Dealer visit checklist
2025 Ford Maverick checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
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 2025 Ford Maverick problems to check
- Ford's SYNC 4 infotainment system has shown occasional software glitches and touchscreen freezes requiring resets or dealer updates
- The hybrid battery cooling system should be monitored — early production units had intermittent warning light issues, though Ford issued a TSB
- Rear drum brakes on base trims wear faster than expected under moderate hauling loads, typically needing replacement around 50,000-60,000 miles
- Spray-in or aftermarket bed liner is strongly recommended as the standard bed coating scratches easily with regular cargo use
- Rear suspension can feel stiff and crashy on rough roads when the truck bed is unloaded, a common complaint across all trims
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2023-2025 Escape, 2023 Lincoln Corsair, 2025 Lincoln Corsair, Maverick, and Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L MPC engine and an engine block heater.
- AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:STATUS INDICATOR LAMP/LIGHT: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Maverick vehicles.
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Maverick and Escape vehicles.
- ENGINE: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Mustang, Lincoln Corsair, and 2025 Maverick vehicles.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:PARK PAWL: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2026 F-150 Lightning BEV, 2024-2026 Mustang Mach-E, and 2025-2026 Maverick vehicles.
- STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Maverick vehicles.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $26,500 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