Disappointed With 2025 Lariat Key Fobs and Keyless Entry Keypad

[BlackMav23]

Is anyone else experiencing this?

I've had my 2025 for just over a month now. Brand new, ordered direct from the dealer. I previously had a 2023 XLT and my experience with both the key fobs and the keyless entry was markedly different in terms of range and response time. My current fobs have very short range and it takes markedly longer to remote start than the 2023. Also the new keypad is absolutely horrendous. You have to very firmly push the buttons (not conducive to quick and discreet unlocking in public) but it also seems like there's a noticeable delay once the code has been input.

Now I suppose Ford could have outfitted my fobs with poor batteries, but the fobs are also an entirely different design so I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this before I buy batteries and take the fobs apart.

In regards to the terrible keypad I'm guessing this is a) a much cheaper design and b) also not hardwired but battery operated. I suppose the battery in that panel could also be poor quality or low, but I wouldn't think that would cause a significant delay being that it is directly on the door panel.

Don't even get me started on the horizontal layout of the keypad. That's an absolute fail on Ford's part. Not only is it sitting right on the paint on the door panel but it's also far less conducive to discreet unlocking. Anyone know if there are any options to upgrade this keypad?

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[dbbii]

I have had several vehicles with the keyless entry system, and liked it. Then, in 2018 Ford changed from physical buttons to "electronic" ones. My one vehicle with these is a giant PITA to use. My 2023 Lariat came with a keypad (bought used) that had actual buttons again. Vertical beside the window. I'm satisfied.

 

[Maverick123]

Ford sells an extended range antenna for the remote starter (probably works with unlocking too). It's about $45 IIRC

 

[BlackMav23]

I've seen those... the sort of embedded touch sensitive "buttons"? Yeah those look cool, especially with red illuminated numbers. But I confess I've no experience with them.

The 2023 was fantastic... this new keypad not so much.

 

[BlackMav23]

Ford sells an extended range antenna for the remote starter (probably works with unlocking too). It's about $45 IIRC

This something for the key fobs?

Honestly I'm not looking for massive range... but if I put the fob to my chin in a decent sized grocery store parking lot and click the lock button I should be able to find my vehicle relatively quickly.

 

[Dave O]

I can’t speak of the keyless pad since my 2025 Maverick Lariat AWD Hybrid didn’t come with one and the key fob is a none issues for me. IMO if these are the only concerns I’ll probably focus on the positives and not let these kind of things distract me from enjoying this beautiful vehicle. I personally have never owned a vehicle that I couldn’t find something that could be improved if I looked hard enough…

 

[Maverick123]

This something for the key fobs?

Honestly I'm not looking for massive range... but if I put the fob to my chin in a decent sized grocery store parking lot and click the lock button I should be able to find my vehicle relatively quickly.

It's an antenna sold by Ford that you install on the truck, but I've never found 100% confirmation of it works with all key fobs or if it's only for specific years / models

EDIT: See this thread https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...rt-range-extender-antennae.56193/#post-953052

 

[Dave O]

I might add that my new Maverick is the first vehicle I’ve owned that I can lock / unlock and start using my watch - how awesome is that

 

[BlackMav23]

I can’t speak of the keyless pad since my 2025 Maverick Lariat AWD Hybrid didn’t come with one and the key fob is a none issues for me. IMO if these are the only concerns I’ll probably focus on the positives and not let these kind of things distract me from enjoying this beautiful vehicle. I personally have never owned a vehicle that I couldn’t find something that could be improved if I looked hard enough…

I agree completely.

I definitely didn't need a new vehicle but I got the 25 because a) it was the trim level I should have originally opted for based on features I was accustomed to in my prior vehicles and b) it had the features Ford should have included (or made available) with the initial maverick release.

That said, these particular concerns exist for me because the performance of these things appears to be inferior when compared to a previous lower-trimmed model year.

To be honest it's a near perfect vehicle for me. The only other complaints I have are that the previous model years brown seating on the Lariats looks better than the smoked truffle. And frankly a metallic black paint option or a solid clearcoat would be nice. Oh and I'd really love a true red.

 

[Dave O]

I agree completely.

I definitely didn't need a new vehicle but I got the 25 because a) it was the trim level I should have originally opted for based on features I was accustomed to in my prior vehicles and b) it had the features Ford should have included (or made available) with the initial maverick release.

That said, these particular concerns exist for me because the performance of these things appears to be inferior when compared to a previous lower-trimmed model year.

To be honest it's a near perfect vehicle for me. The only other complaints I have are that the previous model years brown seating on the Lariats looks better than the smoked truffle. And frankly a metallic black paint option or a solid clearcoat would be nice. Oh and I'd really love a true red.

My last ford was a 2014 F-150 Limited in Tri-Metal Black which was amazing but after driving it for 11 years and 225,000 flawless miles (never been in the shop) my 5th new ford truck choice was an easy one I love this Maverick

 

[Happy Doc]

I can’t speak of the keyless pad since my 2025 Maverick Lariat AWD Hybrid didn’t come with one and the key fob is a none issues for me. IMO if these are the only concerns I’ll probably focus on the positives and not let these kind of things distract me from enjoying this beautiful vehicle. I personally have never owned a vehicle that I couldn’t find something that could be improved if I looked hard enough…

"This beautiful vehicle" is an excellent description. I have the exact same, just a different color and on the other side of the state and am loving it.

 

[Happy Doc]

My last ford was a 2014 F-150 Limited in Tri-Metal Black which was amazing but after driving it for 11 years and 225,000 flawless miles (never been in the shop) my 5th new ford truck choice was an easy one I love this Maverick

I also have an F-150 and prefer driving the Mav.

 

[Dave O]

"This beautiful vehicle" is an excellent description. I have the exact same, just a different color and on the other side of the state and am loving it.

Your choice of color was definitely one I was considering - my eruption green was the only choice in the Lariat trim on the lot after the original customer refused delivery the day after it arrived I love it and wasn’t interested in ordering one with the wait time

 

[Dave O]

I also have an F-150 and prefer driving the Mav.

My F-150 served me well I was ready for a change and the Maverick checked all the boxes

 

[Happy Doc]

Your choice of color was definitely one I was considering - my eruption green was the only choice in the Lariat trim on the lot after the original customer refused delivery the day after it arrived I love it and wasn’t interested in ordering one with the wait time

There was a wait time. Ordered mine on 1/21/25 and drove it home on 4/26/25.

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