1977 Ford Maverick recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. 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.
What could happen:
The fix: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BALL BEARINGS OF THE STEERING GEAR, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1977 MAVERICK.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 77V218000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary: 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.
Consequence:
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BALL BEARINGS OF THE STEERING GEAR, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND LIGHT TRUCKS.SYSTEM: STEERING; STEERING GEAR RECIRCULATORY BALLS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: UNDER CONTINUED OPERATION, LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL,LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, AND AN ACCIDENT COULD OCCUR.NOTE: INCREASED STEERING EFFORTS WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN AUDIBLE POPPING ORGRINDING NOISE AND MOMENTARY STEERING HANG-UP. IF ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS AREEXPERIENCED, THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE OPERATED.
2. Latches / locks
What's wrong, in plain English: Doors, hood or trunk may open unexpectedly. 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.
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW PAWL SPRING AND CORRECT THE FLANGE ALIGNMENT, WITHOUT CHARGE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1977 MAVERICK.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 77V045000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Summary: 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.
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW PAWL SPRING AND CORRECT THE FLANGE ALIGNMENT, WITHOUT CHARGE.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: STRUCTURE; DOOR ASSEMBLY, LATCHES AND HOOKS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: SHOULD DISENGAGEMENT OCCUR WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION,THE DOOR COULD OPEN AND A PASSENGER COULD FALL FROM THE VEHICLE AND BESERIOUSLY INJURED.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
05/20/2007 · Wheels / tires
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. ADDITIONALLY, SINCE INSTALLATION, THE SIDEWALL OF EACH TIRE HAS H…