Recall 23V160 affects 2,716 2023 Ford Maverick vehicles for trailer taillights that do not illuminate. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 2,716 2023 Maverick pickups because a missing electrical circuit can leave trailer taillights dark when the trailer tow connector is in use. That lighting failure can make the trailer harder for other drivers to see and increase crash risk, and Ford dealers will repair the trailer tow electrical circuit free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The engine bay harness on the 2023 Ford Maverick is the electrical wiring bundle that carries power and signals through the front of the truck. For trucks equipped with the Class II Trailer Tow package, that harness is supposed to include a circuit that sends power through the trailer tow connector so the trailer taillights illuminate with the truck's lighting system.
On affected Mavericks, the revised harness was built without that trailer taillight circuit. When a trailer is plugged into the tow connector, the truck does not send the needed signal to the trailer's taillamps. The repair adds the missing circuit by splicing it into the engine bay harness, restoring the lighting path the trailer needs.
There is no warning sign before failure. The truck's own exterior lights can appear normal, while the trailer taillights do not illuminate when connected.
Who's affected?
| 2023 Ford Maverick | Tail lights |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 2,716 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 4 field incidents to date. |
Not every 2023 Ford Maverick pickup truck is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Poor or missing trailer taillight illumination makes the trailer harder for other drivers to see and increases the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before the lighting fault. Use extra caution when towing, and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023 Ford Maverick is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free engine-bay wiring-harness circuit repair that restores trailer taillight operation.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 23V160 and Ford recall 23C04 when you call.
- Avoid towing with the vehicle until the repair is complete; the trailer taillights can fail to illuminate.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician adds an electrical circuit to the engine bay wiring harness so the trailer tow electrical connector can power the trailer taillights as intended. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Ford's standard reimbursement plan covers eligible documented remedy costs paid by owners before recall notification, with reimbursement eligibility listed as ending April 14, 2023. Bring repair invoices and payment records to the Ford service desk or contact Ford customer service to ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 10, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 15, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| March 15, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 27, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| June 9, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 15, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V160?
Recall 23V160 covers 2,716 2023 Ford Maverick vehicles with a missing electrical circuit in the engine bay wiring harness. When a trailer is connected, the trailer taillights can fail to illuminate as intended, which increases crash risk. Ford dealers add the missing circuit for free.
What should I do if my 2023 Ford Maverick is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Maverick is included in recall 23V160. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the wiring harness circuit repair. Reference Ford recall number 23C04 when you call, or contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Ford dealers will add the missing electrical circuit to the engine bay wiring harness free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that trailer taillights fail to illuminate as intended when the Maverick uses the trailer tow electrical connector. Drivers behind the trailer have less clear information about the trailer's position or braking, which increases crash risk.
What if I bought my 2023 Ford Maverick used?
The free repair still applies. Recalls follow the VIN, not the first owner. Ford mailed owner letters on June 9, 2023, but used-vehicle owners miss letters after a sale, so check your VIN and reference recall 23V160 when you call a Ford dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V160000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V160 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V160000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →