2022 Ford Maverick

Electrical System

Electrical system failures are notoriously difficult to diagnose and repair, which often results in multiple unsuccessful repair attempts — a key element of a lemon law claim. Reported issues for the 2022 Ford Maverick include infotainment malfunctions, battery drain, warning lights, power window failures, and intermittent starting problems. 94 NHTSA complaints have been filed for this category. Owner reports include: “My 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid experienced a complete electrical system failure at approximately 15,933 miles, resulting in a no-start condition. The failure involved the vehicle’s electrical distribution system. An authorized Ford dealership (Autos Vega Ford) diagnosed that voltage was not reaching the Body Control Module (BCM) due to a fault in the battery cable and wiring system. The repair required replacement of the 12V battery, high-voltage battery cables, and wiring components. The failure was confirmed by the dealership (Autos Vega Ford) and required multiple jump starts, but the vehicle would not consistently restart after being turned off. There were no prior warning indicators before the failure. The issue occurred suddenly without warning. This failure created a safety risk because the vehicle could not be started or operated. If this failure occurred in an unsafe or remote location, it could leave occupants stranded and unable to move the vehicle. Service records are available through the authorized dealership (Autos Vega Ford). This appears to be a premature electrical system failure at low mileage involving critical components such as battery cables and wiring. Similar issues involving electrical systems, battery defects, and wiring faults have been reported in Ford Maverick Hybrid vehicles. The vehicle became inoperable without warning and required towing/assistance to reach a repair facility. A sudden no-start condition in a hybrid vehicle can create hazardous situations if it occurs in traffic, at intersections, or in remote areas where assistance is not immediately available.” (NHTSA Complaint #11725172)

Powertrain

Powertrain and transmission defects directly impair the vehicle’s core function and are generally considered substantial defects under California lemon law. Owners of the 2022 Ford Maverick have reported harsh shifting, shuddering, slipping, and transmission warning lights. 93 NHTSA complaints have been submitted for this defect category. Owner reports include: “My 2022 Ford Maverick (EcoBoost AWD) experienced a sudden transmission failure at approximately 73,000 miles. The dealership diagnosed the issue as coolant contamination entering the transmission due to a failed heat exchanger/transmission cooler. The dealer stated that engine coolant mixed with the transmission fluid, which destroyed the transmission and required replacement of the transmission, replacement of heat exchangers, and flushing of the cooling system. The repair estimate is 11,324.39. Ford acknowledged the issue and provided partial goodwill assistance of 3,079, leaving more than 8,000 out of pocket for the repair. This failure occurred without warning and resulted in complete transmission failure. The dealer indicated that coolant contamination is the cause and referenced Ford service guidance addressing this failure scenario (SSM 53465). I am concerned that a failure of the transmission cooler/heat exchanger can allow coolant to contaminate the transmission and cause catastrophic drivetrain failure at relatively low mileage.” (NHTSA Complaint #11724131)

Brakes

Brake defects affecting safety may qualify for California’s two-repair threshold under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, which applies to defects likely to cause death or serious bodily injury. The 2022 Ford Maverick has generated 76 NHTSA complaints related to braking, including ABS failures, grinding, reduced stopping power, and warning lights. Owner reports include: “The rear brakes and rotors have prematurely worn out at only 28k miles, while the front brakes are like new. There is no way for me or any local repair shop to put it into brake service mode. The official Ford procedure does not work. NHTSA issued SSM 51217 acknowledging the issue, but the only solution is only to take it to a Ford dealer to do a simple procedure such as changing rear brake pads. This solution is unacceptable and causes an undue burden upon the customer in time and money for a known manufacturing defect. My closest dealer is 1 hour away. It can not pass my state safety inspection without this being done. Ford should be issuing a recall to address this defect, not simply driving people to the dealer network for basic safety maintenance.” (NHTSA Complaint #11605064)

Engine

Engine and cooling problems are among the most serious defects under California’s Song-Beverly Act. Owners of the 2022 Ford Maverick have reported issues including stalling, overheating, loss of power, rough idling, excessive oil consumption, and check engine lights that return after dealer repairs. With 52 NHTSA complaints on record, this defect pattern is well-documented. Owner reports include: “Truck smelled funny, pulled over to check it out. Got out truck and noticed it was on fire from engine.” (NHTSA Complaint #11682511)

Other Systems

The 2022 Ford Maverick has generated 48 NHTSA complaints for this defect category. If your vehicle has experienced recurring issues in this area that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple attempts, you may have a qualifying lemon law claim under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Owner reports include: “This is a complaint of Sheridan Ford in Wilmington DE specifically refusing to complete the recall without my paying out of pocket. Manufacturer Recall Number24S59 NHTSA Recall Number24V684 was left incomplete because they demanded I pay for a “diagnostic” fee on a known safety issue – this dealership is taking advantage of a saftey recall that is required to force customers to pay” (NHTSA Complaint #11714442)

Active NHTSA Recalls — 2022 Ford Maverick

The following 27 recalls have been issued for the 2022 Ford Maverick by the NHTSA or Ford. If your vehicle is affected, the manufacturer is required to provide a free remedy. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls.

California Lemon Law — Song-Beverly Act

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1790–1795.8) is one of the strongest lemon laws in the United States. It protects buyers and lessees of new and certified pre-owned vehicles that develop substantial defects the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts.

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, a lemon law presumption is triggered when any of the following apply to your 2022 Ford Maverick:

• 4+ repair attempts for the same non-safety defect without resolution
• 2+ repair attempts for a defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury
• 30+ calendar days out of service for warranty repairs (cumulative, not consecutive)

Once the presumption is triggered, the burden shifts to Ford to prove the vehicle is not a lemon. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Ford must pay your attorney’s fees if you prevail — meaning qualified representation costs you nothing out of pocket.

What You Can Recover

If your 2022 Ford Maverick qualifies as a lemon under California law, Ford may be legally required to:

• Repurchase your vehicle — Full refund of your down payment, all monthly payments, registration fees, and incidental costs (towing, rentals), minus a mileage offset for miles driven before the first repair attempt
• Replace your vehicle — Provide a new, comparable vehicle at no cost to you
• Pay your attorney’s fees — Under § 1794(d), Ford pays all legal fees if you prevail
• Civil penalty up to 2x damages — If Ford willfully violated the Act, courts may award double the actual damages

Steps to Protect Your 2022 Ford Maverick Claim

Step 1: Document every repair visit. Keep all repair orders, work orders, and dealer invoices. Each visit counts as a repair attempt, even if the dealer says nothing is wrong.

Step 2: Keep returning for repairs. You must give Ford a reasonable opportunity to fix the defect. Visit different authorized Ford dealers if needed and ask for written documentation of each visit.

Step 3: Contact a California lemon law attorney. Once you believe the threshold has been met — 4 attempts for non-safety defects, 2 for safety defects, or 30 days out of service — contact an attorney for a free case evaluation. Under § 1794(d), Ford pays your fees if you win.

Step 4: Send a demand letter. Your attorney will send Ford a formal demand letter. Most California lemon law cases resolve through negotiation without going to trial.

2022 Ford Maverick Lemon Law Questions

How many repair attempts qualify my 2022 Ford Maverick as a lemon?

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, four or more repair attempts for the same non-safety defect, or two attempts for a safety-related defect, triggers the lemon law presumption. Additionally, 30 or more cumulative days out of service qualifies regardless of the number of repair attempts.

Does Ford pay my attorney fees?

Yes. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Ford is required to pay your reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs if you prevail in a lemon law claim. This means qualified lemon law representation is free to you if your case succeeds.

Can I file a lemon law claim without an active recall?

Yes. A recall is not required to file a lemon law claim. The Song-Beverly Act covers any substantial defect that impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle that the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts. NHTSA complaints support the claim by establishing a pattern, but are not a prerequisite.

What is the time limit to file a lemon law claim for my 2022 Ford Maverick?

California lemon law claims are generally subject to a four-year statute of limitations from the date you discovered or should have discovered the defect. However, you must still be within the manufacturer’s original warranty period when the defect first appears. Contact an attorney promptly to preserve your rights.