2026 Ford Maverick Problems: 8 Known Issues
2026 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2026 Ford Maverick has 8 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are Dash top can break away when the passenger airbag deploys — recall 25V884, Passenger seat occupant sensor can break and switch off the passenger airbag — recall 26V201, Front lower ball joint may not be fully seated in the knuckle — recall 26V340, Reduced steering assist with "Power Steering Assist Fault" — Ford message SSM 54918, Limited power with "Stop Safely Now" from the inverter system controller — Ford message SSM 55140 and Integrated Park Module (IPM) Fails to Lock Transmission in Park — Rollaway Risk ($0-$0 repair). DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
2026 · XLT · All engines
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All 8 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls45 recalls
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:PARK PAWL
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2026 F-150 Lightning BEV, 2024-2026 Mustang Mach-E, and 2025-2026 Maverick vehicles. The integrated park module may fail to lock into the park position when the driver shifts into park. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Maverick vehicles. The instrument panel cover may separate when the air bag deploy.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Maverick vehicles. The moonroof glass may not have been bonded correctly to the moonroof frame, which could result in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Bronco Sport and Maverick vehicles. The Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) unit may fail to correctly detect the presence of an adult or child in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Ford Maverick problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2026 Ford Maverick has 8 documented issues. Documented issues include: Dash top can break away when the passenger airbag deploys — recall 25V884, Passenger seat occupant sensor can break and switch off the passenger airbag — recall 26V201, Front lower ball joint may not be fully seated in the knuckle — recall 26V340. Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Ford Maverick reliable?
The 2026 Ford Maverick has 8 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 6 issues are rated critical: Dash top can break away when the passenger airbag deploys — recall 25V884 and Passenger seat occupant sensor can break and switch off the passenger airbag — recall 26V201 and Front lower ball joint may not be fully seated in the knuckle — recall 26V340 and Reduced steering assist with "Power Steering Assist Fault" — Ford message SSM 54918 and Limited power with "Stop Safely Now" from the inverter system controller — Ford message SSM 55140 and Integrated Park Module (IPM) Fails to Lock Transmission in Park — Rollaway Risk. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Ford Maverick problems?
Repair costs for known Ford Maverick issues range from $0 to $0, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2025-2026 Ford Maverick Dash top can break away when the passenger airbag deploys — recall 25V884?
On some trucks the instrument panel topper was not welded firmly enough to the passenger airbag chute doors. When the passenger airbag deploys, part of the topper can detach and strike an occupant, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. Ford says the airbag itself still deploy… Severity: high.
What is the 2025-2026 Ford Maverick Passenger seat occupant sensor can break and switch off the passenger airbag — recall 26V201?
A port on the passenger seat occupant classification sensor bladder can break, so the system can no longer correctly classify adult and child occupants. When this happens the passenger frontal airbag is disabled, which increases the risk of injury in a crash. The airbag warning l… Severity: high.
What is the 2022-2026 Ford Maverick Front lower ball joint may not be fully seated in the knuckle — recall 26V340?
On some trucks a front lower control arm ball joint was not fully inserted into the front wheel knuckle before its pinch bolt was tightened, or a plant repair of that joint was not completed. The ball joint can separate from the knuckle, which may cause loss of vehicle control an… Severity: high.
What is the 2025-2026 Ford Maverick Reduced steering assist with "Power Steering Assist Fault" — Ford message SSM 54918?
Some 2025–2026 Mavericks may lose some power steering assist and show a "Power Steering Assist Fault" message, with only fault code U2016:47 stored in the power steering control module. Applies to: 2025–2026 Ford Maverick built on or before January 20, 2026, all engines, per Ford… Severity: high.
What is the 2025-2026 Ford Maverick Limited power with "Stop Safely Now" from the inverter system controller — Ford message SSM 55140?
Some 2025–2026 Mavericks may have limited power and show "Stop Safely Now" or "Service Vehicle Soon" after start-up, with inverter fault codes (P0A5D, P0A60, P0A63, P0A6F, P0A72, P0A75 and/or P0E52) stored in the inverter system controller. Applies to: 2025–2026 Ford Maverick bui… Severity: high.
What is the 2025-2026 Ford Maverick Integrated Park Module (IPM) Fails to Lock Transmission in Park — Rollaway Risk?
The integrated park module's mechanical locking pawl can bind to the slider responsible for positioning it into Park, so the transmission may fail to mechanically achieve Park within the required 2.9 seconds after the driver selects it. If the IPM fails to lock, the vehicle does… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2022-2026 Ford Maverick 8F35 torque-converter shudder — Ford SSM 54939?
Ford SSM 54939 covers some 2022–2026 Mavericks with the 8F35 transmission. Shudder may be most noticeable below 60 mph (100 km/h), with no relevant PCM diagnostic trouble codes, and can feel like an engine misfire. The torque converter is a possible cause; the symptom alone is no… Severity: medium.
What is the 2025-2026 Ford Maverick Fuel gauge reads one mark below full on a full tank — Ford message SSM 55177?
On some 2025–2026 Mavericks with the 8-inch digital instrument cluster, the fuel gauge shows one mark below full when the tank is full. Ford attributes it to the cluster software. Applies to: 2025–2026 Ford Maverick with the 8-inch instrument cluster display, per Ford's message. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.