have been filed, focusing on Forward Collision Avoidance and Power Train issues. These remain unverified allegations and are not yet classified as confirmed federal defects.

NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Ford Maverick Early Release perform in crash tests?

The 2025 Ford Maverick Early Release achieved an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA, with its frontal and side crash protection both earning a full 5 stars. The rollover assessment is comparatively weaker at 4 stars, reflecting a 16 percent risk of rollover. However, in the dynamic tip test, the vehicle did not tip over.

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 15.5%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20332

Index breakdown

Crash protection66/70
Avoidance tech3.5/10
Defect record17.25/20
Forward collision warning: Standard & OptionalLane departure warning: OptionalStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Ford Maverick Early Release have any recalls?

The 2025 Ford Maverick Early Release has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and there are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. Buyers should still run a VIN check before purchase, as recall filings can be added after initial registration.

No vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Ford Maverick Early Release at NHTSA as of 2026-10-01. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the safety score.

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Ford Maverick Early Release?

NHTSA has logged 20 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Forward Collision Avoidance with 6 reports, followed by Power Train and Electrical System at 5 each, Engine at 4, and Service Brakes at 3. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.

20 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

3reported crash
1reported fire
1reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsForward Collision Avoidance 6Power Train 5Electrical System 5Engine 4Service Brakes 3Visibility/Wiper 2

USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Ford Maverick Early Release?

The Maverick Early Release has no recall filings to date, a positive starting point for any vehicle. However, recall filings can emerge at any time. Before purchase, confirm that any future recall remedy has been completed at a franchised dealer, using the VIN through NHTSA's recall database.

  • This model year carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file, a notable distinction for a vehicle in its first year of tracked defect history.
  • Frontal and side crash protection each earned a perfect 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA, anchoring the 66/70 crash protection sub-score that drives the 87/100 Safety Index.
  • The avoidance technology sub-score of 3.5/10 reflects that lane departure warning is optional on this model year, meaning buyers should verify which safety tech is equipped on any specific unit.
  • Twenty unverified NHTSA complaints have been filed, with Forward Collision Avoidance the most frequently alleged problem area at 6 reports, warranting a VIN-level complaint history review before purchase.

RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Ford Maverick Early Release places

The 2025 Ford Maverick Early Release qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:

FAQ2025 Ford Maverick Early Release safety questions

Was the 2025 Ford Maverick Early Release crash-tested by NHTSA?

Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Ford Maverick Early Release, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.

What are the 2025 Ford Maverick Early Release crash-test star ratings?

In NHTSA testing the 2025 Ford Maverick Early Release earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.

How many recalls does the 2025 Ford Maverick Early Release have?

According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Ford Maverick Early Release as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Ford Maverick Early Release?

According to NHTSA's complaint database, 20 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 Ford Maverick Early Release. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.

READ MORE

Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.

Rivals in Sedan (2025)

Safest Sedan rivals, 2025 (NHTSA Safety Index)
VehicleNHTSA Safety IndexOverall starsRecalls
2025 Audi A4 Allroad100/100not rated0
2025 Audi RS 5 Sportback100/100not rated0
2025 Audi S4100/100not rated0
2025 Cadillac CT5100/1005 of 50
2025 Polestar 2100/1005 of 50
2025 Subaru Impreza100/1005 of 50
HOW THIS PAGE WAS MADE
  • DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20332), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Maverick Early Release 2025.
  • SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 63 of 90 in the Sedan class for 2025.
  • EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
  • VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.