Oh no, the Ford Maverick Hybrid is in the hot seat again. We mean this literally because it’s still at risk of catching on fire. Reportedly, the recall that was supposed to fix the Ford Maverick Hybrid didn’t exactly correct this flaming problem. 

The Ford Maverick Hybrid could catch on fire 

Recently Ford Motor Company issued a recall for certain 2020 – 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid, Ford Escape, and Lincoln Corsair hybrid and PHEV models because 23 of them burst into flames across the globe. 

According to Ford Authority, the issue seemed to be related to leaking fluids from the engine bay. Ford instructed dealers to add drain holes under the hood shield and change the active grille shutter to allow more airflow. This could reduce temperatures under the hood too. 

But some suggest that this fix is inadequate, so they filed a lawsuit allegedly claiming that Ford hybrid models are still unsafe after these repairs are completed. 

Why is the Maverick Hybrid still unsafe? 

Hagens Berman filed a lawsuit with the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan that alleges that the Ford Maverick Hybrid solution and fix for other leaking hybrid models don’t correct the root cause of the problem. 

Plus, this issue can represent an environmental hazard as it allows fluids to leak out of the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury and property damage. 

Steve Berman, Hagens and Berma co-founder and managing partner, shared that Ford’s solution is basically like rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic. 

Drivers, families, and others on the road are still subject to the potential crisis of a vehicle fire due to a manufacturing defect. Allegedly, Ford’s solution does nothing to solve the issue at hand while an unknown amount of engine fluids leak on the road, leaching to groundwater and soil. 

The lawsuit claims that while spilling fluids onto roads, water, and ground soil, the vehicles could still catch on fire. This is because oil is flammable. 

However, Ford shared that most of the affected vehicles named in this case are protected under its new vehicle and powertrain warranties. That’s good news for most of the drivers. However, if their vehicles have components replaced, are they still at risk of the same problem? 

How safe is the Maverick? 

No one has said to stop driving the Ford Maverick Hybrid or other hybrid vehicles like the Escape. However, the Maverick hasn’t been officially tested for safety ratings yet. We hope that it gains IIHS and NHSTA ratings soon. 

Ford advises drivers to immediately place the Maverick or other hybrid vehicles in park if they hear strange engine noises, experience a loss of power, see smoke, or smell smoke. 

Engine failure could result in significant qualities of fuel and oil leaking and collecting near ignition sources. It can also reduce engine power. 

Deliveries of these vehicles were halted until they could be repaired. But allegedly, the repair doesn’t solve the problem. 

According to Ford, you can still drive your vehicle. Just stop driving immediately if it seems like you’re losing power or see smoke, as your Maverick could be catching on fire. 

We will keep an eye on this lawsuit to see how things progress. Until then, stay safe and pay attention to your truck or SUV.