2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid

Shortly after purchase, my 2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid AWD experienced a sudden and severe electrical burning or melting odor while driving at freeway speed (approximately 75 mph). The odor was extremely strong and clearly coming from my vehicle. At the same time, the vehicle produced a loud, continuous whirring or growling noise and experienced a sudden loss of power, as if under heavy load or braking. I exited the freeway as soon as safely possible. No visible smoke or fire was observed, but the odor raised serious concern for overheating electrical or hybrid drivetrain components Since the initial incident, the vehicle has experienced multiple similar but less severe events, including intermittent electrical odors, abnormal hybrid noises, hesitation or lag when switching between electric and gasoline operation, and a significant and permanent reduction in fuel economy. The vehicle has been taken to a Ford dealership multiple times for inspection. I requested inspection for signs of overheating or electrical damage. No diagnostic trouble codes were found and the vehicle was returned without repair. I am concerned this condition may involve overheating or failure of hybrid or electrical drivetrain components, such as the inverter, electric motor, or wiring, which may not immediately trigger diagnostic trouble codes but could pose a safety risk. I am also aware of other 2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid owners reporting similar electrical odors, abnormal hybrid noises, and power loss symptoms in public owner forums, suggesting this may not be an isolated incident. I am submitting this complaint to document a potential safety-related defect involving overheating or electrical failure in the hybrid drivetrain system.

The vehicle has grade assist braking, which cannot be disabled. At speeds below 35mph this braking is too strong and cannot be properly controlled with throttle input. The effect is that, when going downhill, if you release pressure from the gas pedal, the vehicle will abruptly decelerate by several mph with no illumination of the brake light. In traffic, in hilly areas, this is extremely dangerous and has led to several instances of nearly being rear ended. Furthermore, the only way to avoid slowing down is to accelerate. There is no way to feather the gas pedal to coast downhill, so you are either speeding up or slowing down (abruptly). This also requires keeping your foot on the gas pedal when it would be safer to be able to control the vehicle with the brakes. I have reported this to Ford. I have not taken the vehicle to a dealership (because I suspect that they will not be able to do anything about it). There are no warning lights.