Is Ford Hiding an Oil Leak Problem On the Maverick?

"This video started out as an instructional oil change video for my Ford Maverick Tremor but quickly detoured into disaster. I was not expecting to have these problems," stated by the owner of a new Ford Maverick in a recently posted The Maverick Resource YouTube channel episode.

The problem? An oil leak was found after just the first 3,500 miles of his truck, but not until he removed the truck's engine splash shield (i.e., skid plate) was it noticeable. This begs the question: Is one of the reasons manufacturers install splash shields to help hide pesky oil leaks in new vehicles?

Related article: Top 5 Best Trucks to Buy for Reliability and Value in 2025

Why Vehicles Have Splash Shields/Skid Plates Today

A vehicle's engine splash shield is a panel designed to protect the underside of the vehicle's engine and other vital components from water, corrosive materials, and road debris. Typically made of plastic on sedans and metal on trucks for off-road adventuring, the concept seems reasonable.

Aside from protecting the engine from road debris, the practical reasons for installing splash shields include:

1. Improved Aerodynamics: By smoothing the airflow under the car to achieve better fuel efficiency and reduced wind noise―especially at higher speeds.
2. Corrosion Prevention: In the Rust Belt regions, splash shields help prevent water, snow, and salt from splashing into the engine bay, reducing the risk of rust and potential corrosion of electrical components.
3. Improved Noise Insulation: Splash shields act as a sound barrier, making the cabin quieter for passengers.
4. Temperature Regulation: In some designs, splash shields can help regulate engine temperature by guiding airflow under the vehicle and around the engine.

However, the last (but not least) reason is Environmental Regulations. Splash shields are designed to prevent oil or other fluids from leaking directly onto the ground in case of a spill, helping manufacturers comply with environmental regulations.

Or is it also to hide a telltale leak?!

Problems Owners Have with Splash Shields

While splash shields have their pluses, not all owners are happy with them.

Problems with splash shields include:

• They make changing the motor oil more difficult as a barrier to complicate the task.
• The oil drain plug might be moved from the traditional bottom port to a side port to make room for the splash shield.
• Service techs will eventually lose the bolts securing the splash shield to the car and do not replace them, leaving the shield flapping and eventually breaking off.
• Owners cannot take a quick or easy peek under the engine to investigate a potential problem.

Follow along with the host of the video that began as an instructional video and became a warning to Ford Maverick Owners about why it is a good idea to DIY your truck's first oil change.

First Oil Change in My Ford Maverick Does Not Go As Expected

Latest Ford Maverick Recall

To date, despite being reviewed as a popular vehicle, the Ford Maverick has been plagued with six recalls that include:

1. Inoperative windshield wipers
2. Loss of drive power in the power train system
3. Rear taillight failure
4. A fuel leak problem
5. Incorrect tire and capacity information
6. A nonfunctioning exterior turn signal

Added to this growing list is a recent Consumer Reports warning reported by Torque Newswriter Mary Conway in an informative article titled "Ford Recalling 2022-2024 Maverick Trucks Because of Rearview Camera Display Problems".

Does the Maverick Have an Oil Leak Problem?

While there are no current recalls regarding the Ford Maverick's oil leak problem, a quick search on the Ford Maverick Truck Club forum reveals that the video's host is not alone in having a leaking Maverick.

Here is the link to the story about a leaking Maverick problem one owner has, which serves as a good reason why DIY motor oil change by Maverick owners is a good idea and necessary precaution protecting yourself from what could become an expensive repair.

The story's value is that it describes his difficulties with Ford dealerships in getting the problem fixed and contains images of the leaks he found with his Maverick model.

Related article: Ford F-150 Oil Pan Leak Fix Like a Pro

For additional articles related to maintenance and repair with Ford vehicles, here are three useful ones for your consideration:

• Ford Truck Warning for DIY Owners
• Ford EcoBoost Engine Aftermarket Upgrade Spectacular Failure
• Used Ford Truck Models You Can Fix and Save Money

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWritesfor daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

COMING UP NEXT: Consumer Reports on Reliable and Fuel-Efficient Compact SUVs

Image source: Deposit Photos