Image Credit: Ford.A Ford Maverick Hybrid owner's allegations about persistent braking problems have attracted the attention of federal safety regulators. The case centers on a 2024 pickup that reportedly spent weeks undergoing repairs before its owner ultimately blamed the same underlying problem for a collision.This isn't yet a recall, nor has a safety defect been established in the 2024 Maverick Hybrid population. As reported by The Detroit News, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is reviewing a petition requesting that regulators investigate whether a broader problem exists.At the center of the petition is an alleged intermittent loss of anti-lock and regenerative braking. The owner says symptoms appeared months after purchasing the truck and continued despite repeated attempts to have it repaired.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe case could ultimately end with regulators declining to investigate further. If NHTSA grants the petition, however, it could lead to a broader defect investigation and potentially a recall if regulators determine that an unreasonable safety risk exists.Owner Says The Maverick Wouldn't StopImage Credit: Ford.The petition was filed by Albuquerque, New Mexico resident Darwin Lewellyn Pitts, who purchased the 2024 Maverick Hybrid in November 2024. According to his federal lawsuit against Ford, brake pedal pulsation, shuddering, and inadequate stopping began in January 2025.Pitts alleges that the truck suffered recurrent losses of anti-lock and regenerative braking associated with certain fault codes. Two repair visits had reportedly already taken place before a September 25, 2025, collision."I applied the brakes to avoid a vehicle crossing my path and the vehicle did not stop, resulting in a collision," Pitts wrote in his petition, according to The Detroit News. He alleges that the loss of stopping capability presents an unreasonable crash and injury risk.AdvertisementAdvertisementHis lawsuit claims he suffered injuries to his chest muscles that required medical treatment, while the Maverick sustained front-end damage.Four Repair Attempts Allegedly Didn't Solve ItAccording to Pitts' complaint, the Maverick underwent four repair attempts related to its braking problems. The truck reportedly spent a combined total of over 50 days out of service.Pitts also argues that 2024 Maverick Hybrids were excluded from related Ford brake-control software recalls. The petition seeks an investigation into whether those trucks should have been included.The secondary report estimates that approximately 82,040 2024 Maverick Hybrids could potentially fall within the population being questioned. That doesn't mean 82,040 trucks have experienced brake failures, and NHTSA has not concluded that they contain the alleged defect.NHTSA Is Now Reviewing The PetitionImage Credit: Ford.NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation has opened a defect-petition review to determine whether Pitts' request should be granted or denied. That means regulators are currently evaluating whether a full defect investigation is warranted rather than announcing that Ford has identified a widespread braking problem.AdvertisementAdvertisementFord says it is aware of the petition. "We are aware of the petition and will work with NHTSA to support," spokesperson Sharyn Ghacham told The Detroit News.The Maverick has already been involved in numerous recall campaigns since its introduction, while Ford has faced significant scrutiny over recall volume and quality in recent years. The automaker has said changes to its quality processes are producing improvements, pointing to its performance in J.D. Power's Initial Quality Study.For now, this is just one owner's account backed by a petition and lawsuit rather than a confirmed fleet-wide defect. NHTSA's next decision will determine whether the allegations surrounding this Maverick's brakes warrant a much deeper investigation.If you want more stories like this, follow Guessing Headlights on Yahoo so you don't miss what's coming next.