2022 Ford Maverick Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Everyone around the country was excited about the release of the 2022 Ford Maverick. This all-new hybrid pickup was hailed as a game-changer. In fact, the company even boasted that owners could “live like a maverick.” Instead of feeling independent, drivers ended up chained to the service center because of a defective electrical system and malfunctioning engine.

Problems with the Electrical System

With all eyes on the Maverick, Ford should have put plenty of time into perfecting the electrical systems for maximum pleasure, but the company failed.

Here’s one example from an NHTSA complaint. “Since the date of purchase (10/29/21), I am unable to change/set FM stations. Apps (ie: iHeart, Spotify) and voice command work intermittently. Apps will not work unless phone is plugged in. 911 assist will not work if not paired and connected to a Bluetooth enabled and compatible cell phone (see pg. 59 2022 Maverick owner’s manual). Unsure if lane keeping assistance is working properly. Vehicle was brought to [dealer] on 10/30/21. Per [dealer]: ‘Ford is aware of these problems. It is a hardware issue.’

Of course, it’s difficult to expect Ford to get a complicated electrical system right when the seat belts weren’t even installed properly. NHTSA Campaign Number 21V979000 states that the rear seat belt buckles were never attached correctly to the floor assembly. Because of this, they might not restrain back-seat occupants during a crash, leaving them more vulnerable to injuries. While everyone wants to live on the edge these days and have a little adventure, this seems to be pushing it to the extreme.

Problems with the Engine

A reliable engine is one thing people look for when choosing a truck. With the new 2022 Ford Maverick, customers were promised performance and efficiency, but they only ended up with headaches.

Here’s another NHTSA complaint worth reading. “When using remote start (cold mornings here) the truck will run for 15 minutes. Both inside and outside the vehicle I smell what seems like plastic burning. The last time it happened I looked under the hood while it was dark out and what appears to be a catalytic converter on the back side of the motor was glowing red hot. There are high voltage lines that run within inches of this (among other things) and I am concerned there is a fire risk.”

Again, it’s clear that the Ford engineers didn’t take time to design a reliable pickup at all. NHTSA Campaign Number 21V976000 states that the fuel tank in some trucks might have gotten damaged during the installation of the spray-in bedliner. In fact, there could be holes drilled into the tank. With this defect, the fuel could leak and a fire could occur. When situations such as a red hot catalytic converter are mixed with this defect, trouble is only minutes away. Maybe it’s best to pick a truck that is slightly tamer. Instead of trying to “live like a Maverick,” maybe drivers should be looking to arrive safely to their next destination.

Your Lemon Law Legal Rights

Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon at no cost to you. The law makes Ford pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

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