It’s time to take off your detective hats to take a closer look at the Ford Maverick Hybrid. There was a lawsuit related to engine problems, but it was dropped and is being appealed. A related recall allegedly didn’t actually fix the Ford Maverick Hybrid’s engine, so let’s see what happens.
Potentially dangerous issues with the Ford Maverick Hybrid
Recently, there was a recall of the 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid and PHEV, and the Lincoln Corsair Hybrid due to the risk of engine fires. About 23 Maverick Hybrid models have caught fire.
In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor could leak into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as a hot engine or exhaust components, increasing the risk of engine fires.
According to Ford Authority, Ford corrected the problem by adding drainage holes to the underhood shield and replacing the active grille louvers to lower temperatures with improved airflow.
This could prevent fires by preventing fluids from pooling in the engine compartment and keeping things cooler. But does this solution really prevent the hybrid engine from leaking? A dismissed lawsuit claims Ford didn’t do enough to correct the problem.
But it’s being appealed because the problem allegedly sets the stage for potential injury and damage. The judge shared that the plaintiffs have no evidence of dangerous conditions and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) oversaw the remedy.
How reliable is the Maverick Hybrid?
The Ford Maverick Hybrid is expected to be more reliable than the average new vehicle. This is based on the performance of similar models in the line. But the Ford Escape and Ford Bronco Sport don’t exactly get top marks.
Also, the Maverick Hybrid has yet to be tested. Most people are still waiting for their orders to arrive, so we’ll have to wait a little longer for an official score.
However, critics also predict that some Maverick Hybrid problems could arise. For example, the Maveric Hybrid has a small battery that is a bit weak to keep costs down. It will need to be recharged quite often and may wear out faster than expected.
The e-CVT transmission is an interesting option for a hybrid truck. It could limit towing capacity and overall performance. If drivers overload the truck or drive it aggressively, they could have some surprising problems to correct early.
This isn’t exactly a mechanical problem, but drivers aren’t getting the promised fuel economy. The Maverick Hybrid is expected to get an EPA-estimated 42 mpg in the city and up to 33 mpg on the highway.
Even the car and driver test fell short. His team probably knew how to drive like they had a hybrid with slow stops and leisurely acceleration to improve the numbers, though.
Does the Maverick Hybrid have electric range?
The Ford Maverick Hybrid doesn’t have an official electric range, but it’s possible to travel between one and three miles on a full charge and a light foot. It is a hybrid, meaning it combines electricity and gas. But the next PHEV model could have an electric range of 20 to 40 miles.
You don’t need to connect the Maverick. Batteries use regenerative braking to obtain an electrical charge. It should provide up to 500 miles between gas fills.
So the Ford Maverick Hybrid is currently safe to drive, even though it caused 23 fires. The NHSTA is fine with how Ford handled the recall. Stay tuned for the latest updates on the reliability rankings.
