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Ford · Known Issues

2026 Ford Maverick Problems: 2 Known Issues

2026 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2026 Ford Maverick has 2 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are 2.5L Hybrid Exhaust Heat Exchanger (EGHR) Internal Crack — Coolant Burned Through Exhaust, P0128/P2C22/P237D ($900-$2,200 repair) and Integrated Park Module (IPM) Fails to Lock Transmission in Park — Rollaway Risk ($0-$0 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $900 to $2,200. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Maverick Cooling1
  • Maverick Safety/Recalls1
  • Recalls45
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Cooling1
  • Safety/Recalls1
  • Recalls45
  • FAQ

All 2 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS20262025202420232022

On the 2022-2026 Ford Maverick 2.5L Atkinson-cycle hybrid (HF45 eCVT), the exhaust gas heat exchanger (exhaust heat recovery unit) on the 2.5L Atkinson hybrid powertrain develops an internal crack from repeated thermal cycling, or its actuator circuit board fails after water ingress. Because the leak is internal, engine coolant is drawn into the exhaust stream and burned rather than dripping on the ground, so owners see the degas bottle level fall steadily with no puddle under the truck. Failures are reported at very low mileage (one MaverickTruckClub report at ~7,000 miles on a 2025 hybrid). The slow coolant loss keeps the engine below its target operating temperature, setting P0128, while the heat-exchanger actuator itself sets P2C22/P237D. Left alone it progresses to overheating and possible catalyst damage.

This issue also affects: Ford Aerostar, Ford Bronco Sport, Ford Crown Victoria

Common Symptoms

  • Coolant level in degas bottle drops with no visible leak
  • Sweet-smelling white smoke from tailpipe on cold start
  • Check engine light with P0128
  • Heater takes a long time to get hot / engine slow to reach operating temperature
  • Gurgling sound behind the dash
  • Overheat warning in later stages

How to Fix

Pressure-test the cooling system and inspect the exhaust heat exchanger; sweet-smelling white smoke at cold start plus falling coolant with no external leak is diagnostic. The fix is replacement of the exhaust heat exchanger assembly and a full coolant fill/bleed — no additive or reseal works on an internally cracked unit. Ford has issued dealer service memorandum guidance directing parts ordering for this repair, and many repairs are covered under the hybrid-component/emissions coverage or Ford's extended customer satisfaction program, so check coverage before paying out of pocket. Verify the actuator connector and its wiring for water intrusion at the same time, otherwise the replacement unit fails the same way.

Typical repair cost:$900 - $2,200

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2025-2026 Ford Maverick 2.5L Hybrid, 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 not comply with FMVSS No. 114 and can roll away from a stop, increasing crash and pedestrian-strike risk. Ford received four warranty claims on Maverick Hybrid for this concern alongside 22 Mach-E and 16 F-150 Lightning reports. The recall affects 2025-2026 Maverick (Hybrid) vehicles only — earlier 2022-2024 Mavericks are NOT included in recall 25V863.

Common Symptoms

  • Vehicle rolls away after shifting to Park
  • Park indicator illuminates but transmission not mechanically locked
  • Diagnostic code indicating Park not achieved within 2.9 seconds

How to Fix

Recall 25C69 / NHTSA 25V863 covers an OTA or dealer software update to the park module at no cost; interim owner letters were mailed beginning February 2-3, 2026 with final remedy notification following (mailing through May 12, 2026). VINs became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 26, 2026. Until repaired, always set the parking brake before exiting and confirm the vehicle does not move. Owners can verify VIN eligibility via NHTSA.gov or by calling Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceLast reported by owners May 2026Reviewed May 2026
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."

Campaign #25V86300012/12/2025

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.

Campaign #25V88400018/12/2025

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."

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Other Ford Models

Ford F-15094Ford Explorer73Ford Escape48Ford Mustang46Ford Fiesta32Ford Bronco32

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 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 2.5L Hybrid Exhaust Heat Exchanger (EGHR) Internal Crack — Coolant Burned Through Exhaust, P0128/P2C22/P237D, Integrated Park Module (IPM) Fails to Lock Transmission in Park — Rollaway Risk. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Ford Maverick reliable?

The 2026 Ford Maverick has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: 2.5L Hybrid Exhaust Heat Exchanger (EGHR) Internal Crack — Coolant Burned Through Exhaust, P0128/P2C22/P237D 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 $2,200, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 2.5L Hybrid Exhaust Heat Exchanger (EGHR) Internal Crack — Coolant Burned Through Exhaust, P0128/P2C22/P237D, typically costs $900-$2,200 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2022-2026 Ford Maverick 2.5L Hybrid Exhaust Heat Exchanger (EGHR) Internal Crack — Coolant Burned Through Exhaust, P0128/P2C22/P237D?

The exhaust gas heat exchanger (exhaust heat recovery unit) on the 2.5L Atkinson hybrid powertrain develops an internal crack from repeated thermal cycling, or its actuator circuit board fails after water ingress. Because the leak is internal, engine coolant is drawn into the exh… Repairs typically run $900-$2,200. Severity: high.

What is the 2025-2026 Ford Maverick Integrated Park Module (IPM) Fails to Lock Transmission in Park — Rollaway Risk?

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.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

Campaign #26V10400020/02/2026

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.

Campaign #26V15700017/03/2026

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."

Campaign #26V20100031/03/2026

+ 40 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

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.