You should avoid the 2022 Ford Maverick, which earned a disappointing 45/100 reliability score from Consumer Reports and has been subject to 15 NHTSA recalls affecting over 456,000 vehicles. The 2022 hybrid variant scores even worse at 19/100, with critical electrical failures, brake system malfunctions, and fire hazards from defective fuel tank installations. While the 2023 model shows improvement with an 85/100 J.D. Power rating, it still warrants caution. The article below breaks down specific defects and identifies which model years offer better long-term reliability.
2022 Ford Maverick: The Most Problematic Year to Avoid
The 2022 Ford Maverick stands out as the most problematic model year, with Consumer Reports assigning a dismal reliability score of 45/100—well below the industry average. The 2022 Maverick was subject to 15 NHTSA recalls, including serious concerns like engine fire risk and airbag malfunctions. The Hybrid variant fares even worse at 19/100, indicating critical reliability issues. You’ll find trouble spots across in-car electronics, electrical accessories, exhaust systems, and brakes—all scoring poorly. Electrical system miscalibration causes sudden power loss and stalling, while the infotiment system frequently malfunctions. Build quality issues include mismatched panels, leaky windshields, and missing parts from the factory. Similar to Honda Accord’s problematic years, the 2022 Maverick experienced transmission failures and related costly repairs that plagued early adopters. The vehicle’s reliability challenges mirror issues seen in problematic Honda Pilot years, where electrical system problems and mechanical defects led to frequent and costly repairs for owners. As a first model year, the 2022 suffers from untested assembly processes and systemic quality control problems that erode long-term owner confidence. Despite these concerns, the 2022 model received a J.D. Power score of 81/100 for quality, suggesting some initial manufacturing improvements were recognized.
Understanding the Severity of 2022 Recall Issues
While Ford addressed many defects through software updates, the 2022 Maverick’s 15 NHTSA recalls reveal fundamental engineering and quality control failures that extend beyond simple fixes. Recall statistics show the vehicle affected 456,000 units for battery-related loss of drive power alone, highlighting widespread consumer safety risks. The instrument panel illumination failure directly compromises your ability to monitor critical safety information, increasing crash probability. Fuel tank installation defects from improper drilling created fire hazards—a severe manufacturing oversight. While software patches resolved electronic issues, they mask deeper systemic problems in Ford’s production process. You’ll find both Ecoboost and Hybrid powertrains affected, indicating quality control lapses across the entire 2022 model lineup. These aren’t minor inconveniences but legitimate safety concerns requiring immediate attention through VIN verification. Some recalls were issued multiple times after initial repairs proved ineffective at resolving the underlying defects.
Brake System Failures That Put Drivers at Risk
Between August 2021 and October 2022, Ford’s Hermosillo Assembly plant produced Maverick trucks with critical ABS module software defects that trigger unintended brake light activation, violating Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108. This brake light confusion poses serious crash risk by misleading following drivers about your actual braking status. Though Ford recalled approximately 141 vehicles under codes 24V-730, 25C07, and 25S13, owners report persistent anti lock malfunction issues post-repair. You’ll experience unnecessary ABS engagement at low speeds, causing harsh brake pulsing and vehicle shuddering. The ABS system doesn’t adapt or learn—ongoing anomalies indicate unresolved software and sensor calibration problems. Dealers will perform software updates on the ABS module to address the compliance violations. These brake system failures demonstrate fundamental safety concerns that extend beyond the original recall scope, creating continued hazards for 2022 Maverick drivers.
Electrical System Problems Across Early Model Years
From 2021 through 2024, Ford Maverick trucks have experienced widespread electrical system failures centered on 12-volt battery malfunctions and body control module (BCM) software defects affecting up to 456,565 vehicles. Despite recall 24V-267’s BCM and PCM calibration updates, 15 owner complaints documented sudden loss of motive power without warning. The 2022 and 2023 models faced particularly severe issues with defective Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries from Camel and Clarios, causing cast-on strap and internal weld failures that resulted in complete electrical shutdowns—especially in warmer climates.
The 2024 Maverick logged 23 NHTSA complaints citing electrical reliability problems at extremely low mileage. Owner experiences reveal critical safety risks, including loss of hazard lights during emergencies. Some affected vehicles required towing back to dealers after experiencing complete power loss incidents. Multiple recall campaigns haven’t fully resolved these persistent electrical vulnerabilities across early model years.
2023 Ford Maverick: Proceed With Caution
The 2022 Ford Maverick stands out as the most problematic model year in the truck’s short production history, accumulating seven NHTSA recalls and over 200 owner complaints—a troubling concentration of safety and reliability issues. The hybrid variant faces the most serious concerns: engine fire risks from manufacturing defects in the 2.5-liter powertrain, affecting up to 125,322 vehicles. Customer feedback highlights recurring brake pedal stiffness, sudden electrical failures leaving drivers stranded, and catastrophic engine failures requiring complete long block replacements. Lighting issues have plagued the Maverick lineup, with the Body Control Module software failing to properly notify drivers of rear turn signal failures in affected 2022 to 2024 models. These problems mirror reliability patterns seen in other vehicles, where electrical glitches and component failures lead to widespread recalls and customer dissatisfaction. Proper maintenance and checking for software updates, service records, and outstanding recalls are crucial steps that can help mitigate known risks in the 2022 model year. While Ford’s extended warranty coverage through customer satisfaction programs addresses some concerns, the long term impacts of these manufacturing defects remain uncertain. If you’re considering a 2022 model, thorough pre-purchase inspections and verification of all recall completions are essential steps before committing.
Build Quality Concerns in First-Generation Models
Despite Ford’s aggressive pricing strategy that attracted buyers to the Maverick, first-generation models reveal cost-cutting measures that substantially compromise long-term durability. Panel alignment issues plague early units, with mismatched body panels creating aesthetic defects and potential water intrusion points. Thin panels compared to Ford’s Edge model reduce impact protection, while improperly fitted fender liners allow salt and debris into wheel wells, accelerating corrosion in critical areas.
Interior material concerns manifest through cheap plastics prone to scratching, rattles developing around the center console, and documented steering wheel upholstery failures. The engine bay lacks adequate insulation and sealing, permitting dirt accumulation that promotes hidden corrosion. Paint quality inconsistencies, including thin protective coatings and premature chipping, further indicate rushed manufacturing processes that prioritize affordability over build integrity. Owners report turbulence noise at highway speeds when rear windows are lowered, adding to the list of quality-related frustrations with early production models.
Infotainment and Climate Control System Malfunctions
When Ford integrated the SYNC 3 infotainment system into the Maverick, owners encountered the same persistent software and hardware deficiencies that’ve plagued this platform across Ford’s lineup. Infotainment crashes occur frequently, with screens freezing on startup or becoming unresponsive during operation. You’ll often need a full system reboot or extended power-off period to restore functionality. Connectivity issues extend beyond simple screen freezes—Bluetooth drops, audio cutouts, and device recognition failures are widespread. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto sessions may route audio through your phone instead of speakers, requiring system restarts. Touch response lag and slow menu loading impact navigation, audio, and phone functions. While climate controls aren’t directly faulty, system freezes prevent access to temperature settings until you complete a full restart. The backup camera display can freeze or delay when shifting into reverse, creating safety concerns during critical parking maneuvers.
Wiring Harness Defects and Rodent Damage Problems
Ford’s decision to use soy-based insulation coatings on wiring harnesses has created a dual vulnerability in Maverick models—manufacturing defects in hybrid variants and widespread rodent damage across the lineup. The wiring insulation attracts rodents, rabbits, and other animals, resulting in chewed wires, electrical shorts, and non-start conditions requiring complete harness replacement.
Hybrid models produced between September 2021 and August 2022 face additional complications from faulty battery terminal connections, prompting recalls and service bulletins. You’ll encounter significant repair delays due to back-ordered Part Number PZ6Z14A318BAA, with some owners waiting months for resolution.
Traditional rodent prevention methods prove insufficient against soy-based materials. The manufacturer acknowledges these problems but hasn’t clarified when permanent fixes will reach production. Ford Corporate states they cannot source materials for repairs, leaving owners stranded with vehicles in dealership service departments for extended periods. If you’re considering these model years, budget for potential electrical repairs and extended dealership visits.
Which Model Years Offer Better Reliability
How do different Maverick model years stack up against each other in real-world reliability metrics? The data shows clear progression: 2022 models scored 81/100 from J.D. Power, while 2023 improved to 85/100. Consumer Reports rated 2022 at 4/5, but distinguished between powertrains in 2023—EcoBoost variants scored 71/100 versus Hybrid’s 60/100.
Model year reliability improves notably from 2024 onward. The 2022 Maverick accumulated 200 NHTSA complaints and seven recalls, addressing engine fires, brakes, and electrical systems. Later years show considerably fewer issues.
For ideal consumer satisfaction, you’ll find 2024-2025 models offer resolved recalls and updated features. The 2023 model provides solid value with addressed concerns. If considering 2022, verify all recall repairs are completed—it’s the highest-risk year despite acceptable ratings. The Maverick’s reliability is above average compared to similar vehicles in its class, making it one of Ford’s strongest offerings in the compact truck segment.
