MODEL
Ford Maverick Safety
NHTSA safety across every Ford Maverick model year we cover.
Across the 4 model years of the Ford Maverick we cover (2022 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 76 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2024 at 70. 71 recalls have been issued across those years.
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.
The Ford Maverick's crash-test results for its best model year demonstrate structural competence, with the vehicle achieving 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side impact protection. Rollover resistance also rated well, earning 4 out of 5 stars. However, the overall NHTSA Safety Index for the Maverick stands at 76 out of 100, placing it in the Average band despite strong individual crash-test scores. A significant concern for the Maverick is its recall history. Across the 2022 to 2024 model years, the vehicle has been subject to 64 recalls. Three of these recalls were issued with park-outside or do-not-drive warnings, indicating serious safety concerns identified by federal investigators. Owner complaints total 472, including allegations of 22 crashes, 3 fire incidents, 12 injuries, and 1 death. While these complaints are unverified, their volume, combined with the high recall count, necessitates careful consideration by prospective buyers.
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.
- The Maverick carries 64 recalls across the 2022 to 2024 model years, an unusually high count that makes verifying open recall status on any specific vehicle an essential pre-purchase step.
- Three of those recalls are classified as park-outside or do-not-drive campaigns, indicating NHTSA considered the defects involved serious enough to pose immediate safety risks to occupants or bystanders.
- Despite the recall volume, crash-test results are strong, with 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side impact categories, giving buyers some confidence in the vehicle's structural protection during a collision.
- Owner complaints total 472, with reports including 22 alleged crashes, 3 fire-related incidents, and 12 injury claims. These are unverified allegations, but shoppers should review the NHTSA complaints database for patterns relevant to the specific model year they are considering.
Most-recalled year on record: 2022 Ford Maverick with 28 recalls.