NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 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 2026 Ford Maverick carries a park-outside or stop-driving recall, so read the recall section first. It has 6 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
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 21421
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
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
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER26V201000
Risk: Failure to correctly detect a passenger may result in the air bag not deploying as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger seat occupant classification sensor, free of charge.Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C19. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 2, 2026.
Reported 2026-03-31
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY26V157000
Risk: A detached glass panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the moonroof glass and replace the glass if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 17, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 18, 2026.
Reported 2026-03-17
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
STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD25V884000
Risk: An instrument panel cover separation can cause pieces of the cover to strike occupants, increasing the risk injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument panel cover, 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 25SE7. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 19, 2025.
Reported 2025-12-18
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:PARK PAWL25V863000
Risk: A loss of park function can allow the vehicle to rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The park module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C69. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 26, 2026.
Reported 2025-12-12
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
3 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.