The Maverick is a compact pickup truck that was first announced by Ford in 2021. It runs on a unibody or SUV-like platform and has good on- and off-road utility, perfect for first-time pickup truck owners.
One caveat is that when any vehicle platform has only been around for two or three years, there are bound to be “weak links” that need to be straightened out by the manufacturer as newer year models come out. Nonetheless, the Ford Maverick may be right up your alley if you’re looking for a well-rounded truck that’s great for everyday driving and more rugged adventures.
In this article, we discuss how users and automotive experts have received this compact pickup in terms of reliability and overall performance.
Are Ford Mavericks Reliable?
The Ford Maverick is a generally reliable compact pickup truck. What makes it stand out on the market is that it combines the versatility of SUVs with the towing capabilities of a small truck. It can tow up to 4,000 pounds and carry a 1,500-pound payload, plus it has an impressive fuel consumption of 42 miles per gallon.
Since its release, the Maverick has received great reliability scores from owners and professional reviewers alike. RepairPal gave this model an above-average rating based on ownership costs and frequency and severity of repairs. J.D. Power also gave the Maverick great quality and reliability ratings based on user experience.
It’s also important to note that the Maverick is on the list of J.D. Power’s and U.S. News’ most reliable trucks.
Users love the Ford Maverick for many reasons, including its fuel efficiency, smooth maneuverability, variety of drivetrain options and trim packages, and versatility. Many users and reviewers also appreciate the attractive pricing and the truck’s “cheeky and endearing” appearance.
What are the Most Common Issues with Ford Mavericks?
The Ford Maverick is a generally reliable truck, but certain model years exhibit some common issues. The 2023 Ford Maverick, for instance, has received mixed reliability reviews. According to Consumer Reports, it has an average reliability rating. Some owners report problems with the exhaust system, electrical accessories, and infotainment system, among other things.
Let’s look at some additional issues you might run into when you own a Ford Maverick:
Exterior Issues
Some 2023 Ford Maverick owners have reported roof trim pieces detaching. Dealerships reportedly addressed this issue by replacing the damaged roof trim.
Others have reported a broken spot weld on their driver-side door hinge that caused the door to detach.
Affected Model Years:
- 2023
Wiring Problems
According to reports from some 2023 Ford Maverick owners, their trucks have had significant electrical issues. These owners claim that soy-based wiring harnesses in their trucks attract rodents, which chew and damage the wires. When they went to their Ford dealerships, it was revealed that this damage was not covered by warranty, so they had to pay for a replacement of the wiring harnesses out of pocket.
Affected Model Years:
- 2023
Turbo Troubles
A few Maverick owners have also reported issues with their turbo. According to these reports, the turbo stopped working, as did their AWD and cruise control. The reported solution to this problem was replacing the faulty turbo.
Affected Model Years:
- 2023
Engine and Powertrain Issues
There have been reports that the engine in some 2022 Mavericks completely shut down or lost power while driving. This issue, said to be caused by a powertrain failure, made it difficult for the truck to exceed 30 mph. In some cases, a slew of warning lights illuminated.
Owners of 2023 Mavericks have also reported that their trucks shook and vibrated badly while accelerating. Upon closer inspection, the issue was found to have been caused by faulty CV axles and joints. Replacing both CV joints fixed the issue.
Affected Model Years:
- 2022
- 2023
Brake Problems
Some owners of 2022 Mavericks reported premature wear or failure of their rear brakes and rotors. Ford dealerships recommend replacing the rear brake pads to address this issue.
Meanwhile, other owners reported that their truck lost power, and the emergency brake light came on suddenly. In some cases, the check engine light was also illuminated.
Ford released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 23-2060 on February 22, 2023, with service instructions and other pertinent information for this issue.
Affected Model Years:
- 2022
Electrical System Troubles
A few owners of the 2024 Maverick have reported a few electrical issues. Some stated their truck got stuck in reverse; one owner said their hybrid Maverick rolled backward in the driveway even with the brake pedal depressed. Other owners reported that their vehicle continued humming and didn’t shut down even with the key out and the door open.
Some have reported a sudden loss of acceleration and electrical power, and a few noted their vehicle going into sleep mode. Ford released TSB 10249790 in January 2024 to address some of these electrical system troubles.
Affected Model Years:
- 2024
What Are the Best Model Years for the Ford Maverick?
The 2022 Ford Maverick was well-received due to its accessible price and fuel economy, but it was also considered the worst model year for the Ford Maverick. Fortunately, the Maverick has since improved, giving us the best model years so far:
- 2023 (depending on the source of the review)
- 2024
FAQ
How much can a Ford Maverick tow?
The towing capacity of the Ford Maverick depends on the vehicle’s specific engine, trim, and tow package. The standard front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive trims can tow up to 2,000 pounds. However, if you choose the 4K Tow Package, which is available with AWD configuration using the EcoBoost engine, the Maverick’s towing capacity is bumped up to 4,000 pounds.
Which model year of the Ford Maverick has blind spot monitoring?
Ford’s proprietary blind spot monitoring system BLIS® is available on the higher Lariat trims of 2022-2024 Ford Mavericks as part of an optional package called Ford Co-Pilot 360™. This package offers a suite of driver-assist features, such as a rearview camera and Pre-Collision Assist® with automatic emergency braking.
Which model year of Ford Maverick has lane assistance?
Ford’s Lane Keeping System is a standard feature in 2022-2024 Mavericks. Higher trims, like the Lariat and Tremor, have more advanced lane-keeping features as part of the Ford Co-Pilot 360™ suite.