Ford Maverick Lemon Law

Ford issued a rare 'Do Not Drive' advisory for certain Maverick (and Bronco Sport) trucks because a front lower control arm ball joint may have been incorrectly installed and can separate, causing a sudden loss of control. It's a small, VIN-specific recall — but a serious one. The Maverick has also drawn other recalls and electrical, software, and drivetrain complaints.

For a compact truck many owners rely on for work, downtime and a stop-driving order are a real loss of use.

A recall isn't automatically a lemon. But if a substantial defect can't be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, or your Maverick is out of service for an extended time, California's Lemon Law may entitle you to a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement — with Ford paying your attorney fees.

A recall is not automatically a lemon — it's the manufacturer acknowledging a defect and offering a free repair. California's Lemon Law (the Song-Beverly Act) comes into play when a substantial defect can't be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, or when your Maverick has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days.

If your Ford Maverick qualifies, you may be entitled to a buyback (a refund of what you've paid, minus a mileage offset), a replacement vehicle, or a cash-and-keep settlement — and Ford pays your attorney fees on a successful claim, so pursuing your case costs you nothing out of pocket.