NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Ford Maverick Safety Ratings
The 2026 Ford Maverick scores 76 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), 7 recalls, and 3 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
Six recalls, including one campaign advising owners to park their vehicles outside, significantly impact the 2026 Ford Maverick's safety profile. This recall record, alongside a low score for its crash avoidance technology, prevents the model from achieving a higher safety ranking despite a strong crash protection performance. The Maverick registers a NHTSA Safety Index of 77 out of 100, placing it squarely in the Average band.
The 2026 Ford Maverick received a NHTSA Safety Index of 77 out of 100 and a 5-star frontal crash rating from NHTSA.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 72 Sedans from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Ford Maverick ranks 69 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
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| NHTSA Safety Index | 76 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 7 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 3 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 69 of 72 Sedans tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Ford Maverick?
Six active recall campaigns significantly weigh on the 2026 Ford Maverick's safety profile. This recall volume, alongside a notable absence of standard active-safety features, defines the vehicle's debut federal data record, resulting in an overall Safety Index of 77 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. Its crash protection, assessed at 63.8 out of 70, is a strong point. The Maverick achieved a 5 out of 5 stars for frontal impact and a 4 out of 5 stars for rollover performance. However, active crash avoidance technology scores a low 2 out of 10. The 2026 Maverick includes electronic stability control as standard, but omits both forward collision warning and lane departure warning from its base configuration. The defect record sub-score of 11 out of 20 directly reflects the six recall campaigns. The park-outside ball joint recall is a carryover, affecting 2022-2026 Maverick production. More specific to the 2026 model year are the moonroof bonding recall and the instrument panel cover separation campaign, both relevant to 2025-2026 units. The 2026 Maverick's Safety Index is primarily determined by its recall history and its sparse active-safety equipment.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Ford Maverick perform in crash tests?
In the 2026 model year, the Ford Maverick achieved the highest possible frontal crash protection rating from NHTSA, earning 5 out of 5 stars. Its rollover performance was rated at 4 out of 5 stars, with a 16 percent rollover risk, and the dynamic tip test indicated "No Tip." No side crash or overall safety ratings are available for this vehicle.
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 // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Ford Maverick have any recalls?
Yes. The 2026 Ford Maverick carries six NHTSA recall campaigns. One is a park-outside or do-not-drive order tied to the front lower control arm ball joint. Additional campaigns cover the occupant classification sensor, moonroof glass bonding, integrated trailer brake control electrical system, and instrument panel cover separation during air bag deployment.
STRUCTURE:BODY26V550000
Risk: Improperly tightened vehicle joints may lead to a loss of vehicle control, electrical failure, or detached parts, increasing the risk of a crash or fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the vehicle joints or repair and replace the joint retention mechanisms as necessary, free of charge. Owner notifications letters are expected to be mailed September 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S60. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.go
Reported 2026-08-25
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
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 were 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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Ford Maverick?
Three unverified owner allegations have been reported to NHTSA for the 2026 Ford Maverick. The top components cited in these unverified reports are Unknown or Other and Visibility/Wiper, each appearing twice, followed by single allegations involving the Electrical System and Service Brakes. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged.
3 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Ford Maverick?
Six open recall campaigns, including a critical park-outside advisory for a lower ball joint defect, define the 2026 Ford Maverick's safety profile. Verifying that all recall remedies have been completed is essential before purchasing or operating this vehicle.
- The 2026 Ford Maverick carries an active park-outside or do-not-drive recall for the front lower control arm ball joint, a structural safety concern that affects 2022-2026 Maverick vehicles and requires immediate VIN verification.
- Two recalls specific to 2025-2026 Maverick production cover moonroof glass bonding failure and instrument panel cover separation during air bag deployment, both posing direct occupant-safety risks unique to this model year.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this model year, which meaningfully limits the overall Safety Index despite strong structural crash results.
- NHTSA has not assigned an overall or side crash star rating to the 2026 Ford Maverick; the only rated crash categories are frontal at 5 out of 5 stars and rollover at 4 out of 5 stars with a 16 percent rollover risk.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Ford Maverick places
The 2026 Ford Maverick qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Ford Maverick safety questions
Was the 2026 Ford Maverick crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 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 2026 Ford Maverick crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Ford Maverick earned 5 out of 5 stars for frontal 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 2026 Ford Maverick have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 7 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 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 2026 Ford Maverick?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 3 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Ford Maverick. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Maverick years
Rivals in Sedan (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Acura Integra | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Acura Integra Type-S | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Honda Accord | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus IS 350 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21421), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Ford Maverick 2026.
- 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 69 of 72 in the Sedan class for 2026.
- 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.