Physical key and remote not working - Anyone Else?

[Hazel127]

I just got my ‘24 Maverick AWD XLT this summer and have had this happen twice <2,500 miles: I approach the vehicle with my key and there is no response to the remote when unlocking or locking. When I try to use the physical key on the driver’s side door, even that will not unlock the vehicle. The only thing I have found will work is using the FordPass to unlock the vehicle, which is concerning because I might not always have phone/service to perform.

Had anyone else had this happen? The first time I convinced myself it was a fluke, it seemed so bizarre. To have a physical key not work, I’m assuming there is some lock trigger/CPU engaged with the unlock mechanism. Interested if anyone knows more about what could be happening in the background. Thanks for any input!

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[Ozarkbeard]

The physical key should always work when you stick it in the door lock and turn it. If not go back to the dealer. Have you even tried it since you got the vehicle?

Regarding the remote, does the other key fob work? If so, replace the battery in the one that's giving you problems. It might just be a defective battery. To change the battery, open the switchblade key and pry open the cover with a screwdriver. There's a slot behind where the key is stored to pop it open.

 

[Hazel127]

Trying to attach video. I can definitely try using the spare key and see how that works. It seems like once I unlock with my ford app and use the key it “works” again. The physical key not working is most concerning.

 

[RickG]

Looks like a dealer visit is in order. I was thinking maybe the physical key was for a different vehicle. I saw where someone got a new bronco and the dealer had apparently got the key codes between the two messed up. Your problem seems different though.

This is another reason for me to be happy I ordered mine with the dealer installed keypad entry option.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Now I better check my keys.
Thank you.

 

[Mr Pibb]

Looks like a dealer visit is in order. I was thinking maybe the physical key was for a different vehicle. I saw where someone got a new bronco and the dealer had apparently got the key codes between the two messed up. Your problem seems different though.

This is another reason for me to be happy I ordered mine with the dealer installed keypad entry option.

If its the stick on keypad and the fobs don't work, its possible the keypad wont either.

 

[Chopperbobc]

This will sound dumb but did you try turning the key to the left (ccw)and then the right (cw)....it may just need a little exercise.... good luck....

 

[sprcoop]

I just got my ‘24 Maverick AWD XLT this summer and have had this happen twice <2,500 miles: I approach the vehicle with my key and there is no response to the remote when unlocking or locking. When I try to use the physical key on the driver’s side door, even that will not unlock the vehicle. The only thing I have found will work is using the FordPass to unlock the vehicle, which is concerning because I might not always have phone/service to perform.

Had anyone else had this happen? The first time I convinced myself it was a fluke, it seemed so bizarre. To have a physical key not work, I’m assuming there is some lock trigger/CPU engaged with the unlock mechanism. Interested if anyone knows more about what could be happening in the background. Thanks for any input!

Hazel, did you ever get this resolved?

Testing a spare key today I realized I had never unlocked the truck with a physical key. Still haven't.

I never had a problem opening with the fob remote but I have the same symptoms as you with the physical key. Could have been me in the video.

Awaiting your response with bated breath. Really don't want to take it to the dealer.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

Hazel, did you ever get this resolved?

Testing a spare key today I realized I had never unlocked the truck with a physical key. Still haven't.

I never had a problem opening with the fob remote but I have the same symptoms as you with the physical key. Could have been me in the video.

Awaiting your response with bated breath. Really don't want to take it to the dealer.

Hi there! Will you send us a message with your VIN and your local Ford dealer? I can look into things on my end.

 

[ghf20]

Did you ever figure this out? This happened to me yesterday. Also a 24 XLT AWD.

 

[Deleted User 109142]

Just went out and tried the key on my '24 XLT. (I bought new May '24) It works, turn to right to unlock. No problems, except for recalls, so have been very happy with the truck.
But as cold weather is on the horizon, I tried the remote start, it doesn't work! I do the lock then press the remote 2 times and all it does is blink red 3 times. Just at the dealer last week for an oil change.
Wish I knew then.
Anyone else with this issue? thanks

 

[ice445]

Just went out and tried the key on my '24 XLT. (I bought new May '24) It works, turn to right to unlock. No problems, except for recalls, so have been very happy with the truck.
But as cold weather is on the horizon, I tried the remote start, it doesn't work! I do the lock then press the remote 2 times and all it does is blink red 3 times. Just at the dealer last week for an oil change.
Wish I knew then.
Anyone else with this issue? thanks

I just had this today trying to leave my campsite. Also a 24 XLT. My physical key let me in and it started up fine, so not sure what's going on. Its like the truck stops listening to key inputs. I wonder if it has something to do with a software bug in the app? I didnt use it for months and I reinstalled it a few days ago and this happens, lol.

 

[jonshep]

I have not experienced this problem, yet. I did pick up my wife's key to her Edge by mistake one morning and nothing on that fob would open the Maverick.

 

[Cancunbadlands]

I have not experienced this problem, yet. I did pick up my wife's key to her Edge by mistake one morning and nothing on that fob would open the Maverick.

I know what you did here

 

[kcflynn]

We had the exact same scary issue as Hazel127, although we have the '24 Hybrid XLT. Turns out the battery was bad. The physical key issue may be that it just had not be used since we got the truck and was sticky; it apparently is not connected to the electrical system. Our truck has had multiple issues with the battery saver mode and the 12V battery was replaced by the dealer. They key fob seems to be OK, but it did not open the door when we got stuck. Did manage to access it through the FordPass app (go figure!), which was weird, but a relief. Ford issued a Service Bulletin #SSM-53801 with a software update in May 2025 for Mavericks built on or before February 17, 2025 and is now replacing the battery with an AGM one.

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