A handful of Maverick pickup trucks have been hit with a recall caused by a codification error. More specifically, the Dearborn-based automaker produced the subject vehicles with a TREAD label containing incorrect spare tire size, cold tire inflation pressure, and payload information.
The problem was brought to the attention of the Critical Concern Review Group on March 12, 2024. Investigations determined that a small number of XLTs equipped with the FX4 package and the 4K trailer tow package had been produced with a mini spare tire instead of a full-size spare tire.
Prior to shipping, the XLTs in question had their mini spares replaced with full-size spare tires, yet – for some reason or another – the TREAD label indicating a mini spare was left untouched. Overinflation increases the risk of a blowout, and the subject vehicles are not compliant with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 for tire selection and rims.
Thankfully for both affected owners and the Ford Motor Company, the Dearborn-based automaker isn't aware of any reports of accidents related to the recall condition. The remedy entails new labels with adjusted spare tire size, cold tire inflation pressure, and payload information to be mailed to affected owners via first-class mail in the period between April 29, 2024 and May 3, 2024. In the Maverick's case, the sticker in question is located either on the edge of the driver's door or on the B pillar.
Based on Ford's production records, the XLT FX4 4K vehicles produced with incorrect labels rolled off the assembly line at Hermosillo between January 15, 2024 and January 22, 2024. In the US, the affected population totals nine vehicles.
Photo: Ford
Since the recalled vehicles are equipped with the FX4 package, it means that recalled vehicles were specified with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder turbo and all-wheel drive. The force-fed engine is standard for model year 2024, whereas all-wheel drive adds $2,220 to the final price. The FX4 package retails at $800 as of April 2024.
FX4 also requires the 4K trailer tow package to be selected, which is definitely worth it. $745 gets you a trailer hitch receiver with a seven-pin connector, a trailer brake controller, a higher capacity radiator, an upgraded cooling fan, an upgraded drive ratio for all-wheel-drive trucks, and a transmission oil cooler. EcoBoost-equipped Mavericks use an eight-speed auto instead of the hybrid's eCVT.
Going all-wheel drive further makes sense from the standpoint of rear suspension layout. Rather than a twist beam with force vectoring springs, all-wheel drive levels up to multi-link trailing arm suspension with coil springs. The FX4 package further sweetens the deal with hydraulic rebound stops.
2024 is the final model year of the pre-facelift Maverick, which starts at $23,815 (sans destination) for the XL front-wheel drive with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost or $25,315 for the hybrid powertrain. Considering that Ford started assembling the 2024 Maverick in October 2023, chances are the 2025 model will be unleashed in late summer.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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