MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

MODEL

Ford Maverick Hev Safety

NHTSA safety across every Ford Maverick Hev model year we cover.

Across the 1 model year of the Ford Maverick Hev we cover (2026 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 77 on the NHTSA Safety Index. 6 recalls have been issued across those years.

THE MOTORCALIBER REVIEW
MotorCaliber editorial ◆ Reviewed against NHTSA data ◆ 2026-10-01

The 2026 Ford Maverick HEV, classified by NHTSA as a sedan despite its pickup truck form factor, has not yet undergone crash testing. As a result, no star ratings for overall safety, frontal impact, side impact, or rollover risk are available at this time. Similarly, without crash test data, a definitive Safety Index score cannot be computed. The vehicle currently has zero recalls and zero owner complaints logged with NHTSA. This initial lack of data is not uncommon for a new model year; our assessment will be updated as federal safety information becomes available.

The most significant concern for the 2026 Ford Maverick HEV is a park-outside or do-not-drive recall among its 6 total recall campaigns. This represents the most severe category of recall action and demands immediate attention from owners. Frontal crash protection for the Maverick HEV is genuinely strong, with NHTSA awarding a full 5 out of 5 stars. Rollover protection also scored well, receiving 4 out of 5 stars. However, NHTSA has not published side crash test ratings for this model year, leaving a notable gap in the vehicle's overall safety assessment. Owner complaints remain minimal, with just 3 recorded, none of which allege crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. The vehicle's calculated NHTSA Safety Index stands at 77 out of 100, placing it in the average safety band. While frontal protection is robust, the outstanding side-impact data and the critical recall necessitate careful verification of recall completion for any prospective buyer.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally find the Maverick HEV to be a well-rounded, approachable compact truck with a surprisingly car-like ride and a cabin that punches above its price point in comfort and everyday usability. Driving dynamics are described as composed and easy to manage, and the hybrid powertrain integration is typically praised for its smoothness in daily driving conditions.

WHAT TO KNOW
  • One of the 6 recalls across the 2026 model year carries a park-outside or do-not-drive designation - the most urgent recall classification NHTSA issues. Shoppers and owners must verify this recall has been completed before driving the vehicle.
  • Frontal crash protection earns a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, making the Maverick HEV one of the stronger performers in its class for the type of collision most likely to cause serious injury on US roads.
  • Side crash test results are not yet rated for the 2026 model year, which is a genuine gap in the safety data. Buyers who prioritize a complete crash-test picture may want to wait for those results before committing.
  • The overall NHTSA Safety Index of 77 out of 100 falls in the Average band - not alarming, but not class-leading. Combined with the missing side-crash rating, it suggests the Maverick HEV has room to improve its full safety profile.

Most-recalled year on record: 2026 Ford Maverick Hev with 6 recalls.

BY YEARMaverick Hev by model year

Other Ford models