Ford’s popular Maverick pickup trucks have been hit with multiple recalls affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles. The biggest issue? Faulty tail lights that may not light up, increasing the risk of crashes. But that’s not all—several other problems, from software glitches to incorrect recall fixes, have left many owners frustrated.
Here’s what’s happening and what Maverick drivers need to know.
The Biggest Recall: Tail Lights That Don’t Light Up
One of the most widespread recalls involves 242,669 Maverick trucks from the 2022-2024 model years. The problem stems from a software issue in the Body Control Module (BCM), which controls the vehicle’s lighting system.
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What’s wrong? The BCM may mistakenly detect too much electrical current and shut off one or both rear tail lights.
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Why is this dangerous? If the tail lights don’t work, other drivers might not see the truck at night, raising crash risks.
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The fix? Dealers will update the BCM software for free.
Ford says no crashes or injuries have been reported because of this issue, but that doesn’t make it any less concerning for drivers.
Recalls to Fix Previous Recalls (Yes, Really)
If dealing with one recall wasn’t enough, some Maverick owners have had to return to dealerships multiple times because earlier fixes didn’t work.
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Incorrect software updates: Some trucks that were supposedly fixed in previous recalls didn’t actually get the right software patch. This forced Ford to issue another recall just to correct the mistake.
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Brake lights turning on by themselves: A previous recall aimed to fix brake lights that would illuminate without the driver pressing the pedal. But some vehicles didn’t get the proper update, leading to yet another round of repairs.
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Dashboard warning lights failing: Another recall was supposed to ensure critical warning lights (like the check engine light) would display properly. But some trucks still had the issue, requiring yet another trip to the dealer.
These repeated recalls highlight a bigger problem: Ford’s quality control and dealership repair processes need improvement.
Other Maverick Recalls You Should Know About
Beyond the faulty tail lights, the Maverick has faced several other issues:
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Turn Signal Failures
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Some trucks had a problem where the turn signals wouldn’t alert the driver if a bulb burned out. Normally, the remaining bulb would flash faster as a warning, but this feature didn’t work.
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The fix? Another BCM software update.
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Battery and Power Loss Issues
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Some hybrid Mavericks risked losing power while driving due to a 12-volt battery defect.
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This could lead to a sudden loss of acceleration, which is dangerous on highways.
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Rearview Camera Problems
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A separate recall involved rearview cameras that could fail to display an image, making it harder to reverse safely.
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Rollaway Risk in EcoSport (Related Issue)
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While not directly a Maverick problem, Ford also recalled thousands of EcoSport SUVs because a transmission flaw could let them roll away even in Park. This shows broader quality concerns across Ford’s lineup.
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Why Are There So Many Recalls?
Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, has admitted that quality control has been a major weakness. The company has been the most recalled automaker in recent years, and the Maverick’s problems are part of that trend.
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Software issues dominate: Many recalls involve faulty programming in modules like the BCM, leading to lighting, braking, and power problems.
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Dealership repair errors: Some recalls happened because dealerships didn’t install updates correctly the first time.
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Rushed production? The Maverick’s popularity may have led to hurried manufacturing, increasing the chances of defects.
Ford says it’s working to improve, but for now, Maverick owners are stuck dealing with repeated recalls.
What Should Maverick Owners Do?
If you own a 2022-2024 Maverick, here’s what you need to do:
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Check for open recalls – Use Ford’s official recall lookup tool or the NHTSA website to see if your truck is affected.
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Schedule a free repair – If your Maverick has a recall, take it to a Ford dealer for the necessary fixes.
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Watch for warning signs – If your tail lights, turn signals, or dashboard warnings act strangely, get your truck checked immediately.
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Stay updated – Ford may announce new recalls, so keep an eye on official communications.
Final Thoughts
The Ford Maverick is a great truck—affordable, fuel-efficient, and versatile. But the sheer number of recalls, especially for faulty tail lights and software glitches, is frustrating for owners.
Ford needs to tighten its quality checks and ensure that recall fixes actually work the first time. Until then, Maverick drivers should stay vigilant, check for recalls regularly, and get their trucks serviced as soon as issues arise.
If you’re considering buying a Maverick, be aware of these problems—but also know that Ford is legally required to fix them for free. Just be prepared for possible repeat visits to the dealership.
Have you experienced any of these issues with your Maverick? Share your story in the comments!