The Most Common Maserati Problems
Maseratis have several common problems throughout their vehicles, including brakes, transmission, and interior issues.
Written by Katherine Duffy
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
The most commonly occurring
car repair
issues for Maseratis include brake problems, clutch issues, frequent chipping and cracking damage, and transmission issues. Even when you’re buying from an automaker with a stellar reputation for solid build, reliability, efficiency, and affordability, it’s nearly impossible to create a perfect, problem-free car. Things happen out of the driver’s and automaker’s control that cause common problems to arise, sometimes for no apparent reason.
If you want to learn about the most common Maserati problems, you’ve come to the right place.
Jerry
, the super app for car insurance
, has created a guide including all of the mechanical issues you should know about if you drive or plan to buy a Maserati. We'll even show you how to save on Maserati car insurance costs
. What are the most common Maserati problems?
As a luxury Italian vehicle manufacturer, Maserati is synonymous with opulence, high performance, and a comfortable driving experience. Its reputation for producing high-quality performance cars aside, many Maserati models experience mechanical problems.
Here are the most common problems across Maserati’s five models:
- Chip and crack problems
- Clutch problems
- Brake problems
- Transmission problems
Overall, the 2006
Maserati Quattroporte
is the model that experiences the most problems, with three major recalls and three complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The 2012 GranTurismo, on the other hand, experiences considerably fewer problems, but it’s still not the most reliable high-performance vehicle for this price. For a complete breakdown of the most common Maserati problems in the models on the market in 2022, check out the table below.
Model | Starting price | J.D. Power reliability rating | Most common problems | Years to avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Quattroporte | $97,995 | N/A | melting, clutch problems, excessive noise, eating tires in corners | 2006, 2014 |
Ghibli | $77,695 | N/A | Clutch problems, chip and crack problems, small interior | 2015 |
Levante | $80,895 | N/A | Electrical system problems, build quality problems, brake problems | 2018 |
MC20 | $216,995 | N/A | Serious fuel delivery system problems | N/A, model is too new |
GranTurismo | $90,000 | N/A | Electrical issues, suspension issues | N/A |
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversMost common Maserati Quattroporte problems
Average annual repair cost: $1,000
CarComplaints.com complaints: 11
The most common problem for
Maserati Quattroporte
drivers is its melting interior, which warps the car’s interior and leaves behind a sticky residue and foul smell. As if the melting wasn’t enough, the Quattroporte also suffers from significant clutch problems. Drivers of the 2006 model notice a dash display message that the transmission has failed and that the car won’t start. This usually isn’t the case, and owners have found that the only way around this problem is by replacing the clutch, which can be costly.
Other notable issues are that it’s excessively noisy to drive and is prone to premature tire wear.
Most common Maserati Ghibli problems
Average annual repair cost: $1,200
CarComplaints.com complaints: 6
If you own a
Maserati Ghibli
, the most immediate, non-fixable issue is how claustrophobic the passenger seat area is. Other than its cramped passenger area, chip and crack issues are most common with the Ghibli. The model sits low on the ground but doesn’t have the durability or quality or withstand bumps, and it shows. Cracks and chips are most commonly found around the wheels and arches.
The Ghibli also suffers from clutch issues, but its malfunctioning clutch usually doesn’t become apparent in this model until at least 13,000 miles in. Drivers also find that the Ghibli is incredibly slow to accelerate if the transmission is automatic.
Most common Maserati Levante problems
Average annual repair cost: $500-$1,500
CarComplaints.com complaints: 1
The most common problem with the Maserati Levante is its inadequate electrical system, which doesn’t provide enough power for the car and results in hefty repairs. The Levante also has a recall for misaligned headlights, reducing visibility and endangering other drivers.
Other frightening issues with this model’s build and brakes have cropped up as well. Occasionally, the vehicle’s check engine light comes on, followed by a loss of power steering and a brake reset. The car tries to engage the emergency brake at low speeds, causing it to jerk and stop while you’re trying to drive.
Most common MC20 problems
Average annual repair cost: $1,200-$6,500
CarComplaints.com complaints: N/A
While the Maserati MC20 is Maserati’s newest luxury sports car, drivers have still found troubling problems with this model’s fuel delivery system. The NHTSA has recalled the model for a fuel line sensor housing that may leak fuel, resulting in a potential engine stall. The fuel leak could even cause a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
This is a serious issue that mainly affects 2021 models.
Most common GranTurismo problems
Average annual repair cost: $1,200-$6,500
CarComplaints.com complaints: 0
The GranTurismo doesn’t suffer from many standout issues, potentially because Ferrari built the GranTurismo. While there aren’t any common GranTurismo issues, Maserati owners warn to keep an eye on its electrical system, brakes, clutch, and suspension, as these mechanical systems all seem to be weak spots in Maserati’s least reliable cars.
Are Maserati cars reliable?
While Maseratis are undoubtedly luxurious, the brand isn’t known for making sturdy, reliable vehicles. It consistently receives low-reliability rankings, and ReliabilityIndex even ranks Maserati as the least reliable vehicle of 40 different brands.
Plus, the average annual repair cost for every model is at least $1,000, which is well above the average repair cost for all cars.
The least reliable model: 2006 Maserati Quattroporte
Most common problem: Interior melting
NHTSA complaints: 3
Maserati’s sleek Quattroporte is a powerful luxury sports car, but buyer beware—if you leave your Quattroporte in the sun, its luxe interior might melt on you, leaving you with a sticky puddle of plastic.
The Quattroporte is just as expensive as other luxury cars built by
Audi
or Mercedes-Benz
, but it's less technologically advanced and prone to clutch issues with an excessively noisy drive. If you’re on the hunt for a new sports car, your money may be better spent elsewhere. The most reliable model: 2012 GranTurismo
Most common problem: No common mechanical issues, but it’s overpriced
NHTSA complaints: 1
The GranTurismo is Maserati’s most popular model, and it’s also the brand’s most reliable car. This model was created by Ferrari, which may explain its popularity and lack of common mechanical problems.
The GranTurismo is certainly your best bet if you’re set on buying from Maserati, but there are higher-quality sports cars made by more reputable brands for the same price.
How to buy hassle-free car insurance
Driving a Maserati can leave you with a host of expenses, but your car insurance shouldn’t. Download
Jerry
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And the savings? At an average of $800+ a year on
car insurance
alone, you’ll almost have enough to cover your annual Maserati repair bill. “Because I have a luxury car, I was more interested in finding better coverage than the exact price.Jerryhelped me upgrade my policy, and when my record is cleared next year, I will be using Jerry again to choose an even cheaper plan!” —Paige W.
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How long do Maseratis last?
Maseratis require frequent services and diligent upkeep. Most models will make it to 100,000 miles.
Are Maseratis hard to maintain?
Maseratis are expensive foreign sports cars, so servicing these cars is much more expensive than mass-market models. On top of service and repair costs, you’ll have to use premium gas and high-quality engine oil if you own a Maserati. They can be difficult to maintain without an adequate budget.
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