Home · 2023 Ford Maverick Later Release · Complaints

What 262 owners told NHTSA about the 2023 Ford Maverick Later Release

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (262)Crash / fire / injury (10)Transmission & drivetrain (93)Electrical system (77)Engine (69)Brakes (30)Speed control (28)Driver assistance (24)Suspension (15)Fuel system (14)Backup camera & sensors (13)Body & structure (11)

93 of 262 complaints match · Transmission & drivetrain · clear filters · page 2 of 4

Oct 30, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

CV axles failed prematurely, at 20,000 miles. Wheels and steering column vibration at highway speeds.

NHTSA ODI 11622853

Sep 24, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

The vehicle shakes during acceleration, specifically in the 40mph-65mph range. The shaking is worst around 55-60mph, especially—but not exclusively—when accelerating from a stop. The shaking does not occur at these speeds while coasting; acceleration prompts the issue. This is a known problem among 2022 Maverick owners, according to online forums including Maverick Truck Club, Reddit, and influencers on YouTube. Drivers widely report that the CV Axle is the culprit here, and report that replacing the CV Axle alleviates the shaking.

NHTSA ODI 11616308

Sep 16, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Maverick. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission inadvertently shifted into neutral(N). There was no warning light illuminated. The failure recurred the next day while driving 70-75 MPH, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.

NHTSA ODI 11614783

Sep 4, 2024Transmission & drivetrainBrakes

Note: Nobody was hurt, I am pre-emptively reporting this as I see it as a potentially dangerous issue. Transmission can jump/nudge the car a bit, especially in cold starts and if the engine is under load (e.g. AC or Heat). I've seen it online in Reddit reported, but mine seems to be a fairly strong version of it. It occurs pretty much every time the engine is cold. As I learned in a trip, if you don't press the brake hard enough, it can move. We did a road trip. I was stopped at a light (fully stopped). Brakes were pressed hard enough to not move, but not 'to the floor'. The vehicle jumped and moved about a foot into the crosswalk when I was stopped properly before then. Freaked me out. Nobody was in the crosswalk, so thankfully nobody was hurt. But this could be very dangerous behavior in a city where there are a lot a people. A surprising lurch when you think it's stopped isn't safe, and is going to create a liability for me. Me living near a big city, it's a worry. I've already brought it to a dealer about this, they said 'it's normal for mavericks' after investigating it for 25 days. I will re-raise this with them, but am not expecting much. I ran the truck with a diagnostic tool I own, no codes thrown through the bus, no warning lights during the event either. Examples: [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11612688

Aug 27, 2024Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

Saturday [XXX] I was driving on the [XXX] in SW PA and as I attempted to accelerate there was no power. I looked down at my transmission dial and it was set in neutral. I rolled the dial back to drive and pushed the gas and was able to accelerate. This is the 5th TIME this has happened in this vehicle 3 while driving on the Interstate, 2 while accelerating after a stop. Apparently there is a fix for this, recall 23V330/24S33 . I have been working with a local ford dealer to rectify the situation but it has not been resolved. I guess they updated most of the modules in my truck hoping to unlock a TCM update to preform the correct recall but it didn't work so they can not do the correct update to fix this problem. I also filed a complaint with you for same issue in May 2024 and received an email from Jason Winick. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11611075

Aug 5, 2024Transmission & drivetrainEngine

On 7/27/24 I was driving my 2023 Ford Maverick Hybrid with approximately 17,500 miles on the New York State Thruway @ approximately 70 mph. All of a sudden without warning the vehicle lost propulsion power. All types of warning lights appeared on the dashboard and the vehicle slowed down to 35mph. I could not control the acceleration or speed of the vehicle with the gas pedal. The vehicle stayed at 35 mph unless I applied the brakes. I was able to exit the interstate several miles down the road and have the vehicle towed to the nearest Ford dealer. This vehicle malfunction caused an extremely dangerous situation as I was almost rear ended several times by vehicles approaching from the rear that were not aware of my lack of ability to keep up with the flow of traffic. Ford repaired the vehicle 3 days later. When I was at the dealer picking up the car I was informed this is a very common problem with the Hybrid model. This needs to be corrected before someone is killed because of this common malfunction.

NHTSA ODI 11606399

Aug 3, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

Currently at mileage 11,200; was driving about 40 mph at 11:30 am in Folsom, CA; all of a sudden the truck slowed dramatically and I got several error messages: Power-train malfunction/Reduced power, engine service soon, and pre collision assistance not available." Was able to pull off the road safely, although several vehicles were right behind me. Had several recall repais within the last 3 months which involved software updates.

NHTSA ODI 11606300

Jul 21, 2024Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemFuel system

Driving at approximately 65 miles per hour. Vehicle suddenly went into neutral I was forced to pull over on a busy highway. The dashboard was illuminated with several warning lights and messages. After one key cycle, I was only able to drive in a limited limp mode. After a second key cycle and waiting a few minutes, I was able to drive like normal but an engine light stayed illuminated.

NHTSA ODI 11603646

Jul 12, 2024Transmission & drivetrainDriver assistance

Upon starting vehicle and entering drive vehicle instrement cluster warnings went off and car applied emergancy brakes and suddenly stopped. upon vehicle restart driver was able to releace brakes and manually start ICE componant of hybrid drive train. vehicle entered drive mode and accelerated without touching gas pedal. brakes were jerky but responsive and vehicle accelerated by itself up to 35 mph while on way to dealer service. vehicle servace alerts given at time of drop off were: pre-collision malfunction Powertrain malfunction engine system fault

NHTSA ODI 11601486

Jul 1, 2024Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine

[XXX]: Driving to work on the highway during rush hour. My vehicle started slowing down and wouldn't go out of neutral. The instrument panel lit up and the display panel brought up collision ahead. A lot of other codes and things popped up as well. I avoided being hit by a semi truck and was able to pull over to the shoulder. I turned my vehicle off and on. The vehicle went into drive and i to got it off the highway. It was in limp mode after that. I tried turning the vehicle off and on several times, and to no prevail. I called a tow truck to have them take it to the dealership. Keep in mind that this happened so fast and I was more worried about getting out of the way to avoid a collision. To hear that this is a recall is ridiculous. I drive with kids in the backseat, and I will never feel comfortable driving this vehicle again! I waited 9 months to get the maverick and I've had nothing but issues. Under 5k miles, I had a code pop up saying they detected air in the engine compartment. I was on the road trip to Canada at the time. I spent my vacation worrying if I was going to make it home. Luckily I did and it needed an "update". 2 other times, my left blinker failed. When it failed, my hazard lights would go off. Zumbrota ford "fixed" it the first time. Only for it to happen a month later. Zumbrota ford said they didn't know what the issue was, but they "fixed it". Now I had this even occur where the vehicle would go into neutral and limp mode. I'm not taking anymore chances, risking my life, driving this ford maverick. I've wasted so much time dealing with issue after issue and have missed several days of work. I just want a SAFE functioning vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11597972

Jun 15, 2024Transmission & drivetrainEngine

I was driving at 60-70 MPH on the highway and lost gas power. The electrical power in the hybrid motor continued working, but I was unable to accelerate or maintain full speed. IMPORTANT: I had this very thing repaired in accordance with a previous recall and an identical issue in January, approximately five months ago. I am reporting in case an additional recall and new software patch is needed.

NHTSA ODI 11594508

Jun 10, 2024Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemFuel system

5th INCIDENT: On 06/09/2024, at approximately 5:25pm, I was pulling up to a stop sign after just leaving my home. Traveling about 10mph I began applying the brakes and vehicle suddenly lurched to a complete stop and shifted itself into park. Various warning prompts, chimes and cluster lights came on (see attached photos). Vehicle then accelerated all on its own without any pressure on the gas pedal. This is the 3rd such incident in nine (9) days. 1st time: 04/16/24, Complaint #11583215 2nd time: 05/26/24, Complaint #11590922 3rd time: 06/01/24, Complaint #11592069 4th time: 06/07/24, Complaint #11593195 5th time: 06/09/24, Current complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11593341

Jun 7, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

Vehicle looses power while driving. Vehicle bogs down and won’t accelerate. Wrench warning light comes on. Exact description of recall release with NHTSA campaign number: 24V267. Ford’s number for this recall is 24S24.

NHTSA ODI 11592968

Jun 4, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

Traveling 350 miles for work, my Maverick was at 2400 miles when both of my front cv boots were spewing grease all over the underside of the truck, stranding me away from home. The truck would shake violently when accelerating to the point I had to pull over. With all the destruction on the underside of the truck, the local dealer (not preferred) informed me that “they didn’t know who or when” but a missing clamp on one side and a torn boot on the other and denied me from claiming my warranty at 2400 miles. There were no warning lights on the dash at any time.

NHTSA ODI 11592535

Jun 3, 2024Transmission & drivetrainSpeed controlDriver assistance

THIRD REPORT SAME PROBLEM: See NHTSA tracking Number 11583215 & Complaint Number 11590922: On [XXX], I was driving 2-4 mph through an apartment complex drive when vehicle came to a sudden and complete stop and switched into park all on its own. Numerous & various instrument cluster warning lights and prompts were going off. After putting back into drive very little power but would accelerate all on its own up to 35-40mph. I had previously taken this vehicle on [XXX], to the dealer (AutoNation Ford, Frisco, Texas) and they kept vehicle four (4) days. Upon return they told me diagnostics showed no alerts on vehicle, thus no problems. So, nothing was done. A second such incident happened on [XXX]. The next day I again took this vehicle to AutoNation to have the previously scheduled brake light Recall fix. At same time asked them to again look at the vehicle for issues in this complaint. I also offered to show them video of the self-acceleration, warning lights & prompts and a possible Recall #24S33 (powertrain control module) for this issue. Autonation rep said I was there only for scheduled recall and refused to look at videos or other information. Vehicle WAS NOT examined. On [XXX], I was driving 2-4 mph through an apartment complex drive when vehicle came to a sudden and complete stop and switched into park all on its own. Numerous & various instrument cluster warning lights and prompts were going off. After putting back into drive very little power but would accelerate all on its own up to 35-40mph. This vehicle has had four (4) recalls, and now three (3) separate incidents as described above. I believe it is a hazard and the issue complained of now and previously, are of such magnitude that they pose a significant risk of accident potentially causing injury or death to others or myself. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11592069

Jun 3, 2024Transmission & drivetrainSpeed controlBrakes

Without warning the truck will stop itself and the parking brake will engage. The service engine light will come one along with the service power train malfunction lights and the pre collision assist not available light. When the truck has been put back into gear it will accelerate on its own but only up to 35 MPH no matter how much gas is applied. This is the second time this has happened both were identical. After sitting overnight with the truck off the issue goes away temporarily but will come back with no warning. Vehicle may be inspected. Ford has already looked at the issue once and is scheduled to look at it again. If this had happened while on the highway, I could have been in a serious wreck that could have been fatal.

NHTSA ODI 11592212

May 27, 2024Transmission & drivetrainSpeed controlFuel system

SECOND REPORT SAME PROBLEM: See NHTSA tracking Number 11583215, 04/16/2024. Took to dealer (Autonation Ford, Frisco, Texas) and they kept vehicle four (4) days. Upon return they told me diagnostics showed no alerts on vehicle, thus no problems. So, nothing was done. 05/26/2024 approx. 8:05pm, traveling 50-mph had sudden loss of power and speed. Warning lights and prompts appeared on cluster. Vehicle slowed immediately to 35-40mph and would not accelerate any faster. Sudden slowdown caused vehicle behind (who was following to close) to suddenly brake, almost hitting me. Would slow when brakes applied. When brakes released vehicle would accelerate to 35-40 mph on its own without applying gas pedal. This vehicle has had four (4) recalls, and now two separate incidents as described above. I believe it is a hazard and the issue complained of herein, and previously, are of such magnitude that they pose a significant risk of accident potentially causing injury or death to others or myself.

NHTSA ODI 11590922

May 23, 2024Transmission & drivetrainEngineDriver assistance

Yesterday, May 22nd, my 2023 Hybrid Maverick stalled while I was in the middle lane. Fortunately I was able to quickly get over to the shoulder but had absolutely no power. The D-drive gear position light was blinking orange light. Warning message came up on the dash, saying the vehicle won't operate in that gear. I looked down and the shift wheel was in the drive position, but the orange light was not lit on the shifter. I then got error messages, Service Engine Soon Warning, Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power Warning, Pre-Collision Assist Not Available Warning. This was really rattling, to have a modern vehicle, with only 20,000 miles stop operating in heavy traffic. It is the second time, this incident happens. The last time was on March 25th.

NHTSA ODI 11590387

May 20, 2024Transmission & drivetrainSpeed controlEngine

On Friday, May 17th around 2:00pm I was driving approximately 25mph when I got an abrupt warning and the truck started to drive differently. I don’t think the vehicle was responding to the gas pedal normally. The first warning said something about selected gear engaging at lower speed. Then there was a message about the pre-collision assist not working, hill ascent not working, and something else - reduced powertrain/service engine soon/advancetrac or something like that. As I pulled over and was slowing down, the truck abruptly threw itself into park while going 5-10mph. I turned it off and then back on and put it in drive. The truck began accelerating without my foot on the gas pedal. My truck got all the way up past 20mph before I slowed down. I tried to record this with my phone as there was no traffic. I could not see well what I was filming because I was looking at the road. My safety was put at risk because had this happened on the highway or a road with no shoulder, things could have been a lot more dangerous. It was scary enough going at a lower speed on a street without traffic. I noticed after this happened that I had a third open recall for the powertrain control module. If I would have known I had this recall and how serious it was, I would have brought it in immediately. Ford should have done more to ensure vehicles impacted by this recall were contacted ASAP. I brought my truck in to the Ford dealership first thing this morning and I am waiting to hear back. The service agent was aware of this ‘limp mode’ situation occurring. I believe I was the first Maverick owner to bring a truck in for this issue at my dealership. There were no warnings that this might occur. I went from driving leisurely to having to figure out what all the beeping and flashing alerts were and manage to get to the side of the road in a truck that was not driving/responding normally. Then the truck started accelerating without my foot on the pedal! I have a video of this

NHTSA ODI 11589810

May 15, 2024Transmission & drivetrainSpeed controlEngine

[XXX] On [XXX] my wife and were traveling on [XXX] at interstate speeds and after traveling for about 55 minutes with no issues. The vehicle suddenly lost power and a lot of warning lights came on. We were unable to accelerate and quickly pulled to the shoulder. [XXX] is very busy and dangerous. It would not move forward while in drive and pushed on accelerator it would not accelerate. We called with Ford Pass for a tow. They towed it to Dickson TN Ford dealership and it is still there. They were to call us once they found out the issue. Been there now 6 days no call as yet from them . Very frustrating, vehicle with 16 K miles and only had a bit over a year and now more issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11588856

May 14, 2024Transmission & drivetrainEngineBackup camera & sensors

Vehicle put in drive, and upon accelerating, lost ability to accelerate while in drive, check engine indicator light turned on and power train warning prompts began flashing while moving avoiding traffic. I pulled over to the side of the road, put vehicle in park and turned off vehicle. Waited a minute, and turned vehicle back on, check engine indicator remained on, as well as power train warning prompt and Pre-Collision Warning Assist not available. Put vehicle in drive and could not accelerate normally, acceleration was delayed when I put my foot on the pedal. I removed my foot off of the accelerator and the vehicle then began to accelerate speed on it's own above 25mph. I then applied the brakes and pulled over again. This continued in the same pattern 2 more times, before I was able to drive the vehicle back to my house, with check engine lights and warning prompts on.

NHTSA ODI 11588697

May 11, 2024Transmission & drivetrainSpeed control

11 May 2024, I had started my truck as normal and began driving. About 2 miles from my house I lost all power to the truck. I was driving about 35 MPH when the truck threw up errors on the screen and I could no longer accelerate. It threw on the E Brake abruptly. Luckily no one was behind me as such an abrupt stop could cause a deadly accident. After I shut off the truck and waited 5 minutes and started the truck back up but it had a check engine light. I follow a forum called “ford maverick truck club” where I was made aware of this issue happening to maverick owners after a recall for the tail light. I had this recall preformed. I drove to a fort dealership where they attempted to fix the issue but said there was no remedy and only cleared the codes. I tried to contact ford by chat support to make them aware but they were not interested in me reporting any potential safety problems.

NHTSA ODI 11588244

May 8, 2024Transmission & drivetrainBrakesDriver assistance

We on the interstate cruising @ 75. Lost all drive power, flashed something about a lower gear while I was making my way to the shoulder. When I got down to about 10 mph, the parking brake activated. When we came to a stop, it went into park, but the "P" was flashing. I couldn't disengage the brake or put it into gear . I turned it off and back on and was able to shift into drive and release the brake. It would move at this point, but it very slowly. We limped to the next exit. I turned it off and topped the tank off( had half tank) Then it started and was able to drive the other 170 miles home. CEL stayed on. Our concern is that this will happen again, cause an accident and injure or kill my family.

NHTSA ODI 11587612

May 4, 2024Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine

While driving on [XXX] [XXX] at approximately 9:15 PM vehicle suddenly lost power in the middle of traffic, couldn't keep speed (was driving roughly 70 mph) then started losing speed down to 30 mph although my foot was pressing the gas pedal to the floor. Warning lights came on, a message about being unable to engage a gear, loss of collision sensors and check battery, service engine light came on. Because I was on the truck and car portion of the highway (in further most left lane) I was nearly struck several times. Hazards were going on and off. When I made it to the shoulder I called FORD 24 hour service. I was on an out of town trip from PA to NYC a little more than halfway there. The rep told me Ford policy was to tow to the nearest dealership or within 50 miles, I'd have to cover the rest, quoted at $175 to take me to the dealership of origin & my home. By this time it was after 10:30. I was 49 miles from my destination so I asked for the closest dealership to that. Was charged $22.50 for 4 mile overage. Was NOT informed the tow service couldn't pick me up from the highway, rather was told I'd be texted with an eta, which came 10 minutes later with a 40-70 minute estimate. Then the tow company called to say I'd have to get state police to tow me off highway first, THEN call back with a pick up address. Not wanting to wait on the dangers shoulder ANOTHER 2 HOURS, I had to ride the shoulder with hazards on approximately 1 mile to get off highway. Car wasn't able to go past 30 mph and dropped as low as 10. The service center also gave tow driver wrong address (showroom not service) and tow driver dropped my car off in a tow zone once we found the service center. Disgusted with the lack of accountability and responsibilities, I wasn't safe until 2:30 AM. The next morning called service from hotel to beg for same day appointment as I was stranded, was almost sent home with a "few days or more" diagnostic estimate even after mentioning BCM recall news (no notice y INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11586914

May 4, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

The CV Axle failed on the driver side around 26k miles. There are several other reports of this happening. They would only replace the one side under warrently. The other one is already going bad, but they won't replace yet. Just google "maverick cv alxe". You need tk recall all cv alxes on these trucks before something happens.

NHTSA ODI 11586952

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Working with the data? Download all 262 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 18, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2023 Ford Maverick Later Release verdict →