Is the Ford Maverick Hybrid Engine Actually Dangerous?
It’s time to bust out the detective hats to take a closer look at the Ford Maverick Hybrid. There was a lawsuit related to engine issues, but it was dropped, and it’s being appealed. Allegedly, a related recall didn’t actually fix the Ford Maverick Hybrid’s engine, so let’s see what’s up.
Potentially dangerous Ford Maverick Hybrid problems
Recently, there was a recall involving the 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, and PHEV models, and the hybrid Lincoln Corsair due to being at risk of engine fires. About 23 Maverick Hybrid models have sparked flames.
In the event of engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor could leak into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as the hot engine or exhaust components, increasing the risk of engine fires.
According to Ford Authority, Ford corrected the issue by adding drainage holes to the under-hood shield and replacing the active grille shutters to reduce temperatures with enhanced airflow.
This could prevent fires by preventing fluids from collecting in the engine bay and keeping things cooler. But does this fix actually stop the hybrid engine from leaking? A dismissed lawsuit claims that Ford didn’t do enough to correct the problem.
But it’s being appealed because the problem allegedly sets the stage for possible injuries and damage. The judge shared that the plaintiffs don’t have evidence for dangerous conditions, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) supervised 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 how similar models in the lineup have been performing. But the Ford Escape and Ford Bronco Sport don’t exactly have the best scores.
Also, the Maverick Hybrid hasn’t been put through the paces yet. Most people are still waiting for their orders to arrive, so we will have to wait a little longer for an official score.
However, critics also predict that a few Maverick Hybrid problems could emerge. For example, the Maveric Hybrid has a small battery pack that’s a bit weak to keep costs down. It will need to be recharged pretty often and could wear out faster than expected.
The e-CVT transmission is an interesting choice for a hybrid truck. It could limit the towing capacity and overall performance. If drivers overload the truck or drive it aggressively, then they could have a few surprising problems to correct early on.
This isn’t exactly a mechanical problem, but drivers aren’t getting the fuel economy that’s promised. The Maverick Hybrid is expected to get an EPA-estimated 42 mpg in the city and up to 33 mpg on the highway.
Even Car and Driver’s test fell short. Their team probably knew to drive like they had a hybrid with slow stops and a leisurely acceleration to improve the numbers, though.
Does the Maverick Hybrid have an electric range?
The Ford Maverick Hybrid doesn’t have an official electric range, but it is possible to travel about one to three miles with a full charge and light foot. It’s a hybrid, meaning it combines electricity and gas. But the upcoming PHEV model could have an electric range between 20 to 40 miles.
You don’t need to plug the Maverick in. The batteries use regenerative braking to gain an electric charge. It should provide up to 500 miles between gas fill-ups.
So, the Ford Maverick Hybrid is currently safe to drive, despite sparking 23 fires. The NHSTA is good with the way Ford handled the recall. Stay tuned for the latest updates about reliability rankings.
