2023 Ford Maverick Hybrid Driver assistance Problems

The truck was being towed behind a motor home, while making a normal left turn from a complete stop the truck began swing wildly from side to side (death wobble). After stopping I found a dash warning "Steering Assist Fault, Service Required" and "Drive Mode Not Available". At that time the truck steering was very difficult to turn, the truck was not drivable. This is the second time this has happened. In June 2024 the exact same thing happened. Ford replaced the steering assembly (twice, the first part was defective) under warranty. I believe this to be a safety hazard. I tow the truck behind the motor home in order to have reliable transportation when I arrive to a destination and also to provide a safe way to get help if some incident occurs while on the road (motor home break down) or for an emergency at the destination. Both steering assist incidents occurred when I was in a remote area with no cell service or internet service. Had there been any kind of medical emergency it could have had unwelcome results.

NHTSA ID

11754024

Incident

Jul 21, 2026

AUTOMATIC REVVING INCIDENT 1 DATE: November 25, 2025 TIME: about 4:05pm LOCATION: [XXX] WEATHER: Slight rain, around 37º F VEHICLE STATUS: In Park, heat dial turned on. DESCRIPTION OF ISSUE: Turned key to on position while in park. ICE engine immediately turned on and revved all the way, as if the accelerator pedal was pressed down all the way. Pedal was NOT under floor mats. Immediately turned key to off position, let sit for a moment. Turned key to on position again and issue seemed to be resolved. No check engine lights or other codes were showing on the dash cluster. AUTOMATIC REVVING INCIDENT 2 & 3 DATE: December 2, 2025 TIME: about 4:05pm LOCATION: [XXX] WEATHER: Clear, around 27º F VEHICLE STATUS: In drive, heat dial turned on. DESCRIPTION OF ISSUE: Turned key to on position while in park. Heat was on. Immediately turned dial to “D,” and engine proceeded to again rev all the way up. However, this time, full power was transferred to wheels, causing vehicle to attempt to lunge forward. Luckily, I was on an icy patch of the road, and the tires spun instead of gaining traction. I immediately slammed the brakes and turned the car off. Waited about 2 minutes and then turned key to on position, and the exact same thing happened again. No check engine lights or other codes were showing on the dash cluster. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11702611

Incident

Dec 2, 2025

I had been driving for 2 hours on the interstate when the truck starts losing power and warning lights start flashing. I got the truck to the shoulder before it slammed to a stop. I turned the engine off and waited until all the power turned off before restarting. The truck would only run in limp mode at 35 mph. I drove on the shoulder of the interstate to the next exit. I disconnected the battery and reconnected which allowed me to drive it normally to the dealership. After two days the dealer called to say they didn’t see any codes and there wasn’t anything wrong with it even after I sent pictures of the warning messages. This is the 5th time this has happened under similar circumstances.

NHTSA ID

11697800

Incident

Nov 1, 2025

Vehicle stopped accelerating while doing an U turn with oncoming traffic. Had to pull over because the vehicle would not move.

NHTSA ID

11692037

Incident

Oct 8, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Maverick Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, the pedal vibrated and pulsated, but the vehicle did not immediately stop, causing the braking distance to be extended. Additionally, the contact stated that the warning message "Pre Collision Activated" was erroneously displayed while driving with no other vehicles or large objects nearby. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failures. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 10,000.

NHTSA ID

11678468

Incident

Dec 5, 2024

Mileage

10,000 mi

While traveling 80 MPH using cruise control, the vehicle speed suddenly reduced and several warning lights illuminated. The three warnings were Pre-Collision Assist Not Available, Service Engine Soon Warning, and Powertrain Malfunction / Reduced Power. The accelerator pedal did not work but I was able to coast to the nearest exit. I stopped, turned the vehicle off and back on a few times but the warning lights would come back on. When I shifted the transmission into Drive the vehicle would take off on its own. I drove the remaining 30 miles just letting the vehicle accelerate on its own because the pedal did not work. It wouldn't accelerate over 35 MPH. The vehicle would still pull when I applied the brakes. Once home, I turned the vehicle off for an hour. When I turned it on the warning lights no longer illuminated and the vehicle drove normal.

NHTSA ID

11658823

Incident

May 1, 2025

I was traveling in heavy traffic on [XXX] I was coming to a stop light so I tapped the brakes nothing there I had a choice hit the guy in front of me or go to the driveway to the right and I chose the driveway on the yard hit the e brake to prevent going into the building…the dealer Sanderson ford found the whole braking system imploded there repair is to put the same product back on..I’m worried the same thing will happen again both myself and the person in front of me could have at minimum been seriously injured this repair scares me…the abs and collision control lights came on as well as the brake light…there was 8000 miles on this vehicle INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11658761

Incident

May 1, 2025

On [XXX], I was involved in a backing accident that was significantly caused by the subject of this recall (Manufacturer Recall Number24S59, NHTSA Recall Number24V684). When I put my vehicle in reverse, the rear view camera came on. However, what I didn't realize was that the image displayed on it froze shortly after the camera turned on making it appear that it was clear behind me and safe to back. But another vehicle had pulled off of the street and stopped right behind me immediately after I put it in reverse and was looking at the frozen image that it was clear and safe to back. The car behind me was shorter than my vehicle and had pulled in behind me in the drive-thru line at somewhat of an angle, so only the front of their vehicle was directly behind me and the rest of out of view of my rear view mirror. I was trying to back, because the drive-thru was two lanes and the right lane I was in was backed up due to a delay and an employee was waving me to come to the left lane since it was open and available. Because the other customer had just pulled in behind my vehicle from the street while my rear view camera was displaying a frozen image of when it was clear behind my vehicle, when I backed slowly, my rear bumper cracked the other car's front bumper. Because of Ford's safety issue, I have incurred an expensive liability claim for damages to the other party's vehicle. Claim details: Claim #: [XXX] ($3,563.81 in repairs + $581.06 rental car = $4144.87 total) [email protected] Ph: [XXX] Fax: [XXX] A fix for the recall has since been issued and I need to get my truck in for recall repairs. However, I am filing this complaint to NHTSA to document the damage caused by this issue and will also be seeking recourse from Ford. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11655174

Incident

Jan 13, 2025

I had the recall work done for the back up camera that freezes while I am reversing. After the recall has been completed, it still freezes/glitches while I'm backing up. Nothing changed after they performed the recall work. I do believe that the technician performed the work he was told to, but it hasn't accomplished anything. The rear view camera still takes a few seconds to engage once I put the car in reverse, and while I am in reverse, actively backing up the car, the camera feed freezes repeatedly on-screen.

NHTSA ID

11654006

Incident

Apr 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Maverick. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V684000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the instrument panel failed to illuminate, and the vehicle was unable to drive forward immediately while the transmission was in drive(D). Additionally, while reversing the vehicle, the rearview camera image was blank. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact also related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V123000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11646186

Incident

Feb 1, 2025

Mileage

9,000 mi

I was driving normally at speed. The truck suddenly lost power. The gas pedal was unresponsive. It took a moment to realize what had happened since the truck showed no indication of an issue. No warnings showed on the dash, the radio was playing as normal. Pressing the gas pedal did nothing. Brakes worked. I was on a road where was I luckily was able to coast into a parking lot and stop safely. I shut off the vehicle and immediately turned it back on. Everything started normally and the vehicle drove normally from that point.

NHTSA ID

11645521

Incident

Feb 27, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Maverick. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over camera screen froze. The contact heard someone yelling and became aware there was a parent and child walking behind the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V684000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 31,595. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11642789

Incident

Feb 4, 2025

Mileage

31,595 mi

Started Vehicle, pulled out of a parking spot and I slowly approached an intersection, the engine accelerated at a high rpm/rate without touching the gas pedal, I immediately firmly applied brakes, the card was jerking and shaking hard working against brakes, I immediately turned car off. It could have easily ran into a car or person, being that I was on a city street with pedestrians crossing and car traffic. When I restarted, it did not want to move at all. I then restarted it a second time and it drove normal. No lights or warnings appeared. It was at Ford dealer getting all recalls repaired about 2 weeks ago and were completed to my knowledge. This just happened today [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11641224

Incident

Feb 6, 2025

On 1028/24, driving at approximately 55 mph in the right lane of a local highway, the front collision braking system engaged almost totally stopping my vehicle. There were no vehicles, animals, nor pedestrians in front of my vehicle. I was able to pull to the shoulder. The collection detection icon appeared on the screen, as well as the check engine light, and the wrench. Then a message saying collision warning system unavailable, then service vehicle immediately. The drive gear dial remained in drive (D) position and was flashing. From there, with my warning light activated, I was able to get the vehicle to go up to 25 mph in order to drive to the Ford dealership nearby. I was told by the service department that they operate on appointments only, I would "try to look at it soon." The Ford Pass App states a powertrain malfunction, pre-collision assist not available, and service engine soon warning. Even if the system resets itself when vehicle turned back on, it is totally unsafe to drive in traffic not knowing if these systems will unexpected fail again, causing an accident and injury. I understand that this problem has occurred with other drivers on this model in the recent past.

NHTSA ID

11623206

Incident

Oct 28, 2024

Vehicle was travelling on freeway at freeway speeds suddenly without notable cause the vehicle electrical stopped, giving multiple warning in succession, cutting speed rapidly to 35 mph, with no acceleration pedal response and an automatic speed of 35 on battery power with the ability to break, but with no control of speed and only regulated by break pedal. Pulled vehicle to side of road and put in park, parking break automatically engaged. Vehicle had alarms on all automatic systems being off. Turning vehicle on and off did not effect response. After checking engine visually, was able to turn vehicle on with no alarms or issues. This has happened in both my Mavericks and almost led to a fatal collision in the 2022 Maverick.

NHTSA ID

11616612

Incident

Sep 3, 2024

pre collision assist stops working or false alert when driving around 25-35 miles i had the truck for about 15 months and had many issues with the pre - collision sensor / camera. i took the truck to the dealer and could not duplicate the issue or fix it the sensor show and sound the alarm about crash and no car close in the front of the truck. some times the alert sound when a car is parked on the side and i am driving in a small street i have the alert recorded in the ford mobile App also rear brake locks without pressing the pedal on highway driving

NHTSA ID

11615969

Incident

Sep 5, 2024

Main infotainment screen keeps freezing, and can't reset or power off. Back up camera does not work during this time, creating a dangerous situation while I am doing constant pickup and drop offs.

NHTSA ID

11604003

Incident

Jul 20, 2024

May 25, 2024 I was driving north on a 2 lane road at about 50 mph. No other vehicles around. Passed a pedestrian walking SB on the opposite shoulder and shortly thereafter my collision assist startled me when it activated fully locking my seat belt and applying the brakes. Only "obstacle" was a very large dark shadow cast over the roadway by a stand of trees. June 9, 2024 Driving EB on a two lane highway, about 55 mph, approaching an intersection with a vehicle stopped at a red light on the south side of the intersection. Pre-collision assist activated again, slamming on the brakes, throwing me and my passenger forcefully forward into our locked seat belts. Scared us both, as there were no obstacles in our path. Thankfully no one was behind us, so we avoided a rear end collision. I have since deactivated the automatic emergency braking, because I no longer trust it will operate correctly and I don't want to be rear ended and/or sustain whiplash or other injuries because of erroneous activation of a "safety" system.

NHTSA ID

11602820

Incident

May 25, 2024

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 ID

11601486

Incident

Jul 12, 2024

I had an accident with sudden loss of power

NHTSA ID

11593550

Incident

May 2, 2024

FOURTH INCIDENT: On [XXX] 2024, at approximately [XXX], I was traveling about 40-mph and slowing for a stop light. Just before coming to a complete stop, at about 5-mph this vehicle suddenly shifted into park on its own. At the same time numerous & various warning prompts appeared on the screen and ALL the warning signs on the instrument cluster became illuminated. As with the three (3) previous incidents, after shifting into drive and taking my foot off the brake the vehicle accelerated all on its own without my placing foot on gas pedal. Unlike previous times, additional warning prompts came up on the screen, e.g. "Hill Assist Parking Unavailable" and "Auto Hold System Fault". Also, after parking, turning vehicle off, locking doors and waiting 30+ minutes, the vehicle did not reset itself like before. Previously after sitting and not running when started it operated properly but with just the engine light on. On May 26, 2024, I had a scheduled recall for the brake lights. I asked my dealer (AutoNation Ford, Frisco (Texas)) to look at video I had taken and a possible fix under Recall 24S33, which I had found on the internet. The dealer service rep refused to look at anything and received to service this particular complaint. Instead, they sent me back onto the highway with a vehicle that can suddenly lose power and accelerate on its own, thereby creating a risk of a crash and injury or death to others or myself. 1st time [XXX], Complaint #11583215 2nd time [XXX], Complaint #11590922 3rd time [XXX], Complaint #11592069 4th, or current incident [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11593195

Incident

Jun 7, 2024

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 ID

11592212

Incident

Jun 2, 2024

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 ID

11592069

Incident

Jun 1, 2024

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 ID

11590922

Incident

May 26, 2024

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 ID

11590387

Incident

May 22, 2024