The Ford Maverick, one of the most popular compact pickup trucks on the market, is facing a double recall due to two significant issues—a faulty tail light and a parking brake problem. These recalls affect thousands of Maverick owners and raise concerns about the truck’s reliability and safety.
In this article, we’ll break down the details of these recalls, their potential risks, and what Ford is doing to address them.
Recall #1: Tail Light Malfunction
The Issue:
Ford has identified a wiring problem that can cause the tail lights to flicker or stop working altogether. This issue could be particularly dangerous at night or in low-visibility conditions, as malfunctioning tail lights increase the risk of rear-end collisions.
What Causes It?
The problem appears to stem from faulty electrical connections that may cause intermittent or complete failure of the rear lighting system.
Potential Risks:
- Reduced visibility for drivers behind the Maverick
- Increased likelihood of rear-end accidents
- Potential legal issues if stopped by law enforcement for non-functioning lights
Ford’s Solution:
Ford is instructing dealers to inspect and replace the wiring components if necessary. Owners experiencing flickering lights should schedule a service appointment as soon as possible to ensure their vehicle remains safe and road-legal.
Recall #2: Parking Brake Failure
The Issue:
Some Ford Maverick trucks may have a defective electronic parking brake that fails to engage properly. This poses a serious risk, especially when parking on inclines or uneven terrain.
What Causes It?
The issue is linked to a faulty brake control module that may prevent the parking brake from fully activating, potentially allowing the truck to roll away unexpectedly.
Potential Risks:
- Vehicle Rollaway: If the parking brake fails, the truck could move unexpectedly, leading to accidents or property damage.
- Increased Risk for Manual Transmission Models: While automatic Mavericks rely on Park mode, manual versions heavily depend on the parking brake to remain stationary.
Ford’s Solution:
Ford dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake control module to ensure the system functions correctly. Owners are encouraged to test their parking brake regularly and park on level surfaces until the issue is resolved.
Which Mavericks Are Affected?
Ford has not yet released the exact number of vehicles impacted by these recalls, but they primarily affect recent model years of the Maverick. If you own a Ford Maverick, it’s best to check your VIN on Ford’s official recall website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to see if your truck is affected.
What Should Maverick Owners Do Now?
If you own a Ford Maverick, follow these steps to ensure your truck remains safe:
1. Check for Recalls
- Visit Ford’s recall page or NHTSA.gov and enter your VIN to see if your vehicle is affected.
2. Schedule a Repair
- If your Maverick is part of the recall, contact your local Ford dealership to book a free repair.
3. Drive Cautiously
- If you notice tail light flickering, avoid driving at night until the issue is fixed.
- If you suspect a faulty parking brake, park on level ground and use wheel chocks if necessary.
4. Stay Updated
- Ford may issue additional updates as they investigate these issues further.
Final Thoughts
While recalls are never ideal, Ford is taking proactive steps to address these safety concerns in the Maverick. If you own one, it’s crucial to act quickly to avoid potential safety risks.
Despite these recalls, the Ford Maverick remains a highly popular compact pickup known for its fuel efficiency and practicality. As Ford works through these issues, Maverick owners should stay informed and ensure their trucks receive the necessary fixes to keep them running safely.
