Ford Maverick Problems: 4 Issues Every Owner Should Know
2022-2025 model years · Based on 2,880+ owner reports · Last updated March 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 2,880+ owner reports, the 2022-2025 Ford Maverick has 4 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical by the Au7o research team. The most serious is 2.5L Hybrid Engine Block/Oil Pan Breach - Underhood Fire Risk (Recall 23S27) ($0-$0 repair). The most commonly reported issue is 12V Battery Drain and Loss of Drive Power - Recall 24S24 + SSM 53087 with 1,240 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $5,000. Full technical analysis and DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 4 Known Issues
Certain 2022-2023 Ford Maverick trucks equipped with the 2.5L Atkinson-cycle hybrid powertrain are affected by Ford Safety Recall 23S27 (NHTSA 23V380000) - the same recall affecting Escape HEV/PHEV. Manufacturing defects in certain engine blocks or oil pans can cause a breach that releases engine oil and/or fuel vapor into the hot engine bay, creating an underhood fire risk. Only engines manufactured on or before September 1, 2022 are affected. The failure produces loud metal-to-metal clanking before engine breakdown. Ford has received reports of engine block breaches leading to fires.
Common Symptoms
- Loud metal-to-metal clanking noise from engine (warning before failure)
- Smoke or fire from engine compartment
- Oil smell from under hood
- Sudden complete engine failure
- Oil pressure warning
- Check engine light with multiple codes
How to Fix
Ford Safety Recall 23S27 - free dealer inspection and repair. If a manufacturing defect is found during inspection, the engine is replaced free of charge. Call Ford at 1-833-807-3673 and reference 23S27. Check fordowner.com. If you hear loud metal clanking from the engine, stop driving immediately and call for a tow.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 180+ owners who fixed this issue
- NoteSafety Recall 23S27 is active - check fordowner.com with your VIN immediately. Underhood engine fires have been reported. If you hear metal clanking, do NOT continue driving - stop safely and call Ford Roadside Assistance at 1-800-241-3673.
- TipThe recall only affects Maverick hybrids built with engines manufactured on or before September 1, 2022. Check your VIN at fordowner.com to confirm if your specific truck is included before worrying. Recall repair is completely free.
- TipIf your Maverick is recalled under 23S27 but you have not experienced any symptoms, Ford will still do a free inspection and replace the engine if the defect is found during inspection - even with no symptoms present.
A persistent and widely-reported complaint among 2022-2025 Ford Maverick EcoBoost owners is significant hesitation, stumbling, bucking, and jerky behavior at low speeds when the engine is cold - particularly during the first 0.5-1 mile of driving in cold weather. The 2.0L EcoBoost's combination of direct injection, turbo lag, and the 8-speed automatic transmission's shift calibration creates an aggravating driving experience until the engine reaches operating temperature. The transmission programming appears overly aggressive in holding gears at low RPM when cold. Ford has issued multiple software reflashes attempting to address drivability but MaverickTruckClub.com documents continued complaints across multiple model years. Some owners report the issue diminishes after the engine "learns" driving patterns over time (adaptive transmission learning).
Common Symptoms
- Bucking and jerking at low speeds (5-20 mph) when cold
- Hesitation or refusal to accelerate smoothly from a stop
- Heavy lurch when shifting from Park to Drive when cold
- Rough acceleration through low gears in first mile of driving
- Engine/transmission lurching while cold even at steady speed
- Issue resolves after engine warms up (approximately 1-2 miles)
- More pronounced in temperatures below 40°F
How to Fix
Dealer may perform PCM/TCM software update for drivability calibration (check for current applicable TSB via Ford OASIS at dealer). Allow engine to warm up for 1-2 minutes before driving in very cold weather. Avoid hard throttle inputs during first mile of cold driving. Some owners report improvement after dealer performs a "Transmission Adaptive Strategy Reset" procedure. Aftermarket tune (SCT, Lund Racing) can address cold-start calibration but voids powertrain warranty.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 780+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipLet the engine idle for 60-90 seconds before driving in cold weather. The 2.0L EcoBoost's cold-start enrichment and transmission warm-up calibration improve significantly with even a brief idle period. This is the simplest and most effective workaround.
- TipAsk your dealer to check for current PCM/TCM calibration updates via Ford OASIS system. Ford has released multiple drivability TSBs for the 2.0L EcoBoost/8AT combination. A software update may improve (though likely not eliminate) the cold-start behavior.
- TipUse "L" (Low) mode on the gear selector during the first half-mile of cold driving. This keeps the transmission in lower gears at lower RPM, reducing the lurch and hesitation while the engine warms. Switch back to "D" once the engine temperature needle starts moving.
Ford Maverick trucks from 2022-2024 are affected by multiple 12V battery-related issues. Ford Safety Recall 24S24 (NHTSA 24V267) covers the BCM/PCM software inability to detect declining 12V battery performance, leading to Auto Start-Stop failures and vehicle stalling at low speeds. Additionally, Ford issued SSM (Special Service Message) 53087 for select 2022-2024 Maverick hybrids where the 12V battery drains intermittently when the ignition is turned off. MaverickTruckClub.com documents owners receiving "Remote Access disabled to reserve battery" FordPass alerts, with some needing 3+ battery replacements in 2-3 years. The hybrid system's complex 12V management appears to be the root cause of accelerated battery degradation.
Common Symptoms
- Dead battery / no-start after overnight or weekend sit
- "Remote Access disabled to reserve battery" alert in FordPass app
- FordPass remote start fails to work
- Battery warning light on instrument cluster
- Vehicle stalls or cannot restart after Auto Start-Stop
- Multiple battery replacements within 2-3 years
- Electrical accessories behaving erratically
How to Fix
Ford Recall 24S24 - free BCM/PCM software update at dealer (takes 1-2 hours). For ongoing battery drain per SSM 53087: dealer may need to perform a battery drain diagnostic procedure. Replacement with an AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery instead of the OEM flooded lead-acid battery has resolved the issue for many hybrid owners - AGM batteries better handle the hybrid system's charge/discharge cycling. Ford dealers have been installing AGM batteries per SSM 53087 procedure in many cases.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 1,240+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipGet recall 24S24 done first (free BCM/PCM software update). Then if battery drain persists, ask your dealer about SSM 53087 and request an AGM battery replacement instead of the OEM flooded battery. Multiple MaverickTruckClub members report AGM batteries solving the persistent drain issue.
- TipIf your Maverick hybrid is sitting more than 3-4 days without being driven, connect a Battery Tender (or similar maintainer) to the 12V battery. The hybrid system draws a small parasitic current that can drain the battery over extended sits. This is a known limitation of the system.
- NoteDisable Auto Start-Stop (button near shifter) as a workaround until recall 24S24 is completed. A vehicle that stalls at low speed and simultaneously loses lights and A/C is a real crash risk. Make this a habit until the recall software is installed.
The 2022-2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid with the 2.5L Atkinson-cycle engine and eCVT (electronic continuously variable transmission) experiences intermittent shuddering, delayed engagement from stop, and unexpected transmission behavior. MaverickTruckClub.com documents cases of the transmission refusing to move from a stop, shuddering under light acceleration, and lunging forward after a delay. Some owners report that the truck will not move when cold, then lurches when pressed on the gas. While the Ford eCVT is based on proven Toyota Prius-style planetary gear set technology and is generally reliable, the tuning and calibration for the Maverick application has produced drivability complaints. Ford has issued software updates to address some of the calibration issues. Complete transmission failures have been reported at MaverickTruckClub.com, though they appear to be relatively uncommon compared to the shudder/hesitation complaints.
Common Symptoms
- Shuddering or vibration during light acceleration
- Delayed engagement from Park to Drive or Reverse
- Vehicle does not move when first put in gear (cold weather)
- Lurching or surging at low speeds
- Whining noise from transmission area
- Transmission warning light or "Powertrain Malfunction" message
- Unexpected loss of drive power
- Hesitation when accelerating from a stop
How to Fix
First step: have dealer check for PCM/TCM software updates - Ford has released multiple calibration updates that improve eCVT shift quality and cold-weather engagement. If software updates do not resolve the issue, have the transmission fluid level verified (low fluid causes shudder). For complete transmission failure, the eCVT assembly requires replacement ($3,000-5,000) and should be covered under the powertrain warranty (5yr/60k miles) or hybrid component warranty (8yr/100k miles) if applicable. Document all symptoms with dates and mileage for warranty claims.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 680+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipMany Maverick Hybrid eCVT shudder issues have been resolved by PCM/TCM software updates at the dealer. Before authorizing any major transmission work, insist the dealer check for and install all available software updates. Multiple owners report significant improvement after the latest calibration.
- TipThe Maverick Hybrid eCVT is covered under both the powertrain warranty (5yr/60k) and the hybrid component warranty (8yr/100k). If experiencing transmission issues, check which warranty applies to your situation before paying out of pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Ford Maverick problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 2,880+ owner reports, the 2022-2025 Ford Maverick has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 2.5L Hybrid Engine Block/Oil Pan Breach - Underhood Fire Risk (Recall 23S27), 12V Battery Drain and Loss of Drive Power - Recall 24S24 + SSM 53087, Hybrid eCVT Transmission Shudder and Delayed Engagement. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford Maverick reliable?
The 2022-2025 Ford Maverick has 4 known issues documented across 2,880+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 2.5L Hybrid Engine Block/Oil Pan Breach - Underhood Fire Risk (Recall 23S27). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Ford Maverick problems?
Repair costs for known Ford Maverick issues range from $0 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 2.5L Hybrid Engine Block/Oil Pan Breach - Underhood Fire Risk (Recall 23S27), typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Ford Maverick is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Ford Maverick. Based on owner reports, issues are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2022-2025 Ford Maverick with 4 documented issues from 2,880+ owner reports.
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