2023 Ford Maverick Safety Report

2023 Ford Maverick: Strong Crash Ratings, but Numerous Electrical and Powertrain Recalls and Complaints

258Complaints
20Recalls
★★★★☆Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
9Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
5Injuries
1Deaths
Most reported components: Electrical System (23)Power Train (22)Power Train,Electrical System,Engine (16)Engine (15)Unknown Or Other (14)Service Brakes (14)Structure (7)Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control,Engine (7)Back Over Prevention (7)Suspension (7)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2023 Ford Maverick

The 2023 Ford Maverick presents a mixed safety picture, with strong crash test performance but a notable number of complaints and recalls, particularly concerning electrical and powertrain issues. NHTSA awarded the vehicle an excellent 5-star rating for Frontal and Side crash tests, and a 4-star rating for Overall and Rollover safety, indicating robust occupant protection in collisions. However, with 258 total complaints, including 9 crashes, 1 fire, 5 injuries, and 1 death, there are areas of concern. The high volume of recalls, totaling 20, further highlights potential manufacturing or design flaws that Ford has actively addressed. Common complaint patterns revolve heavily around the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (23 complaints) and POWER TRAIN (22 complaints), often intertwined as seen in 16 complaints for 'POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE'. Specific issues include 12-volt battery degradation and failure, leading to loss of electrical accessories or drive power, and various transmission control module problems resulting in loss of drive power or slipping into neutral. Engine-related complaints (15) also appear, with some referencing issues similar to recall conditions, such as knocking and reduced speed. Recall history for the 2023 Maverick is extensive and directly correlates with the complaint data. Multiple recalls address electrical system failures, including integrated trailer brake control issues, instrument cluster illumination problems, and exterior lighting malfunctions (tail lights, turn signals). Several critical recalls target the powertrain, specifically automatic transmission control modules, which could lead to a loss of drive power. Engine compartment fire risk due to incorrect repairs under previous recalls is also noted. The frequent recurrence of issues, sometimes requiring multiple recall repairs, suggests persistent challenges in these areas. While crash protection is strong, the high number of operational and component-related safety recalls and complaints warrants careful consideration for potential buyers.

Reliability Score

The 2023 Ford Maverick receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2023 Ford Maverick

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2023 Ford Maverick:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
12-Volt Battery Degradation/Failure
The 12-volt battery may degrade and suddenly fail, leading to loss of electrical accessories (e.g., hazard lights) or loss of drive power. This is a subject of recall 21V-907.		 High Common variable miles
Loss Of Drive Power / Transmission Slipping
Issues with the automatic transmission control module can lead to an undetected low battery charge, loss of electrical accessories, or a complete loss of drive power, increasing crash risk. Multiple recalls (e.g., 24V-267, 24V-330) address this.		 High Common variable miles
Cv Axle Failure
Premature CV axle failure causes vehicle shaking under acceleration and potential instability at speed. Several complaints mention this issue, with some experiencing repeat failures.		 Medium Occasional 30000-60000 miles
Engine Compartment Fire Risk (Hev/Phev)
Certain 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines, if incorrectly repaired under a previous recall, pose an increased risk of engine compartment fire. This is covered by a specific recall.		 High Rare N/A miles
Exterior Lighting Malfunctions
Recalls address issues where the body control module may deactivate tail lights or where turn signals may stop working, reducing vehicle visibility and increasing crash risk.		 Medium Occasional N/A miles
Steering Assist Fault
Drivers have reported sudden loss of power steering assist, leading to the steering wheel seizing and making the vehicle difficult to control, particularly at speed.		 High Occasional 12000-32000 miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2023 Ford Maverick:

Electrical System 23% of complaints

Frequent complaints and recalls related to 12-volt battery failure, instrument cluster illumination, and various electrical accessory malfunctions.

Power Train 22% of complaints

Numerous reports and recalls concerning automatic transmission control module issues, leading to loss of drive power, slipping into neutral, and CV axle failures.

Engine 15% of complaints

Complaints include engine knocking, reduced speed, and throttle body failure, some mirroring conditions addressed by recalls for fire risk in HEV/PHEV models.

Service Brakes 14% of complaints

Reports of brake lights failing, loud screeching sounds, and vehicles surging forward when braking.

Structure 7% of complaints

Issues reported with driver's door becoming hard to open/close due to damaged door stops or broken welds.

Back Over Prevention 7% of complaints

Recalls and complaints regarding rearview camera displaying blank images or freezing, reducing driver's view when backing up.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023 Ford Maverick

Is the 2023 Ford Maverick safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2023 Ford Maverick received excellent crash test ratings (5 stars for Frontal and Side, 4 stars Overall and Rollover), indicating strong occupant protection. However, it has a high number of complaints (258 total, including 9 crashes, 1 fire, 5 injuries, 1 death) and 20 recalls, primarily concerning electrical and powertrain reliability, which could impact operational safety.

What are common problems with the 2023 Ford Maverick?

The most reported issues for the 2023 Ford Maverick are related to the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (23 complaints) and POWER TRAIN (22 complaints). Specific common problems include 12-volt battery degradation leading to power loss, automatic transmission control module failures causing loss of drive power or slipping into neutral, and premature CV axle failures causing vibrations.

Are there any recalls for the 2023 Ford Maverick?

Yes, the 2023 Ford Maverick has a significant recall history, with 20 recalls issued. These address critical issues such as electrical system failures (e.g., trailer brake control, instrument cluster, exterior lights), powertrain problems (e.g., automatic transmission control module leading to loss of drive power), and engine compartment fire risk for HEV/PHEV models.

How does the 2023 Ford Maverick perform in crash tests?

The 2023 Ford Maverick performs very well in crash tests, earning a 5-star rating for both Frontal Crash and Side Crash tests from NHTSA. Its Overall Safety Rating is 4 stars, and the Rollover rating is also 4 stars, indicating good protection in various collision scenarios.

Should I be concerned about the 12-volt battery in the 2023 Ford Maverick?

Yes, the 12-volt battery is a known concern for the 2023 Ford Maverick, with numerous complaints and a recall (21V-907) specifically addressing its degradation and sudden failure. This can lead to a loss of electrical accessories or even drive power, posing a safety risk. It's advisable to ensure any applicable recall repairs have been completed.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2023 Ford Maverick offers strong crash protection, potential buyers should be aware of the extensive recall history and numerous complaints, particularly regarding electrical and powertrain reliability. Prioritize checking if all 20 recalls have been addressed and consider an extended warranty for peace of mind regarding known component issues.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2023 Ford Maverick

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2023 Ford Maverick. The data includes 258 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 20 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 9 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 5 reported injuries, and 1 fatalities associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2023 Ford Maverick an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.