The Ford Maverick Years To Avoid
Ford Maverick by MercurySable99 - CC-BY-SA-4.0
While it’s not as popular as full-size trucks, the compact pickup truck segment has been gaining popularity, with models like the Honda Ridgeline and Hyundai Santa Cruz finding success among traditional truck owners and those from different segments. The compact truck segment competes against top volume segments, with cargo space, fuel efficiency, and price being key consumer factors.
There’s a growing trend towards smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles that can navigate urban environments but still offer the utility of a truck – which is why compact trucks are growing in popularity. With that said, the compact pickup truck segment is relatively untapped, with few key competitors, which compelled Ford to introduce the Ford Maverick, a unibody compact pickup truck.
If you’re looking to buy a used Ford Maverick, you currently have limited options as it’s a relatively new Ford model. However, we’re still highlighting the Ford Maverick years to avoid and offer insights into why they’re not worth the investment. Let’s take a look.
Introducing the Ford Maverick
Launched in 2021, the Ford Maverick offers a unique blend of practicality, efficiency, and versatility – something you rarely see in full-size pickup trucks. It’s designed for those who want the best of both worlds: the utility and power of a pickup truck and the convenience and fuel efficiency of a compact vehicle.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE FORD MAVERICK
If you’re interested in a Ford Maverick for your driving needs, it’s ideal to select a dependable option. You might wonder - what is the most reliable Ford Maverick year available today?
Built on the same platform as the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport, the Maverick offers two powertrain options: a 2.5L hybrid engine and a 2.0L EcoBoost engine. This is a solid option for eco-conscious drivers and those who desire more power.
The Maverick stands out with its compact size, perfect for navigating city streets and tight parking spaces. Yet, it doesn’t compromise on utility. The Maverick’s bed, known as the FLEXBED, is versatile and customizable, allowing you to transport everything from bikes to supplies.
Inside, the Maverick offers a comfortable and well-appointed interior, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a host of driver-assistance features.
The addition of the Ford Maverick is heating up the compact pickup truck market, as it competes with the likes of the Honda Ridgeline and Hyundai Santa Fe.
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Which Ford Maverick Years To Avoid?
As of this writing, buying a used Ford Maverick means you’ll have to settle with the debut model year, the 2022 Maverick. That said, the 2022 Ford Maverick is far from being the most unreliable vehicle you can buy, but it certainly has its issues – making it a model year used car buyers should avoid.
2022 Ford Maverick Reliability Ratings
First, let’s check out the overall reliability rating of Ford as a brand. According to the auto repair and maintenance website, RepairPal, Ford has a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0 with a 21st rank out of 32 car brands – not exactly a stellar track record in reliability. In addition, Ford owners can expect to pay an average of $775 per year in repairs which is higher than average across all brands. Thankfully, Ford has a lower frequency of unscheduled repairs than other brands at 0.3 times a year.
As a newer model, reliability information about the 2022 Ford Maverick is quite scarce. CarComplaints has documented 228 complaints and six recalls for the 2022 Maverick – not quite an indication of lesser reliability, but that’s not an insignificant number of grievances.
Meanwhile, Consumer Reports has a positive rating for the 2022 Maverick, as the compact pickup truck was rated 4.0 out of 5.0 in both reliability and owner satisfaction. Based on the findings of the consumer advocate website, the trouble spots of the 2022 Maverick are in-car electronics and climate systems.
J.D. Power also gave positive ratings for the 2022 Maverick. The compact truck earned a respectable 81 out of 100 in the website’s Quality & Reliability category. In addition, the Maverick also scored higher in Dealership Experience and Resale categories – the latter indicates the 2022 Maverick might be a potentially good investment for used car buyers.
Overall, the 2022 Ford Maverick has fared well in terms of critical reviews and reliability ratings.
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2022 Ford Maverick Owner Complaints and Recalls
Although the 2022 Maverick has enjoyed good critical reception, the number of owner complaints may compel you to think twice. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has listed 200 complaints and seven recalls for the 2022 Maverick – potentially making it one of the Ford Maverick years to avoid as a used car buyer. Based on the number of complaints from the NHTSA, the major areas of concern for this vehicle are the service brake, electrical system, and engine.
Many frustrated owners complained about the problematic brake system of the Maverick, especially at low speeds. One owner expressed concerns about the vehicle’s braking system, which becomes rigid at low speeds, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. They detailed one instance where the brakes stiffened, then became unresponsive, followed by a sudden, jarring engagement. Many of the complaints claimed that this is an intermittent and recurring issue.
Meanwhile, many owners were also frustrated with the electrical system, which may cause the vehicle to lose power or go into deep sleep mode. One owner experienced a sudden and total loss of electrical power where no dashboard lights or indicators were functioning. No warning signs whatsoever. Eventually, the car became unresponsive.
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On the other hand, the Ford Maverick was also subjected to several recalls, a few of which were quite severe. For instance, Ford issued a recall for the 2022 Ford Maverick, along with some other models, due to a risk of fire caused by engine failure. In addition, the 2022 Ford was recalled due to engine and cooling structure issues. Engine failure in hybrid models could lead to oil and fuel vapors in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of fire.
Is the 2022 Ford Maverick Reliable?
Unfortunately, it’s still too early to tell. While the 2022 Maverick received plenty of positive reviews, it also does have a significant number of complaints and recalls. But as it stands, the 2022 model is one of the worst Ford Maverick years to avoid – especially since it’s a debut model.
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