Problems · by component

2023 Ford Maverick engine problems

71 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2023 Ford Maverick cite engine, 27% of all 266 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 2 recalls on this component.

Complaints
71
27% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2023 Ford Maverick. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH and making a left turn into an intersection, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power and shut off in the middle of the intersection. During the failure, the power steering and power brakes became inoperable, and the vehicle almost crashed into a utility pole and fire hydrant before stopping. Additionally, a second vehicle almost crashed into the rear of the vehicle after the vehicle lost power. The contact stated that immediately after the failure, the vehicle was restarted and operated normally. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The failure mileage was 43,900.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 2, 2026EngineODI 11775055
“During acceleration from 40-60 miles per hour, there was a pronounced vibration/shudder through the front end of the vehicle. After taking it to the dealership, they advised both front axles would need to be replaced. The catastrophic failure of an axle is likely to cause a car crash. The problem has been identified by Ford Motor Company and also confirmed by the Ford Dealership where I got it fixed. Ford Motor Company issued Customer Satisfaction Program 25N09 On September 17, 2025. My vehicle is a 2023 model year, but produced at the same plant and in the same time frame as the the ones mentioned in 25N09. There were no warning lamps or messages about the problem. The only indication was the heavy vibration a few thousand miles prior to getting it looked at.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 7, 2026Suspension, Power train, EngineODI 11736287
“The throttle body component of the vehicle failed at approximately 40,000 miles. While this is an engine component that experiences normal wear and tear, throttle body valves fail anywhere between 75,000 and 100,000 miles. I have owned previous vehicles, each crossing the 100,000-mile mark, with no replacement or concern with the throttle body. My concern with this vehicle's throttle body relates to the outdoor weather conditions when the vehicle reported an issue. The outside air temperature was 3 degrees Fahrenheit with moderate winds and a wind chill of approximately -10 degrees Fahrenheit. Researching online, this appears to be a recurrent issue among other owners of this particular vehicle. When started, the vehicle appeared to misfire, potentially entering limp mode. An amber wrench light illuminated, indicating to have the vehicle serviced, and the engine light illuminated, indicating a problem with the emissions system. Additionally, the vehicle pushed a notification to my smartphone that stated the following: "The engine control system has detected the electronic throttle body is not responding as commanded and requires service." The vehicle was turned…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 27, 2026EngineODI 11713754
“While driving on the highway at normal speed in normal conditions, I suddenly lost ABS, traction control, downhill assist, hold assist, AdvanceTrac, Cruise control, and a severe reduction of power. The engine went into limp mode and would not rev past 3k RPM. This made driving on the highway very dangerous as I could not keep up speed and risked getting rear-ended. The wrench icon came on, as well as ABS and traction control. Cruise control would not work. Messages appeared stating "Service engine soon", "Service AdvanceTrac", "Downhill assist issue", "Hold assist issue", and a few more I can't recall. Sometimes they go away on its own and the vehicle works fine, sometimes restarting the vehicle clears the issue. The issues will appear randomly, sometimes very soon after starting the car and driving, sometimes 100 miles later.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 6, 2025Power train, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11671480
“Two problems 1. Auto Start/Stop feature 2. Pre-Collision Assist (1) Auto Start/Stop feature- unpredictable.. 1. My engine turns off at busy intersection for red light with a vehicle coming in fast from behind, I hit gas to move forward . My truck revs hard from starting with foot on gas and darts forward. Almost went into cross traffic. 2. There is a current recall on Maverick batteries. Numerous complaints on the Facebook Ford Maverick of vehicle shutting off for auto-stop, but not starting in traffic conditions due to the battery. Fact - any electrical or computer problem and your vehicle is now stranded in an intersection. The Maverick has several electrical recalls. 3. I have timed my Vehicle Restart response on camera. It takes approx 1 more second for my vehicle engine to re-start and advance forward. For many accidents 1 second is the difference of life and death. 4. When I stop to put the vehicle in reverse, it will auto-stop while I am shifting. My vehicle is now sitting in the road, until I hit reverse and no brake, then "jumps" backwards in reverse. 5. The feature cannot be turned off permanently- it must be turned off manually for every trip.…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 29, 2025Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11639495
“While driving down US-69, while attempting to pass a vehicle at about 80 mph, the vehicle shut off and proceeded to stop accelerating, as well as started to slow itself down. The instrument cluster flashed quickly before shutting off, and the radio also shut off. The cabin lights came on, and I had to switch to the right lane to quickly get onto the side of the road where it gradually slowed itself down and threw itself into park. I had taken the key out, and simply turned it back on, and everything seemed to work as normal after the fact. There were no indicators that this would happen, it was sudden and almost caused me to get rear ended by a semi truck.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 24, 2024Power train, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11632260

Showing 6 of 71 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

2 recalls on this component

Engine

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2021-2023 Corsair, and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines that were repaired incorrectly under recall 23V380. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.

EngineReported May 23, 2025NHTSA 25V345000

Engine

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.

EngineReported May 27, 2023NHTSA 23V380000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.