2023 Ford Maverick Hybrid driver assist problems

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

The truck was being towed behind a motor home, while making a normal left turn from a complete stop the truck began swing wildly from side to side (death wobble). After stopping I found a dash warning "Steering Assist Fault, Service Required" and "Drive Mode Not Available". At that time the truck steering was very difficult to turn, the truck was not drivable. This is the second time this has happened. In June 2024 the exact same thing happened. Ford replaced the steering assembly (twice, the first part was defective) under warranty. I believe this to be a safety hazard. I tow the truck behind the motor home in order to have reliable transportation when I arrive to a destination and also to provide a safe way to get help if some incident occurs while on the road (motor home break down) or for an emergency at the destination. Both steering assist incidents occurred when I was in a remote area with no cell service or internet service. Had there been any kind of medical emergency it could have had unwelcome results.

NHTSA complaint #11754024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

The truck was being towed behind a motor home, while making a normal left turn from a complete stop the truck began swing wildly from side to side (death wobble). After stopping I found a dash warning "Steering Assist Fault, Service Required" and "Drive Mode Not Available". At that time the truck steering was very difficult to turn, the truck was not drivable. This is the second time this has happened. In June 2024 the exact same thing happened. Ford replaced the steering assembly (twice, the first part was defective) under warranty. I believe this to be a safety hazard. I tow the truck behind the motor home in order to have reliable transportation when I arrive to a destination and also to provide a safe way to get help if some incident occurs while on the road (motor home break down) or for an emergency at the destination. Both steering assist incidents occurred when I was in a remote area with no cell service or internet service. Had there been any kind of medical emergency it could have had unwelcome results.

NHTSA complaint #11754024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

I had been driving for 2 hours on the interstate when the truck starts losing power and warning lights start flashing. I got the truck to the shoulder before it slammed to a stop. I turned the engine off and waited until all the power turned off before restarting. The truck would only run in limp mode at 35 mph. I drove on the shoulder of the interstate to the next exit. I disconnected the battery and reconnected which allowed me to drive it normally to the dealership. After two days the dealer called to say they didn’t see any codes and there wasn’t anything wrong with it even after I sent pictures of the warning messages. This is the 5th time this has happened under similar circumstances.

NHTSA complaint #11697800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Maverick Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, the pedal vibrated and pulsated, but the vehicle did not immediately stop, causing the braking distance to be extended. Additionally, the contact stated that the warning message "Pre Collision Activated" was erroneously displayed while driving with no other vehicles or large objects nearby. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failures. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 10,000.

NHTSA complaint #11678468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

I was traveling in heavy traffic on [XXX] I was coming to a stop light so I tapped the brakes nothing there I had a choice hit the guy in front of me or go to the driveway to the right and I chose the driveway on the yard hit the e brake to prevent going into the building…the dealer Sanderson ford found the whole braking system imploded there repair is to put the same product back on..I’m worried the same thing will happen again both myself and the person in front of me could have at minimum been seriously injured this repair scares me…the abs and collision control lights came on as well as the brake light…there was 8000 miles on this vehicle INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11658761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

While traveling 80 MPH using cruise control, the vehicle speed suddenly reduced and several warning lights illuminated. The three warnings were Pre-Collision Assist Not Available, Service Engine Soon Warning, and Powertrain Malfunction / Reduced Power. The accelerator pedal did not work but I was able to coast to the nearest exit. I stopped, turned the vehicle off and back on a few times but the warning lights would come back on. When I shifted the transmission into Drive the vehicle would take off on its own. I drove the remaining 30 miles just letting the vehicle accelerate on its own because the pedal did not work. It wouldn't accelerate over 35 MPH. The vehicle would still pull when I applied the brakes. Once home, I turned the vehicle off for an hour. When I turned it on the warning lights no longer illuminated and the vehicle drove normal.

NHTSA complaint #11658823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

I had the recall work done for the back up camera that freezes while I am reversing. After the recall has been completed, it still freezes/glitches while I'm backing up. Nothing changed after they performed the recall work. I do believe that the technician performed the work he was told to, but it hasn't accomplished anything. The rear view camera still takes a few seconds to engage once I put the car in reverse, and while I am in reverse, actively backing up the car, the camera feed freezes repeatedly on-screen.

NHTSA complaint #11654006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Maverick. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V684000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the instrument panel failed to illuminate, and the vehicle was unable to drive forward immediately while the transmission was in drive(D). Additionally, while reversing the vehicle, the rearview camera image was blank. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact also related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V123000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11646186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2023 Ford Maverick. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over camera screen froze. The contact heard someone yelling and became aware there was a parent and child walking behind the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V684000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 31,595. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11642789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

On 1028/24, driving at approximately 55 mph in the right lane of a local highway, the front collision braking system engaged almost totally stopping my vehicle. There were no vehicles, animals, nor pedestrians in front of my vehicle. I was able to pull to the shoulder. The collection detection icon appeared on the screen, as well as the check engine light, and the wrench. Then a message saying collision warning system unavailable, then service vehicle immediately. The drive gear dial remained in drive (D) position and was flashing. From there, with my warning light activated, I was able to get the vehicle to go up to 25 mph in order to drive to the Ford dealership nearby. I was told by the service department that they operate on appointments only, I would "try to look at it soon." The Ford Pass App states a powertrain malfunction, pre-collision assist not available, and service engine soon warning. Even if the system resets itself when vehicle turned back on, it is totally unsafe to drive in traffic not knowing if these systems will unexpected fail again, causing an accident and injury. I understand that this problem has occurred with other drivers on this model in the recent past.

NHTSA complaint #11623206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

Vehicle was travelling on freeway at freeway speeds suddenly without notable cause the vehicle electrical stopped, giving multiple warning in succession, cutting speed rapidly to 35 mph, with no acceleration pedal response and an automatic speed of 35 on battery power with the ability to break, but with no control of speed and only regulated by break pedal. Pulled vehicle to side of road and put in park, parking break automatically engaged. Vehicle had alarms on all automatic systems being off. Turning vehicle on and off did not effect response. After checking engine visually, was able to turn vehicle on with no alarms or issues. This has happened in both my Mavericks and almost led to a fatal collision in the 2022 Maverick.

NHTSA complaint #11616612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

pre collision assist stops working or false alert when driving around 25-35 miles i had the truck for about 15 months and had many issues with the pre - collision sensor / camera. i took the truck to the dealer and could not duplicate the issue or fix it the sensor show and sound the alarm about crash and no car close in the front of the truck. some times the alert sound when a car is parked on the side and i am driving in a small street i have the alert recorded in the ford mobile App also rear brake locks without pressing the pedal on highway driving

NHTSA complaint #11615969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

Main infotainment screen keeps freezing, and can't reset or power off. Back up camera does not work during this time, creating a dangerous situation while I am doing constant pickup and drop offs.

NHTSA complaint #11604003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

May 25, 2024 I was driving north on a 2 lane road at about 50 mph. No other vehicles around. Passed a pedestrian walking SB on the opposite shoulder and shortly thereafter my collision assist startled me when it activated fully locking my seat belt and applying the brakes. Only "obstacle" was a very large dark shadow cast over the roadway by a stand of trees. June 9, 2024 Driving EB on a two lane highway, about 55 mph, approaching an intersection with a vehicle stopped at a red light on the south side of the intersection. Pre-collision assist activated again, slamming on the brakes, throwing me and my passenger forcefully forward into our locked seat belts. Scared us both, as there were no obstacles in our path. Thankfully no one was behind us, so we avoided a rear end collision. I have since deactivated the automatic emergency braking, because I no longer trust it will operate correctly and I don't want to be rear ended and/or sustain whiplash or other injuries because of erroneous activation of a "safety" system.

NHTSA complaint #11602820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Upon starting vehicle and entering drive vehicle instrement cluster warnings went off and car applied emergancy brakes and suddenly stopped. upon vehicle restart driver was able to releace brakes and manually start ICE componant of hybrid drive train. vehicle entered drive mode and accelerated without touching gas pedal. brakes were jerky but responsive and vehicle accelerated by itself up to 35 mph while on way to dealer service. vehicle servace alerts given at time of drop off were: pre-collision malfunction Powertrain malfunction engine system fault

NHTSA complaint #11601486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

FOURTH INCIDENT: On [XXX] 2024, at approximately [XXX], I was traveling about 40-mph and slowing for a stop light. Just before coming to a complete stop, at about 5-mph this vehicle suddenly shifted into park on its own. At the same time numerous & various warning prompts appeared on the screen and ALL the warning signs on the instrument cluster became illuminated. As with the three (3) previous incidents, after shifting into drive and taking my foot off the brake the vehicle accelerated all on its own without my placing foot on gas pedal. Unlike previous times, additional warning prompts came up on the screen, e.g. "Hill Assist Parking Unavailable" and "Auto Hold System Fault". Also, after parking, turning vehicle off, locking doors and waiting 30+ minutes, the vehicle did not reset itself like before. Previously after sitting and not running when started it operated properly but with just the engine light on. On May 26, 2024, I had a scheduled recall for the brake lights. I asked my dealer (AutoNation Ford, Frisco (Texas)) to look at video I had taken and a possible fix under Recall 24S33, which I had found on the internet. The dealer service rep refused to look at anything and received to service this particular complaint. Instead, they sent me back onto the highway with a vehicle that can suddenly lose power and accelerate on its own, thereby creating a risk of a crash and injury or death to others or myself. 1st time [XXX], Complaint #11583215 2nd time [XXX], Complaint #11590922 3rd time [XXX], Complaint #11592069 4th, or current incident [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11593195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

THIRD REPORT SAME PROBLEM: See NHTSA tracking Number 11583215 & Complaint Number 11590922: On [XXX], I was driving 2-4 mph through an apartment complex drive when vehicle came to a sudden and complete stop and switched into park all on its own. Numerous & various instrument cluster warning lights and prompts were going off. After putting back into drive very little power but would accelerate all on its own up to 35-40mph. I had previously taken this vehicle on [XXX], to the dealer (AutoNation Ford, Frisco, Texas) and they kept vehicle four (4) days. Upon return they told me diagnostics showed no alerts on vehicle, thus no problems. So, nothing was done. A second such incident happened on [XXX]. The next day I again took this vehicle to AutoNation to have the previously scheduled brake light Recall fix. At same time asked them to again look at the vehicle for issues in this complaint. I also offered to show them video of the self-acceleration, warning lights & prompts and a possible Recall #24S33 (powertrain control module) for this issue. Autonation rep said I was there only for scheduled recall and refused to look at videos or other information. Vehicle WAS NOT examined. On [XXX], I was driving 2-4 mph through an apartment complex drive when vehicle came to a sudden and complete stop and switched into park all on its own. Numerous & various instrument cluster warning lights and prompts were going off. After putting back into drive very little power but would accelerate all on its own up to 35-40mph. This vehicle has had four (4) recalls, and now three (3) separate incidents as described above. I believe it is a hazard and the issue complained of now and previously, are of such magnitude that they pose a significant risk of accident potentially causing injury or death to others or myself. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11592069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Yesterday, May 22nd, my 2023 Hybrid Maverick stalled while I was in the middle lane. Fortunately I was able to quickly get over to the shoulder but had absolutely no power. The D-drive gear position light was blinking orange light. Warning message came up on the dash, saying the vehicle won't operate in that gear. I looked down and the shift wheel was in the drive position, but the orange light was not lit on the shifter. I then got error messages, Service Engine Soon Warning, Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power Warning, Pre-Collision Assist Not Available Warning. This was really rattling, to have a modern vehicle, with only 20,000 miles stop operating in heavy traffic. It is the second time, this incident happens. The last time was on March 25th.

NHTSA complaint #11590387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

Vehicle put in drive, and upon accelerating, lost ability to accelerate while in drive, check engine indicator light turned on and power train warning prompts began flashing while moving avoiding traffic. I pulled over to the side of the road, put vehicle in park and turned off vehicle. Waited a minute, and turned vehicle back on, check engine indicator remained on, as well as power train warning prompt and Pre-Collision Warning Assist not available. Put vehicle in drive and could not accelerate normally, acceleration was delayed when I put my foot on the pedal. I removed my foot off of the accelerator and the vehicle then began to accelerate speed on it's own above 25mph. I then applied the brakes and pulled over again. This continued in the same pattern 2 more times, before I was able to drive the vehicle back to my house, with check engine lights and warning prompts on.

NHTSA complaint #11588697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

We on the interstate cruising @ 75. Lost all drive power, flashed something about a lower gear while I was making my way to the shoulder. When I got down to about 10 mph, the parking brake activated. When we came to a stop, it went into park, but the "P" was flashing. I couldn't disengage the brake or put it into gear . I turned it off and back on and was able to shift into drive and release the brake. It would move at this point, but it very slowly. We limped to the next exit. I turned it off and topped the tank off( had half tank) Then it started and was able to drive the other 170 miles home. CEL stayed on. Our concern is that this will happen again, cause an accident and injure or kill my family.

NHTSA complaint #11587612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

I was on a freeway cruising around 85 mph when all of a sudden my truck lost power and went into limp mode. I had 3 dash warnings about powertrain malfunction, front end collision being unavailable, and something about engaging gear at low speeds. This has happened once before. Same three messages. The vehicle loses power and speed FAST. Luckily both times I was able to pull over and turn the vehicle off and back on and it just has a check engine light and drives normal again. I have had one software recall completed on my truck and I have 17,000 miles.

NHTSA complaint #11586472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

While driving, the vehicle will suddenly flash a message about gear selection being unavailable until speed is reduced, followed by error messages about collision-assist disabled, ESC disabled, hill-start assist disabled, and service messages. Check engine light and service lights also come on. No response to throttle inputs, once vehicle decelerates to around 1-2 mph electronic parking brake is automatically applied leading to an abrupt stop. Parking brake can then be removed and vehicle put back into drive, however all drive mode selection is disabled and again there is no response to throttle inputs - truck will accelerate on its own up to above 30 mph (do not know top speed as all areas this occurred were 30mph or less, had to ride brakes to maintain speed limit as vehicle was attempting an uncontrolled/uncommanded acceleration). This has happened 3 times, and first occurrence happened after recalls 23E07, 23E09, and 23C41 were completed. Any attempts to clear faults or exit this limp mode condition fail unless the vehicle is turned off and allowed to sit for 5-10 minutes, at which point faults still remain in system however vehicle is no longer in limp mode with functionality now restored to previously disabled systems. Recorded faults from last occurrence on April 05 2024: SOBDMC DTC U1011:86-AF SOBDMC DTC U1028:00-26 PCM DTC U1010:00-AF OBDII DTC U1011-P ABS DTC U0401:00-2F ABS DTC U0131:00-2E ACM DTC U0255:00-28 IPMA DTC U0418:86-AF In my situation all 3 failure events occurred in a low-traffic, low-threat environment. 1st happened when turning onto a 30 mph road and accelerating in low traffic, able to safely pull over. 2nd happened when turning out of my driveway and began to accelerate, again able to safely pull over. 3rd happened when leaving spot in parking lot, able to safely pull over into another spot.

NHTSA complaint #11584377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

The powertrain suddenly stopped and did not allow for acceleration. I was put in Risk because this was during a drive in the streets and it happened all of a sudden. I have seen this problem reported multiple times on Reddit.

NHTSA complaint #11584304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

I was driving down the road at roughly 45 mph when all of the sudden my car went into neutral I was no longer able to accelerate. I was in the middle of a four-lane road with a traffic light coming up in cars coming from the opposite direction. I happen to be very lucky and right next to the Ford dealership when this happened, but this could be a major safety issue as others would not be so fortunate when vehicle was thrown into neutral. All the dash lights came on the check engine light came on. Wrench icon popped up on the instrument cluster as my car began to slow down as I pulled over once I got to roughly 5 mph the parking break engaged and came to a screeching halt. I was not able to disengage the parking break and could not move the vehicle into the drive position anymore. As stated before I was right next to the Ford dealership when this happened so I walked over and talked to the service center, they didn’t see any errors on my vehicle so I walked back to it started it up and the only remaining light was the check engine light and I was able to drive it over to the Ford dealership at which point the gentleman said he was able to see the errors. I have done a lot of reading online and this is called limp mode but is doing nothing to acknowledge this or proactively fix this on vehicles. From my understanding, this issue does not happen until after there are recalls done on the vehicle. I took my car into the shop at 9200 miles. Had it serviced for an oil change at which point Ford did two service recalls and now I’m experiencing this issue

NHTSA complaint #11583334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

I was driving on the interstate and the gear shift light started blinking. Then I started getting warning lights on the dash: - Gear Selected Will Engage at Low Speed - Powertrain malfunction/reduced power - Pre-collision assist not available - Service engine soon warning - Hill assist not available The car then abruptly slowed down to 35 mph and continued driving at 35 mph even when applying gas. The vehicle would slow down when the brake was applied, however releasing the brake, caused the car to accelerate to 35 mph. The vehicle was inspected by a Ford dealership, however it was the next day, after the car had been turned off for multiple hours. The dealership did not find any active codes, so there was no "fix". Abruptly coming to a stop on the interstate is scary and life-threatening. Ford needs to fix this issue as there could have been a catastrophic accident, had other motorists not been paying attention!

NHTSA complaint #11583362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Driving no more than 40 mph, suddenly “gear shift will engage at low speeds” pops up. At this point there is no acceleration. Then when I get to stop at about 1mp it jerks me into an e-brake, immediately prompting “powertrain error”, “check engine”, “hill climb assist not available”, “collision warning not available”. This all started after the last recall was performed. This is now the second time this has done this. I am lucky it did not do this on the highway itself.

NHTSA complaint #11583399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.