NHTSA Complaint #11713024 — 2025 FORD MAVERICK

While flat towing in Neutral Tow Mode yesterday, [XXX] (appx. [XXX]), we were headed west on [XXX] traveling at 55-mph in the #2 lane when the Maverick abruptly started screeching the tires and dragging behind our motorhome. I was able to safely get to the right shoulder within about 100-yards. We were 18-miles into the 104-mile journey to our home from the RV park in San Dimas. (Level ground.) I then got in the Maverick, placed my foot on the brake, started it and shifted to Park to take it out of Neutral Tow Mode. (It started right up)
I then received an error message on the display “Electronic Parking Brake needs servicing” I then unhooked the Maverick from the motorhome and successfully backed it up 50-yards along the shoulder and then drove it forward, the drive train seemed to be fine. At that point I decided to hobble home with my wife driving the Maverick, following behind the motorhome… when I located the next convenient offramp we pulled over to a side street where I drove the Maverick about 2-miles just to verify that it was drivable (other than the flat spots on the front tires.) I know that the EPB activates the rear brakes when stopped, however there aren’t any distinguishable flat spots on the rear tires. I understand that the EPB activates the hydraulic system when activated while in motion. This leads me to believe that the EPB activated on the freeway, causing the malfunction. When we safely returned home I connected the Maverick to the RV and flat towed for 5-miles without any problems. (Appx. 3:00pm) Other Possibility Possibly Neutral Tow Mode disengaged causing the drivetrain to lock up? But it was still in Neutral Tow Mode when I got in the vehicle to start it after the braking incident, and the vehicle doesn’t seemed to have drive train damage. (It drove the remaining 85-miles home without issue.) BlueOx Towing Setup (we have towed for 5,000 miles without issue) and BlueOx Patriot 3 supplemental brake system. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.