Ford Maverick

The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck, not a sedan, aimed at buyers who want truck utility in a smaller, more city-friendly package. Spanning the 2022 through 2024 model years, it targets value-conscious drivers and urban haulers who want versatility without the bulk of a full-size truck. It competes in a growing segment where safety credentials matter as much as practicality.

At MotorCaliber, we assess the Ford Maverick strictly on its safety record, and the picture here is genuinely mixed. On the positive side, the Maverick earns impressive crash-test results in its best year, posting a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side impact testing, with a solid 4 out of 5 in rollover resistance. Those numbers reflect real structural competence for a compact truck. The NHTSA Safety Index, however, lands at 76 out of 100, placing the Maverick squarely in the Average band. That rating tempers the enthusiasm the star scores might otherwise generate. The recall picture is where shoppers need to pay close attention. Across the 2022 to 2024 model years, the Maverick has accumulated 64 recalls. That is a notably high count for a three-year window on a single model. More concerning, three of those campaigns carry park-outside or do-not-drive designations, meaning federal investigators considered the underlying issue serious enough to warrant keeping the vehicle away from structures or off the road entirely. Owners have filed 472 complaints, including 22 alleged crashes, 3 fire-related reports, 12 injury claims, and 1 death allegation. These are unverified allegations, but the volume is worth noting. The Maverick delivers strong crash-test hardware, but its recall history demands due diligence before purchase.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Maverick for its clever packaging, fuel efficiency options, and approachable size, calling it a smart entry point into truck ownership. Most find it a capable and likable daily driver, though some note that its compact dimensions come with real-world payload limitations. Overall professional sentiment leans positive, with the Maverick frequently described as a standout value in its segment.