The Maverick is a cheap, fun little truck to own, right up until the tire shop tells you the factory rubber is toast at 25,000 miles. If that's you, you're not alone. Here's how to figure out what's going on and what it'll cost to fix.
What size tires does your Maverick need?
| Trim (model years) | Factory tire size |
|---|---|
| XL, XLT (2022-2026, FWD or AWD) | 225/65R17 |
| Tremor (AWD) | 235/65R17 |
| Lariat, Lobo (2025 and newer, AWD) | 225/55R19 |
| Earlier option with 4K Tow Package (18-inch wheels) | 225/60R18 |
All factory Maverick wheels use a 5x108mm bolt pattern with M14 x 1.5 lug nuts torqued to 200 Nm (about 148 lb-ft), per Blue Oval Trucks' spec sheet. Always confirm your size on the tire placard in the driver's door jamb, because packages changed over the years.
The 2023 tire recall
Recall 24V223000 (Ford 24S20) covers 115 trucks total: 37 Mavericks built at Hermosillo, Mexico from October 5-10, 2023, plus 78 Bronco Sports. Ford says the tires may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause a loss of handling and control. Dealers inspect and replace the tires for free. It's a tiny group, but if your 2023 Maverick was built in that window, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why Maverick tires seem to wear out early
On the Maverick Truck Club forum, owners describe factory Continentals worn out at 28,000 miles and about 32,000 miles, and one 2024 XLT owner said a dealer reported over 65% wear at just 4,561 miles. Another owner with a 2023 Lariat FX4 on Pirelli Scorpions was at 8/32 inch of tread after 16,500 miles. Those are owner stories, not a lab test, but they line up with a few real causes:
- Skipped rotations. RepairPal recommends rotating every 5,000 to 7,500 miles and estimates $49-$72 for a Maverick rotation. On a front-heavy, front-drive-based truck, the fronts wear much faster if you skip it.
- Alignment. Uneven wear on one edge usually means the alignment is off. RepairPal pegs a Maverick alignment at $146-$215.
- Front-end parts. Several NHTSA complaints from 2023 and 2024 Maverick owners describe CV axles failing at 20,000 to 42,000 miles, with front-end shaking and one irregularly worn front tire. One 2024 owner said 50,000-mile Continentals were worn out at 24,000 miles alongside a strong shake on acceleration.
- Low tire pressure. Running a few PSI low wears the shoulders fast. Check pressure monthly against the door-jamb placard.
What tire replacement costs
| Job | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| One 225/65R17 Continental CrossContact LX25 | about $174 (online list price) | 70,000-mile treadwear warranty |
| Set of four, tires only | about $696 | Before mounting, balancing, disposal and TPMS kits |
| Tire rotation | $49-$72 | RepairPal estimate |
| Four-wheel alignment | $146-$215 | RepairPal estimate, 2022-2026 |
Installation fees vary a lot by shop, so ask for an out-the-door price that includes mounting, balancing, valve stems or TPMS service kits, and disposal.
How to tell what's actually wrong
- Both fronts worn evenly but much more than the rears: rotation problem. Rotate more often.
- Inside or outside edge worn: alignment. Get it checked and keep the printout.
- One tire cupped or scalloped, plus a shake: look at the CV axle, ball joints and wheel bearing before buying tires. New tires won't fix a bad axle.
- Vibration only at highway speed: often balance. A rebalance is cheap.
What to ask the shop before paying
- "Can you print the alignment readings before and after?"
- "Are the front CV axles and ball joints tight, and is my truck in recall 26V340000?"
- "What's the treadwear warranty, and does it require proof of rotations?"
- "Is that price out the door with balancing, TPMS and disposal?"
Is it worth it?
Yes. Tires are the only thing touching the road, and the Maverick holds its value well. Just fix the cause (rotation, alignment, axle) at the same time, or you'll be buying another set in 25,000 miles. More Maverick help is on the Ford Maverick repair page.
Prices checked October 14, 2026.
