The brakes on my 2023 Ford Maverick (Hybrid) are very grabby at low speeds, usually just before coming to a stop. They are also very noisy especially after a hard rain. I have experienced one incident where the brakes did not want to stop the truck until after a long pause. When I stop, my passengers will lunge forward. I do not have confidence that the brakes will perform as required in an…
2023 Ford Maverick brakes problems
severe 19 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
1crash
1injury
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2023 Ford Maverick has widespread brake problems ranging from complete failure to unpredictable grabbing at low speeds, especially in hybrids. Multiple TSBs and an ECM update have failed to resolve issues, and dealers are often unable to diagnose or repair them.
Brake problems on the 2023 Maverick fall into two broad categories: complete failure and unpredictable grabbing.
For total failure, two owners experienced total brake unresponsiveness while driving at highway speeds (40–45 mph) and had to coast to a stop—one incident repeated after three months. A third owner's brakes failed at 23 mph, resulting in a collision. A fourth experienced delayed brake response that required a firm pedal press to finally stop.
Grabbing is far more common. Owners report sudden, harsh brake engagement when slowing below 6–10 mph, especially during the first 15 minutes after cold startup, in wet conditions, and when the hybrid's regenerative braking is active. The grab is unpredictable—severity and frequency vary, and owners can't train themselves to compensate. Service techs have confirmed the grabbing but been unable to fix it. One dealer refused further testing, claiming it's normal for hybrids. Ford has issued TSB 23-2060 (and earlier TSBs), but owners say these fixes have not worked.
Additional issues include brake shaking (ABS engagement), unexplained brake surge at startup, rear brakes locking without pedal input, transmission-brake system interaction faults requiring multiple key cycles to reset, and non-functional trailer brake controllers. Owners describe the braking as unsafe and unpredictable—dangerous in traffic and during emergency situations.
Failure modes owners describe
Complete brake failure or unresponsiveness
Brake pedal does not stop vehicle at highway speeds. Two owners reported brake failure while driving at 40-45 mph requiring emergency coasting to stop. One owner at 23 mph experienced brake failure in traffic, resulting in collision. One owner reported brake system failed to stop immediately even with firm pedal pressure at low speeds.
When: First incident at 18,000 miles; second incident ~3 months later. Another incident under 8,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal unresponsive despite depression; Vehicle continues at speed despite brake application; Brake warning light illuminates; Multiple unknown warning lights displayed; Warning message 'select drive has been disengaged' with red brake light at highway speed
Codes mentioned: Brake warning light, Check engine light, Emergency brake light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to diagnose in two cases. One vehicle not repaired. Manufacturer opened case but outcome not stated. No parts or repair costs cited.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls confirmed for affected VINs. Manufacturer informed and opened case. Second incident occurred after ECM update intended to resolve issue.
Brake grabbing or harsh engagement at low speeds
Brakes engage suddenly and unpredictably when slowing below 6-10 mph, causing abrupt stops and vehicle shudder. Occurs most frequently in first 15 minutes after cold startup, during hybrid regenerative braking operation, in wet/moist conditions, and after vehicle has been parked. Severity and frequency vary unpredictably. Multiple owners report difficulty driving in stop-and-go traffic and requiring compensation through over/under braking.
When: As early as 4,500 miles; ongoing issue reported throughout ownership. More pronounced in morning startup and wet conditions.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden aggressive brake engagement at low speeds; Brake pedal grab sensation; Vehicle shudder or jerking during braking; Unpredictable braking force; Harsh stops causing passenger lunge forward; Brake system feels unstable and unsafe; Wet road conditions worsen issue; Two braking systems fighting each other sensation
Repairs/costs cited: Service techs confirmed grabbing issue but unable to apply fix. Dealer unable to replicate in dry conditions; refused further testing. No parts or costs cited.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 23-2060 issued (second TSB on this issue); owner reports it did not resolve grabbing problem. Issue acknowledged as occurring in 2022-2023 hybrid models.
ABS engagement or shaking during braking
Vehicle shakes when brake pedal depressed. Owner informed ABS was engaged but issue not diagnosed or repaired. Related to reported TSB 22-2493 for service brakes.
When: At approximately 800 miles after PCM reset for check engine light
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shakes during braking; Brake pedal depression causes vibration
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (resolved via PCM reset), ABS engagement
Repairs/costs cited: PCM was reset by dealer. Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired for brake shaking.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 22-2493 (Service Brakes) referenced. Owner referred to different dealer after contacting manufacturer.
Brake surge on startup
After vehicle startup, brakes surge or engage, causing vehicle to lunge forward multiple times while at stop. Occurs within first few minutes of operation.
When: Under 4,500 miles on new vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended brake engagement at stop; Vehicle lurches forward multiple times; Occurs shortly after startup
Repairs/costs cited: Not inspected by dealership per owner report. Owner notes issue frequently mentioned on Ford Maverick forums.
Pre-collision system false alerts and rear brake engagement
Pre-collision sensor or camera malfunctions, generating false collision alerts when no vehicle is present. Rear brakes lock without pedal depression while driving highway speeds. System alerts on parked vehicles on roadside.
When: After 15 months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Pre-collision sensor alarm sounds without threat present; Rear brakes lock without brake pedal input; False alert when parked vehicle on roadside; Sensor/camera unreliable at 25-35 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer could not duplicate or fix issue. Recorded in Ford mobile app.
Transmission and brake system interaction malfunction
Transmission and brake systems interact unpredictably. Gear shifting malfunction, accelerator stops working, parking brake engages on its own, drive light blinks, select drive disengaged warning. Requires multiple ignition cycles to reset and restore function.
When: Not specified for first incident; second incident occurred after ECM update claimed to resolve issue
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shifting incorrect; Accelerator unresponsive; Drive light blinking on shifter; Parking brake engages without input while driving; Vehicle will not go forward (feels stuck); Select drive disengaged message with brake light; Multiple warning lights displayed; Requires vehicle off for extended period to reset
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, Emergency brake light
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented. Issue resolved by power cycling vehicle multiple times.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: ECM update performed by dealer; issue recurred after update.
Trailer brake controller non-functional
Brake controller on 4K tow package equipped Maverick does not activate trailer electric brakes.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Trailer brakes do not engage when brake pedal pressed
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to provide satisfactory service; problem unresolved.
Regenerative and friction braking system desynchronization
Regenerative braking system on hybrid does not smoothly coordinate with traditional friction brakes at low speeds, causing stuttering, jumping, and unpredictable braking feel.
When: Ongoing throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Braking stutters or jerks; Vehicle jumps during braking; Braking feel unsmooth and uncomfortable; Two systems fighting against each other sensation
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Identified as characteristic of hybrid Maverick models (2022-2023); dealer states 'this is how the hybrids are.'
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Brakes tend to "grab" and aggressively stop the truck at or below 6 miles per hour. It feels like the emergency forward braking system is activating to avoid an accident. But there isn't anything in front of the vehicle. This seems to occur more often during first 15 minutes of driving after startup in the morning (especially when it's cold outside) while vehicle is utilizing motor and braking…
Brake controller does not activate electric brakes on trailer. maverick is equipped with the 4k tow package. Unable to get satisfactory service from dealer and problem has yet to be resolved.
Had brakes trouble with your 2023 Ford Maverick?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2023 Ford Maverick?
It's a meaningful issue. 19 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 19 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 13,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2023/Ford/Maverick.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.