NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Ford Maverick Safety Ratings
The 2024 Ford Maverick scores 70 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 15 recalls, and 66 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2024 Ford Maverick faces a heavy recall burden, with 15 campaigns issued, including a park-outside directive, impacting its overall safety profile. This recall activity, combined with a weak avoidance technology score, contributes to its NHTSA Safety Index of 70/100, placing the Maverick in the Average band. While crash-test star ratings are strong, the sheer volume of recalls and the performance of its avoidance technology significantly temper its safety assessment.
The 2024 Ford Maverick received a NHTSA Safety Index of 70 out of 100 and an overall 4-star crash-test rating from NHTSA.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 91 Sedans from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Ford Maverick ranks 86 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 70 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.9% |
| Recalls on file | 15 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 66 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 86 of 91 Sedans tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Ford Maverick?
The 2024 Ford Maverick's defect record is the most consequential drag on its overall safety score. Fifteen recall campaigns represent a high count for a single model year. The Safety Index stands at 70/100, identical to the 2023 model year, indicating no improvement in this newer production cycle. A specific recall campaign for a ball-joint issue, instructing owners to park outside, signals a structural concern serious enough for Ford to issue a safety advisory. Further complicating owner remedy tracking is a powertrain transmission control module recall, which applies only to units previously repaired under an earlier fix. The defect-record sub-score, consequently, is 0 out of 20. Despite these issues, the Maverick demonstrates genuinely strong crash protection, with a sub-score of 66 out of 70. This is anchored by perfect 5-star frontal and side ratings from NHTSA. However, the avoidance-technology sub-score of 3.5 out of 10 reflects that the lane departure warning system is an optional feature rather than standard on this hybrid crew-cab configuration. The 2024 Maverick's crash-test performance ranks among the better results in its segment, but the extensive recall history and the optional status of key avoidance technology keep its Safety Index firmly in the Average band.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Ford Maverick perform in crash tests?
The 2024 Ford Maverick achieved 5-star ratings for both frontal and side crash protection in NHTSA's evaluations. Its overall rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars. The rollover assessment recorded a 17 percent risk, earning 4 stars, and was the lowest-rated category in the crash tests.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19148
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Ford Maverick have any recalls?
Yes. The 2024 Ford Maverick carries 15 recall campaigns. One is a park-outside or do-not-drive directive tied to the front lower control arm ball joint. Other campaigns cover the integrated trailer brake control electrical system, the engine block heater, back-over prevention software, and a powertrain transmission control module on units previously repaired under an earlier remedy.
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
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
CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE TETHER ANCHOR24V778000
Risk: A child seat that is not secured properly increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the tether anchorage points, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C33.
Reported 2024-10-18
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
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR24V594000
Risk: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield wiper motor as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 6, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S51.
Reported 2024-08-09
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)24V330000
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 May 22, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33.
Reported 2024-05-10
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS24V293000
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 BCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 10, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S24.
Reported 2024-04-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Ford Maverick?
Owners have filed 66 unverified allegations with NHTSA, including reported incidents involving 6 crashes and 3 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the powertrain, cited in 16 reports, followed by electrical system issues in 12 reports and engine concerns in 8. All complaints are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
66 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Ford Maverick?
A critical safety concern for the 2024 Ford Maverick arises from its 15 open or recently closed recall campaigns. Foremost among these is a "park outside" directive related to a ball-joint issue, underscoring the necessity for owners to verify recall completion. Before any purchase, consulting the NHTSA database with the vehicle's VIN to confirm all necessary remedies have been performed at a dealership is the most vital safety measure.
- A park-outside or do-not-drive recall is active for the 2024 Maverick's front lower control arm ball joint, a structural component whose failure can affect vehicle control.
- The avoidance-technology sub-score of 3.5 out of 10 reflects that lane departure warning is optional, not standard, on this hybrid front-wheel-drive crew-cab configuration.
- The defect-record sub-score of 0 out of 20 is driven by 15 recall campaigns, one of the heaviest recall burdens in this vehicle's segment for the model year.
- Sixty-six unverified owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA, with the powertrain category alone accounting for 16 reports and the electrical system accounting for 12, both areas also touched by active recall campaigns.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Ford Maverick places
The 2024 Ford Maverick qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Ford Maverick safety questions
Was the 2024 Ford Maverick crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Ford Maverick, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 70 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 2024 Ford Maverick crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 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 16.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2024 Ford Maverick have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 15 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2024 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 2024 Ford Maverick?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 66 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 Ford Maverick. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Maverick years
Rivals in Sedan (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Audi A4 Allroad | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Hyundai Elantra N | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Infiniti Q50 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19148), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Maverick 2024.
- 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 86 of 91 in the Sedan class for 2024.
- 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.