Some 2022-2024 Maverick Hybrid vehicles may exhibit an intermittent vibration and/or crunching noise after a cold start while the engine is running with the vehicle stationary in drive with no throttle input and brakes applied. An intermittent engine rocking or rolling motion in one direction may also be observed while the concern is present with the hood open. The noise may be present with no drivability concerns, relevant diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) stored, warning indicators illuminated and/or warning messages displayed. The noise may reduce or be eliminated after several minutes of driving when the powertrain warms up. This condition does not affect vehicle durability and no additiona
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2023 Ford Maverick engine problems
severe Owners of the 2023 Ford Maverick have filed 18 NHTSA complaints about the engine at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2022 Maverick | 5 |
| 2023 Maverick (this page) | 18 |
| 2024 Maverick | 3 |
1crash
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit an incorrectly illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with a reduced engine power condition and diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P1061 and/or P032F stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to the software in the PCM.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2021-2024 Edge/Nautilus, 2021-2025 Bronco/Bronco Sport/E-Series/Escape/Corsair/Expedition/Navigator/Explorer/Aviator/F-150/F-Super Duty/Mustang/Ranger, and 2022-2025 Maverick vehicles may require an A/C compressor clutch assembly replacement be performed for various concerns. Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 412-00 Removal and Installation has been updated to eliminate the need to remove and install the A/C compressor to change out the A/C Compressor clutch assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2020 Continental, 2020-2024 Edge/Nautilus, 2020-2025 Explorer/Aviator/Escape/Corsair/F-150/F-Super Duty/Ranger/Transit/E-Series, 2021-2025 Bronco, and 2022-2025 Maverick vehicles may require an engine cooling system flush to be performed for various concerns. Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-03 has been updated to eliminate the need to remove and install the radiator assembly to perform a radiator flush.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗In some of the affected vehicles, after safety recall 23S27 has been performed, the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may illuminate and store Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P1061 and/or P032F. This could be due to a faulty connecting rod bearing that was detected by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Reason for supplement: labor allowances/program term updates
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2023 Ford Maverick exhibits a pattern of engine and powertrain failures across multiple failure modes, many occurring at remarkably low mileage.
The most serious complaint is sudden, unwarned complete power loss at highway speeds (ranging from 1,500 to 80 mph). Vehicles stall or shift into neutral without warning, forcing owners to limp on electric power only (in hybrid models) or fail to restart. Multiple owners report the same sequence of warning messages: Powertrain malfunction/reduced power, Pre-collision assist not available, and Gear Selected Will Engage at Low Speed. Dealerships cannot reproduce the issue or find error codes, instead performing extensive PCM reprogramming that resolves nothing.
Throttle body electronic failures occur as early as 40,000 miles. One owner experienced the failure in -10°F wind chill conditions; the vehicle misfired and entered limp mode but recovered after 15 minutes. The dealership confirmed throttle body replacement was necessary.
Engine oil leaks from three sources—cracked plastic valve cover, turbo seal, and timing cover—appear at 5,300 miles with multiple online reports of the same defects. The high-pressure fuel pump sits atop the engine, raising fire risk.
An EGR valve sensor failed at 44,000 miles due to condensation intrusion and short-circuiting.
Hybrid models exhibit violent shudder and metal rattling when transitioning from gas to electric power at low speeds; Ford claims this is normal operation.
A plastic coolant overflow tank develops stress cracks in the inlet tubing as early as 8,000 miles, with documented cases of complete failure by 20,000 miles.
Failure modes owners describe
Throttle body electronic failure
Electronic throttle body fails to respond to commanded inputs, triggering amber wrench and check engine lights. Onset appears linked to cold weather conditions (3°F, -10°F wind chill reported). Dealership confirms throttle body replacement required.
When: 40,000 miles; cold weather trigger noted
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle misfire or limp mode engagement on startup; Amber wrench light (service required); Check engine light (emissions-related); Smartphone notification: electronic throttle body not responding; Engine operates normally after 15-minute rest cycle
Codes mentioned: Electronic throttle body not responding as commanded
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement required; part on back order at dealer time of complaint
Complete power loss / engine stall at highway speed
Engine abruptly shuts off while driving highway speeds (70–80 mph). Vehicle enters limp mode or becomes non-responsive. Multiple error codes present (Service engine immediately, Pre-collision assist not available, Powertrain malfunction/reduced power, Gear Selected Will Engage at Low Speed, AdvanceTrac/Hill assist unavailable). Symptoms recur across multiple complaints with similar patterns. Dealer unable to reproduce or identify root cause; PCM updates performed without resolution.
When: 1,500–44,000 miles; occurs at highway speeds without warning
Symptoms owners cite: Abrupt engine shutdown while driving; Powertrain malfunction / reduced power message; Pre-collision assist not available; Service engine immediately warning; Gear Selected Will Engage at Low Speed message; AdvanceTrac and Hill assist unavailable; Instrument panel lights flicker; Gas engine will not crank after shutdown; Vehicle limps on electric power only (hybrid models); Engine restarts after extended rest period
Codes mentioned: Powertrain malfunction/reduced power, Pre-collision assist not available, Service engine soon, AdvanceTrac/Hill assist unavailable, Transmission shift to neutral (one case)
Repairs/costs cited: No error codes present on dealer scan in multiple cases; extensive PCM reprogramming performed without identifying cause; towing cost reported $400
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V380000 (Engine); recall parts not available at multiple dealerships as of complaint dates
Engine oil leaks from valve cover, turbo, and timing cover
Multiple oil leak paths identified on 2023 Maverick engines at low mileage. Ford service notes three concurrent leak sources: (1) plastic valve cover crack, (2) turbo oil leak, (3) timing cover leak. Owner notes high-pressure fuel pump location on top of engine increases fire risk. Described as common issue in online forums requiring 2-week repair and dye testing to confirm leak source.
When: 5,300 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leak visible on top of engine valve cover; Dripping oil from engine area
Repairs/costs cited: Dye test required to identify leak source; 2-week repair window; involves replacement of cracked valve cover and/or turbo and timing cover seals
EGR valve sensor failure due to condensation
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve sensor fails from condensation ingress into valve, shorting out sensor. Check engine light illuminates; dealer confirms EGR valve sensor replacement performed.
When: 44,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light illuminated
Codes mentioned: EGR valve sensor failure
Repairs/costs cited: EGR valve sensor replaced at dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware and opened case; referred contact to NHTSA Hotline
Hybrid mode transition shudder and rattle
Vehicle experiences violent shaking and vibration when switching from gas engine to electric motor at low speeds (under 40 mph). Metal rattling sound reported; owner notes never experienced to this degree in other hybrid vehicles. Ford service claims behavior is normal.
When: Onset mileage not specified; occurs during normal driving transitions
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel and car body shake/vibrate during gas-to-electric transition; Violent shaking (sometimes mild, sometimes severe); Loud metal rattling/bouncing sound; Occurs at speeds under 40 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Ford service claims normal operation; no repair attempted
Delayed acceleration after stop
Vehicle will not accelerate normally after stopping; runs at less than 5 mph for 3–4 minutes before normal acceleration returns. Pattern repeats on subsequent stops. Creates hazard in traffic due to unpredictable acceleration lag.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Inability to accelerate after vehicle stop; Stuck at less than 5 mph for 3–4 minutes; Normal acceleration resumes after delay; Pattern repeats on next stop
Plastic coolant overflow tank stress cracking
Plastic cooling system overflow expansion tank develops stress cracks in inlet tubing at low mileage. Cracks worsen as vehicle accumulates miles. Owner reports multiple documented online cases of complete tank failure by 20,000 miles.
When: 8,000 miles (onset); progressively worse by 12,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Visible stress cracking in overflow tank inlet tubing; Cracks propagate over time
Repairs/costs cited: Requires replacement; owner concerned replacement part is defective design
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2023 Ford Maverick?
It's a meaningful issue. 18 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 18 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 16,000 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.