Ford Announces Major Recall for Maverick Hybrids Amid Gauge Cluster Software Issue

Ford recalls select Maverick hybrid models over a software issue preventing the gauge cluster from illuminating, affecting thousands in the U.S.

In a significant move affecting thousands of customers nationwide, Ford Motor Company has announced a recall for select Maverick hybrid pickup trucks from the 2022 and 2023 model years. This recall, necessitated by a software malfunction that impedes the gauge cluster’s illumination, underscores the complex interplay of modern vehicle technology and safety standards. An estimated 62,813 vehicles in the United States are poised to be affected by this issue, spotlighting the scale of the challenge Ford faces in addressing this glitch.

The heart of the problem lies in the instrument cluster binnacle of these specific Maverick hybrid models, which fails to illuminate crucial readouts such as the speedometer and vehicle warning lights. This flaw not only presents an inconvenience and potential safety hazard to drivers but also contravenes several of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). The malfunction is attributed to faulty software, particularly rapid Controller Area Network (CAN) signals that erroneously toggle the truck between its Sleep and Awake modes. Such activity can corrupt the truck’s internal memory registers, thus preventing the cluster from lighting up as designed.

This issue was unearthed following the analysis of 167 warranty claims related to the cluster, conducted by the production team at Ford’s Hermosillo plant in Mexico. It’s noteworthy that this problem is confined to the hybrid variant of the Maverick, with no similar issues reported for the models equipped with the more powerful EcoBoost powertrains.

In response to this challenge, Ford has acted swiftly, formulating a software update to rectify the malfunction. This fix, which will be provided at no cost to the owners of the affected vehicles, is a testament to Ford’s commitment to its customers' safety and satisfaction. Vehicle owners can expect to receive notification letters by March 18, 2024, detailing how they can have their pickups updated by their local dealerships.

For Maverick owners concerned about whether their vehicle falls under this recall, they are encouraged to visit the NHTSA website and input their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or to contact Ford customer service directly at 1-866-436-7332, referencing the internal recall number 24C01.

This recall serves as a reminder of the intricate dependencies within modern automotive technology and the paramount importance of maintaining stringent safety standards. Ford’s proactive approach in addressing this issue not only aims to mitigate any potential safety risks but also reinforces the company’s dedication to upholding the highest quality and safety standards for its customers.