Last updated: 2026-03-04

2023 Ford Maverick Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2023 Ford Maverick scores 60/100 ("Good"). With 20 recalls and 308 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
20
Complaints
308
Complaint Rate
32.7
per 10k sold
Above avgEst. Annual Cost
N/A
Major Repair Risk
N/A
NHTSA Rating
4/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
20 recalls on record
Should You Buy the 2023 Ford Maverick?
The 2023 Ford Maverick scores 60/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory.
Its complaint rate (32.7 per 10k sold) is above the Truck segment average of 10.7. The most common reports involve power train (107).
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to power train (107). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2024 Ford Maverick, which scored 11 points higher. See also the 2022 Ford Maverick for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- 4-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- Above-average recall count
- Above-average complaint rate for Truck
- POWER TRAIN issues reported (107 complaints)
- 1 fatality report in owner complaints
- 1 fire incident reported in owner complaints
Compare 2023 Ford Maverick With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 20 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- POWER TRAIN (107)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (59)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (26)
- SERVICE BRAKES (22)
- ENGINE (18)
- SUSPENSION (15)
- STRUCTURE (9)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (9)
- STEERING (8)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (7)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (4)
- TIRES (4)
- AIR BAGS (3)
- SEATS (3)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (3)
- VISIBILITY (3)
- LANE DEPARTURE (1)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1)
- FIRERELATED (1)
- EQUIPMENT (1)
- SEAT BELTS (1)
- TRAILER HITCHES (1)
Recall Overview
20
recalls on record
The 2023 Ford Maverick has 20 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
32.7
per 10k soldSegment avg: 10.7
Safety Incidents
Crashes
10
Fires
1
Injuries
5
Deaths
1
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2023 Ford Maverick Recall Details
20 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Ford Maverick. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
TIRES
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Maverick and Bronco Sport vehicles. The tires may have been manufactured incorrectly, which may result in a loss of vehicle handling and control.
Consequence
A loss of vehicle handling and control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the tires, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S20.
VISIBILITY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Maverick, Ford Bronco Sport, and Mustang Mach-E vehicles. The front windshield wiper motor may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail.
Consequence
Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield wiper motor as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 6, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S51.
POWER TRAIN
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software may cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.
Consequence
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the HPCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S33.
Showing 10 of 20 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
2023 Ford Maverick NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.9%
Safety Technologies
HEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.9%
Safety Technologies
Ford Maverick Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
2023 Ford Maverick Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System Relearn | $49 – $72 |
| Power Steering System Leak Inspection | $61 – $90 |
| Emission System Diagnosis & Testing | $61 – $90 |
| EGR Pressure Feedback Sensor Replacement | $117 – $151 |
| Starter Replacement | $627 – $707 |
| Windshield Wiper Motor Replacement | $228 – $274 |
| Tie Rod Replacement | $129 – $152 |
| Strut Bearing Replacement | $279 – $380 |
| Hood Latch Replacement | $156 – $179 |
| Fuel Level Sending Unit Replacement | $1,951 – $2,112 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
When Buying a Used 2023 Ford Maverick
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect CV axles for leaks or damage
- Test for power loss by driving at highway speeds
- Check for water leaks inside the cabin, especially on the passenger side
- Verify steering operation for any freezing or faults
- Test brakes for grabbing or inconsistent stopping
- Ensure all dashboard warning lights are off during a test drive
- Check for any unusual vibrations during acceleration
Check Any 2023 Ford Maverick's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2023 Maverick in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Ford Maverick with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2023 Ford Maverick Common Problems by Component
308 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
107 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the CV axles in the 2023 Ford Maverick, often noting vibrations and shaking during acceleration, particularly between 40-65 mph. This problem appears to arise around 16,000 to 50,000 miles, with some owners experiencing repeated failures even after axle replacement. Additionally, several complaints mention sudden power loss while driving, with vehicles unexpectedly shifting into neutral or park, posing potential safety risks due to loss of control at highway speeds. These issues can lead to concerns about driving stability, especially in busy traffic conditions, making it important for potential buyers to consider these patterns when evaluating the vehicle.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
59 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Ford Maverick frequently report issues with the 12-volt battery, including parasitic drain and the vehicle entering "Deep Sleep" mode, which often requires jump-starting. Symptoms include the battery not recharging properly, frequent battery saver alerts, and certain vehicle functions being disabled. These issues are noted across various mileage ranges, with some owners experiencing problems shortly after purchase. Safety implications are present, with two complaints involving crashes and one injury reported. Additionally, some reports mention problems with the vehicle's interface module and other electrical components, such as the display and rearview camera, which may complicate usage.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
26 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Ford Maverick frequently report issues with the rearview camera freezing, which has led to crashes and near-misses, particularly when reversing. Multiple complaints describe the vehicle losing power or going into a reduced power mode, often at highway speeds, resulting in dangerous situations such as near-collisions with other vehicles. Water leaks inside the cabin, particularly on the passenger side, are also noted, with some reports mentioning mold development. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with some occurring in vehicles with as few as 12,000 miles. Safety implications include loss of vehicle control and potential health risks from mold exposure.
SERVICE BRAKES (22 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
22 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Ford Maverick frequently report issues with the braking system, particularly in hybrid models. Common symptoms include brakes that "grab" or engage more harshly than expected at low speeds, often resulting in jerks or lunges when coming to a stop. Complaints also mention inconsistent braking performance, with the system sometimes failing to stop the vehicle promptly, and regenerative braking not syncing well with traditional brakes. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with some occurring as early as 800 miles. Safety implications are noted, including one reported crash resulting in an injury due to brake failure. Buyers should be aware of these potential braking inconsistencies and the impact they may have on driving safety in certain conditions.
ENGINE (18 complaints)
ENGINE
18 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Ford Maverick frequently report issues with engine power loss, often accompanied by warning lights and messages such as "Service engine immediately" and "Powertrain malfunction/reduced power." These incidents typically occur at highway speeds, creating safety concerns as drivers lose motive power and must navigate to the roadside. Complaints also highlight problems with the throttle body failing in cold conditions and the cooling system's plastic components showing signs of premature stress cracking. Mileage at the time of these issues varies, with some occurring as early as 3,500 miles. A crash has been reported due to sudden power loss, underscoring potential safety risks for prospective buyers.
SUSPENSION (15 complaints)
SUSPENSION
15 complaintsOwners of the 2023 Ford Maverick frequently report issues with the CV axles, with several complaints indicating premature failure at mileage as low as 5,000 to 50,000 miles. Commonly described symptoms include vibrations and shaking during acceleration, often accompanied by clicking or clunking noises from the front end. These issues are sometimes severe enough to affect vehicle control, particularly during lane changes or highway merging, posing potential safety risks. Additionally, some owners note difficulties in obtaining replacement parts due to backorders, which may delay repairs. This pattern of complaints is consistent across multiple reports and may be of particular interest to potential buyers considering the vehicle's long-term reliability.
STRUCTURE (9 complaints)
STRUCTURE
9 complaintsOwners report two primary issues with the 2023 Ford Maverick's structure: problems with the driver's door and water intrusion. Complaints frequently mention difficulty operating the driver's door due to broken welds, which can lead to the door not closing properly and interfering with the window operation. Water leaks are reported from the windshield area and floor pan body plugs, resulting in mold and mildew inside the vehicle. These issues are noted at varying mileages, including as early as 900 miles. While no crashes or fires are reported, the compromised door closure and mold presence suggest potential safety and health concerns.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (9 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
9 complaintsOwners of the 2023 Ford Maverick frequently report issues with vehicle speed control, often describing sudden loss of power where the gas pedal becomes unresponsive. This occurs without prior warning or dashboard alerts, and in some cases, the vehicle can accelerate on its own, even when the brake is applied. Complaints often mention that the problem temporarily resolves after restarting the vehicle, though some owners experience repeated incidents. Symptoms include multiple warning lights, such as "Service Advancetrac" and check engine alerts, with incidents occurring at various speeds and conditions, including during highway driving and at lower speeds. The safety implications are significant as the loss of acceleration and unexpected self-acceleration could lead to potential crashes, especially in traffic or on highways. These issues appear in vehicles with varying mileage, suggesting potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers.
STEERING (8 complaints)
STEERING
8 complaintsOwners report recurring issues with the steering system of the 2023 Ford Maverick, particularly a "Power Steering Assist Fault" message that leads to the steering wheel seizing, often during turns. This problem tends to occur at various speeds and has been reported at mileages as low as 13,600. Multiple owners describe the steering freezing unexpectedly, sometimes immediately after dealership repairs, which raises concerns about vehicle control and safety. Additionally, some complaints mention intermittent steering activation delay after starting the vehicle, potentially causing safety risks if not addressed. These issues are important for potential buyers to consider, especially if purchasing a used model with similar mileage.
AIR BAGS (3 complaints)
AIR BAGS
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report issues with the airbag system in the 2023 Ford Maverick, primarily involving non-deployment during crashes. In two cases, airbags did not deploy in collisions, with one incident resulting in an injury, specifically a rotator cuff tear and pinched nerve. Complaints frequently mention dashboard warning lights, such as a red question mark on the driver's seat and a rear seat fault indicator. One described crash occurred at approximately 37,000 miles, but no consistent mileage pattern emerges across reports. These issues suggest potential safety implications, particularly in crash scenarios where airbags are expected to deploy.
When Do 2023 Ford Maverick Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Ford Maverick Years
Best Ford Maverick Years to Buy
The best Ford Maverick year is 2025 with a reliability score of 77/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (71/100) and 2023 (60/100).
2025
6 recalls · 31 complaints
2024
14 recalls · 139 complaints
2023(this page)
20 recalls · 308 complaints
Ford Maverick Years to Avoid
The worst Ford Maverick year is 2022 with a score of 54/100, primarily due to power train (155) issues. Also avoid 2023 (60/100).
2022
27 recalls · 572 complaints
2023(this page)
20 recalls · 308 complaints
Ford Maverick Reliability Score Trend
Ford Maverick reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 74/100 compared to 57/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 54/100 | Mixed |
| 2023 | 60/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 77/100 | Good |
Ford Maverick Reliability Compared to Other Years
2023 Ford Maverick Reliability by Powertrain
The 2023 Ford Maverick is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 252 | 19 | 10 | 4 out of 5 |
| HEV | 56 | 1 | 1 | 4 out of 5 |
| Total | 308 | 20 | 11 |
NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.
* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2023 Ford Maverick reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Ford Maverick?
How many recalls does the 2023 Ford Maverick have?
Is the 2023 Ford Maverick expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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