NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Ford Maverick
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
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.
Despite a strong crash-test showing, the 2023 Ford Maverick carries a park-outside or stop-driving recall, so read the recall section first. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 21 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers 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.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17325
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 4, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for
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
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
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS25V095000
Risk: Rear tail lights that fail to illuminate can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S07.
Reported 2025-02-14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY25V019000
Risk: Battery failure can result in a loss of electrical accessories, including the hazard lights, or cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the 12-volt battery, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S02. Vehicles in this recall were previously repaired under 24V-267 and will need to have the new remedy completed.
Reported 2025-01-17
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE24V684000
Risk: An inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Connected Touch Radio (CTR) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 21, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S59.
Reported 2024-09-13
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
262 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.