Dealer visit checklist
2023 Ford Maverick checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
This is a year to avoid
- • 2.3x more owner complaints than nearby model years
- • 4.9x more owner complaints than other 2023 trucks
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2023 Ford Maverick problems to check
- Ford's SYNC 4 infotainment system has reported occasional freezing or connectivity drops requiring software updates or resets
- Some owners report water intrusion around the bed or cab junction, particularly in higher-rainfall climates
- The 2.0L EcoBoost (non-hybrid) trim has shown isolated reports of turbo hesitation under heavy load
- Hybrid battery conditioning in extreme cold climates (below 10°F) can temporarily reduce fuel economy by 15-20%
- Early production units had reported issues with the tailgate latch mechanism, though Ford issued a TSB to address this
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Maverick vehicles.
- ENGINE: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:BULBS: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Maverick Hybrid vehicles.
- TIRES: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Maverick and Bronco Sport vehicles.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $23,500 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away