NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Ford Maverick Safety Ratings
The 2022 Ford Maverick scores 76 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 28 recalls, and 144 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A Safety Index score of 76 out of 100 places the 2022 Ford Maverick in the Average band. This rating is significantly affected by the vehicle's defect record, which received a score of zero due to 28 recall campaigns. Among these was a park-outside directive. Despite strong crash-test scores published by NHTSA, the extensive recall activity prevents the Maverick from rising above a mid-tier safety assessment.
The 2022 Ford Maverick received a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100 and an overall NHTSA crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars, according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 90 Sedans from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Ford Maverick ranks 84 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 76 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 28 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 144 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 84 of 90 Sedans tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Ford Maverick?
The 2022 Ford Maverick is notable for a high volume of safety recalls. Its 28 recall campaigns, including a park-outside advisory related to a ball joint issue affecting Maverick models from 2022 to 2026, define the safety profile for this specific year. Despite the recall activity, the Maverick demonstrates strong crash protection. It earned a 66 out of 70 crash protection sub-score, reflecting near-perfect frontal and side star ratings in NHTSA testing. The vehicle also achieved the maximum 10 out of 10 for its avoidance technology sub-score, with standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. However, the defect record sub-score is zero out of a possible 20 points. This, combined with 144 unverified owner allegations, primarily concerning the electrical system and powertrain, indicates potential issues beyond the recalls. The 76 overall Safety Index score for the 2022 Maverick underscores this tension between robust crash performance and a significant burden of recalls and owner complaints.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Ford Maverick perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Ford Maverick achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side crash protection tests, demonstrating strong occupant safeguarding in these critical impact scenarios. This performance contributed to an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Rollover protection was rated at 4 stars; the Maverick presented a 16 percent rollover risk and did not tip in dynamic testing.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16396
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Ford Maverick have any recalls?
Yes. The 2022 Ford Maverick carries 28 recall campaigns. One is a park-outside or do-not-drive directive involving the front lower control arm ball joint, a serious structural concern. Additional campaigns cover the integrated trailer brake control electrical system, the engine block heater, back-over prevention software, and a 2.5L hybrid engine issue affecting 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles specifically.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT26V340000
Risk: A detached control arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and repair the front lower control arm ball joints as necessary, free of charge.Owner notification letters were mailed September 2, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S36. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall b
Reported 2026-05-27
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL26V104000
Risk: Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 17, 2026.
Reported 2026-02-20
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER25V685000
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters
Reported 2025-10-10
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V442000
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Reported 2025-06-27
ENGINE25V345000
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S54.
Reported 2025-05-23
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)25V158000
Risk: An undetected low battery charge can result in a loss of electrical accessories such as hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will recalibrate the body control module and power train control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 23, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S26.
Reported 2025-03-14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL25V123000
Risk: An instrument panel that does not illuminate critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 9, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C06.
Reported 2025-02-28
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE25V124000
Risk: Unintended illumination of the brake lights may confuse other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software in the ABS module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 14, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C07.
Reported 2025-02-28
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)25V127000
Risk: An undetected low battery charge can result in a loss of electrical accessories such as hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the power train control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S13.
Reported 2025-02-28
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL25V132000
Risk: Loss of trailer brake functionality can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the integrated trailer brake control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S18.
Reported 2025-02-28
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)25V133000
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S16.
Reported 2025-02-28
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL25V094000
Risk: A nonfunctioning exterior turn signal cannot notify other drivers that the vehicle is turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 27, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C04.
Reported 2025-02-14
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Ford Maverick?
NHTSA has logged 144 unverified owner allegations for the 2022 Ford Maverick. The most frequently reported components are the Electrical System with 41 alleged complaints and the Power Train with 37. Unverified reports also allege 7 crashes, 2 fires, and 4 injuries. All figures represent unverified consumer allegations only.
144 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Ford Maverick?
With 28 recall campaigns on record, including a park-outside directive for a ball joint issue, any shopper considering a used 2022 Ford Maverick should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. Confirming which remedies have been completed on a specific vehicle is the single most important safety step a used-market buyer can take for this model.
- The 2022 Ford Maverick carries a park-outside or do-not-drive recall for the front lower control arm ball joint, a structural defect serious enough to warrant avoiding parking in an enclosed space until the remedy is confirmed complete on a specific VIN.
- A dedicated 2022-2023 Maverick recall targets vehicles equipped with the 2.5L hybrid engine, making this powertrain variant a specific point of investigation for buyers of this model year.
- The defect record sub-score for this model year is zero out of 20, entirely because of the volume and severity of recall campaigns, even though the crash protection sub-score is a strong 66 out of 70.
- Unverified owner allegations to NHTSA for this model year are led by the Electrical System with 41 reported complaints and the Power Train with 37, with a most recent report filed in mid-2026, indicating ongoing consumer activity around this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Ford Maverick places
The 2022 Ford Maverick qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Ford Maverick safety questions
Was the 2022 Ford Maverick crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Ford Maverick, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2022 Ford Maverick crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 Ford Maverick 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 2022 Ford Maverick have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 28 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Ford Maverick, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Ford Maverick?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 144 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 Ford Maverick. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Maverick years
Rivals in Sedan (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Q50 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16396), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Maverick 2022.
- 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 84 of 90 in the Sedan class for 2022.
- 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.