Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1977 Ford Maverick — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
1
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 100% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE MANUAL STEERING GEARS MAY CONTAIN STEERING GEAR RECIRCULATORY BALLS THAT COULD FRACTURE. THIS FRACTURING IS A RESULT OF IMPROPER HEAT-TREATMENT DURING MANUFACTURE AND CAN EVENTUALLY CAUSE INCREASED STEERING EFFORT.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BALL BEARINGS OF THE STEERING GEAR, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Defect
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH LEFT DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLIES THAT CONTAIN PAWL SPRING RETAINERS THAT WERE NOT PRODUCED TO ENGINEERING SPECIFICATIONS. CONSEQUENTLY, THE SPRING COULD BREAK, CAUSING THE LATCH PAWL TO DISENGAGE FROM THE LATCH CAM.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW PAWL SPRING AND CORRECT THE FLANGE ALIGNMENT, WITHOUT CHARGE.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“PURCHASED 4 NEW SUPER RIDE TIRES (P185/75R14 / PLJB9KR605) FROM JUST TIRES @ 3136 SEPULVEDA BOULEVARD TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA ON 4/11/06. ONE UNDULATION APPEARED ON THE SIDEWALL OF EACH TIRE 1-2 MONTHS AFTER INSTALLATION. OVER TIME AN SECOND UNDULATION APPEARED ON THE REAR PASSENGER-SIDE TIRE.…”
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1977 Ford Maverick. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.