What goes wrong, what it costs, and what to check before you buy a used Ford Maverick.
The Ford Maverick occupies a niche position on the UK market.
We track 5 known issues across the Ford Maverick range, including 1 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Ford Maverick? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
Mk1 (1993–1998) — Engine options included the 2.7 TD. Our database flags 4 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Subframe mounting point corrosion (£800–£1,500 to address).
Mk2 (2001–2007) — Engine options included the 2.0 Zetec, 3.0 V6. We track 1 known issues on this generation, with 1 classified as significant. The most significant concern is Flexible brake hose deterioration (£150–£250 to address).
The chassis mounting points where the front and rear subframes attach suffer severe corrosion on first-generation Mavericks. This affects the structural integrity of the suspension mounting points and can lead to subframe detachment. MOT data shows this model fails at 21.7 times the national average for mounting point corrosion at high mileage. This is a well-documented issue on 1990s Ford utility vehicles exposed to road salt and moisture.
In extreme cases, mounting point failure can cause subframe detachment and complete loss of suspension or steering control. Even partial failure creates dangerous handling characteristics. Repair requires welding new metal sections which typically costs £800-£1,500 depending on the extent of corrosion. Cars with severe mounting point corrosion should not be driven.
Inspect the wheel arches, sills, jacking points and door bottoms carefully. Press gently on sills to check for soft spots. Look underneath for corrosion on structural components. Check the MOT history for corrosion-related advisories or failures.
Front and rear wheel bearings fail at exceptionally high rates on first-generation Mavericks, particularly the 2.7 diesel variant. MOT data shows bearing failures at 16.8 times the national average at high mileage. The bearings are not sealed for life and deteriorate rapidly once water ingress occurs through damaged seals. This issue is exacerbated by the vehicle's utility use and exposure to harsh conditions.
A completely failed bearing can seize and lock the wheel, causing loss of control. More commonly, excessive play affects braking performance and tyre wear patterns. Replacement typically requires hub assembly replacement rather than bearing-only repair. Driving with a rumbling bearing risks complete failure.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The flexible brake hoses connecting the brake calipers to the rigid brake lines deteriorate at high rates on second-generation Mavericks. MOT data shows failures at 15.3 times the fleet average around 80,000-100,000 miles on petrol variants. The rubber compounds degrade from age and brake fluid contamination, causing the hoses to swell, crack, or develop internal restrictions that affect braking performance.
Deteriorated brake hoses can cause brake failure if they burst under pressure or develop internal restrictions that prevent proper brake operation. Even partial restrictions cause uneven braking and longer stopping distances. Complete hose replacement is typically required and costs are moderate but essential for safety.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
The rubber bushes in the front and rear suspension deteriorate at higher than average rates on first-generation Mavericks. MOT data shows shock absorber bush failures at 14.3 times the fleet average at high mileage. The bushes are subject to oil contamination from engine and transmission leaks which accelerates rubber degradation. This affects ride quality and handling precision but does not pose a safety risk.
Worn suspension bushes reduce ride comfort and handling precision but do not create a dangerous situation. The vehicle remains controllable but will feel less refined and may develop rattles over road surfaces. Bush replacement is moderately expensive but can usually be deferred until MOT failure.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
First-generation Mavericks suffer from widespread body corrosion affecting non-structural panels and the vehicle structure. The utility vehicle design with exposed metal surfaces and basic corrosion protection makes these vehicles particularly susceptible to rust in the UK climate, especially around wheel arches, door frames, and the rear tailgate area.
Widespread body corrosion affects the vehicle's appearance and can progress to structural areas if left untreated. While not immediately dangerous, extensive corrosion can make the vehicle uneconomical to repair and may eventually affect MOT pass rates. Treatment costs vary widely depending on the extent of damage.
Inspect the wheel arches, sills, jacking points and door bottoms carefully. Press gently on sills to check for soft spots. Look underneath for corrosion on structural components. Check the MOT history for corrosion-related advisories or failures.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Ford Maverick common problems page.
Based on 4k real DVSA MOT tests, the Ford Maverick fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is suspension ball joints worn at 412x the fleet average, followed by free play in the steering, measured at the rim ... (74x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Ford Maverick MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 13k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
See the full Ford Maverick service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Ford Maverick has some well-documented weak points, including 1 safety-critical issue that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Ford Maverick, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known Ford Maverick issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.