Quick Facts:
- Topic: Maverick Hybrid recall for a loose 12V battery cable, Ford 26S81 and NHTSA 26V724.
- Trucks covered: 8,650 Ford Maverick Hybrids from the 2022 model year, all with the 2.5L hybrid engine.
- Build window: 2/3/2021 to 5/12/2022.
- Problem: The eyelet on the positive battery cable loosens or detaches in some trucks.
- Risk: Loss of drive power, power steering assist, brake assist or exterior lighting while driving.
- Fix: A dealer replaces the 12V battery cable at no charge.
- Owner letters: Nov. 23 to Nov. 27, 2026.
- Known injuries: None reported to Ford as of Oct. 13, 2026.
6 min read
In This Article
What the Maverick Hybrid Recall Covers
The Maverick Hybrid recall covers 8,650 trucks from the 2022 model year, and the defect is in a part you never see. Ford says the eyelet on the positive 12V battery cable loosens or detaches in some trucks. When it lets go, the break cuts power to the battery junction box.
As a result, an affected truck risks losing drive power while you drive, or failing to crank. Power steering assist, brake assist, headlamps and the ability to shift into Neutral are also at risk. About 1% of the 8,650 trucks have the defect by Ford’s estimate, and the company knows of no accidents or injuries as of Oct. 13, 2026.
Ford filed the recall with NHTSA on Nov. 2, 2026 as campaign 26V724, and Ford’s own number is 26S81. Notably, NHTSA’s VIN lookup went live on Nov. 9, so you do not need to wait for a letter. Ford plans to mail owner letters from Nov. 23 through Nov. 27, 2026.
If you drive your Maverick Hybrid down forest roads or to remote campsites, a stall costs far more than it does in town. Therefore, check your VIN now and ask your dealer about parts availability.
Rule Out a Weak 12V Battery First
A weak or dead 12V battery causes the same no-crank symptom, so rule it out first. The NOCO Boost GB40 12V 1000A UltraSafe Portable Lithium Jump Starter is a portable booster for any 12V vehicle. It does not repair or replace the recall cable, and a truck still dead after a boost needs a dealer.
NOCO Boost GB40 12V 1000A UltraSafe Portable Lithium Jump Starter | Spark-Proof & Reverse Polarity Protection, For Car, Truck, Motorcycle, SUV, Boat, ATV, RV, up to 6.0L Gas & 3.0L Diesel
A portable booster to rule out a flat 12V battery when a truck will not crank.
- Spark-proof and reverse polarity protection
- Built-in power bank and LED flashlight
- Compact lithium body fits a glove box
- Does not fix the recall cable
- Rated for engines up to 6.0L gas and 3.0L diesel
Key Facts at a Glance
The table below adds the part numbers, dates and exclusions from Ford’s Part 573 safety recall report filed with NHTSA.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Recall numbers | NHTSA 26V724, Ford 26S81, report received Nov. 2, 2026 |
| Defective part | Eyelet C1617E on the positive 12V battery cable, at the battery junction box |
| Supplier | Yazaki Inc. |
| Replacement | New cable, part NZ6T-14300-CA |
| Excluded trucks | Trucks already repaired under Ford program 22B39 |
| VIN lookup | Live on NHTSA.gov since Nov. 9, 2026 |
| Cost to you | Free at a Ford or Lincoln dealer |
What Causes the Battery Cable Failure
Start with the part itself. Ford’s report says hydroxy acetic acid, tied to a dip solder process on the eyelet joint, is a corrosion risk for the ultrasonic weld holding the terminal to its cable. As a result, the eyelet sometimes loosens or detaches, or the solder joint weakens or breaks.
Yazaki Inc. supplied the cable assembly. Tracing eyelets built with the dip solder process let Ford identify the affected trucks.
Why Ford Issued the Recall Now
Ford looked at this problem in 2022. At first, testing with a disconnected 12V cable did not show a loss of drive power while driving, because the DC-DC converter powers the 12V system while the truck moves. Therefore, Ford judged a no-start the most likely hazard and ran program 22B39, a non-safety action approved Nov. 4, 2022, which expired June 30, 2024.
However, new complaints changed the picture. On July 17, 2026, Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group opened a new investigation. By Sept. 1, 2026, it counted 11 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires, all alleging a loss of drive power while driving, plus 427 warranty claims, 11 of which report the same loss. Ford’s Field Review Committee then approved the recall on Oct. 27, 2026.
Warning Signs of the Maverick Hybrid Recall Defect
Ford lists these dash warnings for a truck with the loose cable:
- A “Stop Safely Now” message.
- Powertrain Malfunction or Reduced Power message.
- A “Shift System Fault” message.
- The red battery icon.
- The Check Engine, wrench and ABS lamps.
In addition, an affected truck sometimes fails to crank or start. As of Nov. 13, 2026, NHTSA’s record shows no do-not-drive or park-outside advisory, so Ford has not issued a stop-driving advisory.
Safety note: If one of these warnings appears while you drive, turn on your hazard lights, steer to a safe spot and stop. A failure risks power steering and brake assist, so expect heavier steering and more pedal effort. Once you are stopped, call Ford at 1-866-436-7332 or a dealer, and do not keep driving a truck showing these warnings.
How to Check Your Maverick Hybrid Recall Status
First, find your 17-character VIN on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration card or on your insurance card. Next, enter it at NHTSA.gov and look for campaign 26V724. Ford does not produce these trucks in VIN order, so you cannot judge coverage by eye. Ford’s toll-free line, 1-866-436-7332, and any Ford or Lincoln dealer also confirm your truck.
Then call a dealer to book the repair and ask about parts availability. The dealer installs a new cable, part NZ6T-14300-CA, at no charge. A truck already repaired under program 22B39 is excluded.
For context on timing, see how long Ford recall fixes take in our NHTSA data analysis. Finally, keep your repair order as proof the work is done.
What This Means for You as an Owner
First, treat a 2022 Maverick Hybrid built from 2/3/2021 to 5/12/2022 as covered until the VIN lookup says otherwise. NHTSA lists only the 2022 model year, so a 2023 or newer Maverick Hybrid is not part of this campaign. A used 2022 truck needs a VIN check before you buy.
Second, do not confuse this recall with Ford’s 2024 battery software recall. In April 2024, recall 24V-267 covered 456,565 Bronco Sport and Maverick vehicles because the body and powertrain control modules might fail to detect a change in the 12V battery’s state of charge. The 2024 fix was a dealer software recalibration. This recall covers a physical part, the cable between the battery and the junction box, so the 2024 update does not address it.
Third, if you also own other Ford trucks, we covered the Ford tailgate recall and the Ford Ranger recall.
Before the dealer visit, read the stored codes. The BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool for iPhone & Android plugs into the OBD2 port and shows stored trouble codes and live data on your phone. Hand the code list to the service advisor. The scanner reads codes only, so it does not repair the cable or confirm the recall defect.
BlueDriver OBD2 Scanner Bluetooth, No Subscription, ABS SRS TPMS | OBDII Diagnostic Scan Tool, Car Scanner & Code Reader, iPhone & Android, Check Engine, Repair Reports, Vehicles 1996+
A Bluetooth scan tool to read stored codes before you book the repair.
- No subscription fees
- Reads stored codes and live data
- Works with iPhone and Android
- Does not fix the recall cable
- Needs a phone or tablet to show results
Final Thoughts
This recall has a simple, free fix. Ford knows of no injuries, and it estimates the defect affects about 1% of the trucks. However, a failure risks steering assist, brake assist and drive power together, which is why the lookup is worth five minutes of your time.
Because a stall on a trail costs far more than one in town, do not wait for the mail. Run your VIN today, then call a dealer and ask about parts availability. Also, if you are weighing a newer Maverick for trail work, our Maverick FX4 package guide shows how to equip one.
FAQ
Is my 2022 Maverick Hybrid part of the recall?
Ford covers 8,650 trucks built from 2/3/2021 to 5/12/2022. However, only your VIN confirms it, so run it at NHTSA.gov or call Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
How much does the recall repair cost?
Nothing. Dealers replace the cable at no charge to you.
Is it safe to drive a Maverick Hybrid before the fix?
Ford has not issued a do-not-drive advisory, and it estimates about 1% of the trucks have the defect. Still, a failure risks drive power, steering assist and brake assist, so book the repair when a dealer has the part. If a warning appears, stop safely and call Ford or a dealer before you continue.
When do the recall letters arrive?
Ford plans to mail owner letters from Nov. 23 through Nov. 27, 2026. Your VIN lookup works today.
Does program 22B39 count as the fix?
Only if the repair was done. Ford excludes trucks already repaired under customer satisfaction program 22B39, which ran from Nov. 4, 2022 to June 30, 2024. Check your service records, or ask a dealer to look up your VIN.