If your Ford Maverick’s transmission is acting weird—jerky shifts, hesitation, or strange noises—you’re dealing with a problem that’s affected thousands of owners. Here’s what’s really going on with these transmissions, what it’ll cost you, and how to protect yourself from expensive repairs.
What’s Actually Wrong With Maverick Transmissions?
Ford’s compact pickup uses two different transmissions, and both have issues. The 8-speed automatic (8F35) in EcoBoost models has more problems than the hybrid’s eCVT system, but neither is perfect.
The 8F35 8-Speed Automatic: The Bigger Problem Child
The 8-speed automatic transmission has earned a reputation for being temperamental. Owners report harsh shifts that feel like someone’s rear-ending them, especially when moving from 1st to 2nd gear. It’s not just annoying—it’s a sign something’s wrong inside.
Delayed engagement is another common complaint. You shift from Park to Drive, and… nothing. The truck just sits there for a few seconds before it decides to cooperate. That’s a safety issue when you’re trying to merge into traffic.
Around 35 mph, these transmissions often “hunt” for the right gear. The engine RPMs bounce up and down as the transmission can’t figure out where it wants to be. It’s like watching someone who can’t decide what to wear—frustrating and pointless.
The worst cases involve complete transmission failure. Some owners have found metal shavings in their transmission fluid at just 38,000 miles. That’s internal components grinding themselves apart.
The HF45 Hybrid eCVT: Better, But Not Perfect
The hybrid transmission shares its basic design with Toyota’s proven system, which should mean reliability. And it’s definitely better than the 8-speed automatic. But it’s not bulletproof.
Bearing failures are the main concern. When bearings fail, the motor rotors move around too much and hit the stator. That creates electrical shorts and kills the motor. The repair requires pulling the entire transmission and engine.
Housing seal leaks are another issue. Transmission fluid seeps out from where the housing halves meet. Again, this means major disassembly to fix—not a quick Saturday morning project.
How Much Will This Cost You?
Let’s talk money, because transmission repairs aren’t cheap.
Basic fluid changes run $200-300. That’s your cheapest insurance policy against bigger problems.
Software updates for known issues cost $200-400. Ford has released several Technical Service Bulletins that involve reprogramming the computer to fix shift quality problems.
Component repairs get pricier:
- Solenoid replacement: $800-1,200
- Valve body work: $1,500-2,500
- Planetary gear replacement: $2,500-4,000
Complete rebuilds will set you back $4,000-6,000. A brand new transmission from the dealer? That’s $6,000-9,000 including labor.
Here’s a breakdown of what you’re looking at:
| Repair Type | Cost Range | What It Fixes |
|---|---|---|
| Fluid Change | $200-$300 | Preventive maintenance |
| Software Update | $200-$400 | Shift quality, engagement issues |
| Solenoid Replacement | $800-$1,200 | Specific shift problems |
| Valve Body Repair | $1,500-$2,500 | P0766 code, contamination |
| Planetary Gears | $2,500-$4,000 | Internal mechanical failure |
| Complete Rebuild | $4,000-$6,000 | Major internal damage |
| New Transmission | $6,000-$9,000 | Total failure |
What Ford’s Warranty Actually Covers
Ford’s 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty covers transmission defects. If your truck’s still under warranty, Ford should handle it. But there’s a catch—”should” doesn’t always mean “will.”
Some repairs might not qualify under warranty terms, and once you’re past 60,000 miles or 5 years, you’re on your own. That’s where extended warranties come in. Ford Protect Extended Service Plans can cover transmission repairs beyond the factory warranty, but read the fine print carefully.
Which Model Years Should You Avoid?
Not all Mavericks are created equal. Here’s what reliability trends show:
2022: The Year to Skip
The 2022 Maverick had the worst transmission problems. Early production units suffered from quality control issues that led to multiple recalls and countless owner complaints. Both transmission types had significant problems, but the 8-speed automatic was particularly troublesome.
If you’re shopping used, skip 2022 models unless they’ve already had the transmission replaced under warranty.
2023: Slightly Better
Ford made some improvements for 2023, including updated software calibrations and manufacturing changes. Problems persisted, but less frequently. The fundamental design issues weren’t fixed, though—just managed better.
2024 and Beyond: The Safest Bet
Current models show fewer reported failures. Ford’s quality initiatives seem to be working, but we won’t know for sure until these trucks rack up more miles. If you’re buying new, 2024+ models are your best bet.
Common Diagnostic Trouble Codes You’ll See
When your Maverick’s transmission acts up, the check engine light usually follows. Here’s what the codes mean:
P0766 is the most common. It means “Shift Solenoid D Performance/Stuck Off.” This typically points to contamination in the valve body. The fix involves disassembling the valve body, cleaning it, and sometimes replacing parts.
Other codes relate to clutch performance, torque converter issues, and solenoid malfunctions. Don’t ignore these codes—they’re your transmission crying for help.
The Real Fix: What Actually Works
Ford has issued multiple TSBs to address transmission problems. TSB 21-2389 tackles shudder, buck, and jerk symptoms by reprogramming the computer and updating transmission software.
TSB 22-2281 addresses planetary gear failures, requiring complete transmission overhaul. This mainly affects vehicles built before December 2021.
If your truck shows symptoms, start with the TSB fixes. They’re cheaper than component replacement and often solve the problem. But if you’ve got metal shavings in your fluid or the transmission’s slipping badly, you’re looking at major surgery.
How to Prevent Transmission Failure
Despite what Ford says about “lifetime” transmission fluid, that’s marketing nonsense. Change your transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. Use only OEM-approved fluid—this isn’t the place to save $20 with generic stuff.
Keep your cooling system maintained. Overheating kills transmissions faster than anything else. If your truck runs hot, fix it immediately.
Watch for early warning signs:
- Harsh or delayed shifts
- Transmission hunting between gears
- Burnt smell from under the truck
- Fluid leaks on your driveway
- Check engine light with transmission codes
Catch problems early, and you might avoid a $6,000 repair bill.
The Hybrid vs. EcoBoost Reliability Question
If you’re choosing between powertrains, the hybrid’s eCVT is more reliable than the 8-speed automatic. It’s not perfect, but it fails less often and usually costs less to fix when it does break.
The eCVT design borrows heavily from Toyota’s system, which has proven reliable in millions of vehicles. Ford’s implementation has some unique issues, but the foundation is solid.
The 8-speed automatic, on the other hand, has fundamental design and manufacturing issues that software updates can’t fully fix.
What This Means for Maverick Owners
If you already own a Maverick, don’t panic. Most transmissions will work fine with proper maintenance. But stay vigilant. Know the warning signs, keep up with fluid changes, and address problems immediately.
If you’re shopping for a Maverick, choose a 2024+ model year if buying new. For used trucks, get a pre-purchase inspection from a transmission specialist, not just a general mechanic. Check for TSB completion and ask about transmission history.
The hybrid model offers better transmission reliability overall. Yes, you’ll wait longer to get one, but that’s better than waiting at the dealership for a transmission rebuild.
Ford’s Response Has Been Mixed
Ford has addressed some issues through recalls and TSBs, but their response has been inconsistent. Some problems get fixed quickly, while others linger for years. Customer satisfaction has suffered, and the Maverick’s transmission problems have damaged Ford’s reputation in the compact truck market.
The company’s quality control improvements show promise. Later production vehicles have fewer issues, suggesting Ford is learning from early mistakes. But it shouldn’t have taken thousands of complaints to get here.
The Bottom Line
Ford Maverick transmission problems are real, documented, and expensive. The 8-speed automatic has more issues than the hybrid’s eCVT. Early model years (especially 2022) should be avoided. Later models show improvement but aren’t bulletproof.
If you’re stuck with a problematic transmission, push for warranty coverage. Document everything. Know your rights under lemon laws if Ford won’t fix it properly.
For future buyers, choose carefully. The Maverick is a great truck concept hampered by transmission reliability issues. With proper knowledge and maintenance, you can avoid the worst problems. But go in with your eyes open—this isn’t the bulletproof reliability you might expect from a new vehicle.
