The Most Common Maserati Problems

Problems with brakes, transmission, and exterior durability commonly send Maseratis to the shop for average annual repair costs of over $1000.
Written by Katherine Duffy
Edited by Pat Roache
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The most common problems reported by Maserati owners include brake problems, clutch and transmission issues, faulty electrical systems, and high exterior wear due to poor build quality.
  • Maserati is considered to have very low reliability and much more expensive annual
    car repair
    costs compared to other car brands.
  • The 2006 Maserati Quattroporte is the least reliable Maserati model with three major recalls to the
    National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
    .
  • The GranTurismo is considered the most popular and reliable Maserati sports car, with the 2012 GranTurismo experiencing the fewest problems in the luxury brand’s history. 

The most common problems with Maserati

Here are the most common problems across Maserati’s five models: 
For a complete breakdown of the most common Maserati problems in the models on the market in 2023, check out the table below.
Model
Starting price
J.D. Power reliability rating
Most common problems
Years to avoid
Quattroporte
$108,400
N/A
melting, clutch problems, excessive noise, eating tires in corners
2006, 2014
Ghibli
$82,300
N/A
Clutch problems, chip and crack problems, small interior
2015
Levante
$87,600
N/A
Electrical system problems, build quality problems, brake problems
2018
MC20
$217,000 est.
N/A
Serious fuel delivery system problems
N/A, model is too new
GranTurismo
$175,495 (2024)
N/A
Electrical issues, suspension issues
N/A

Most common Maserati Quattroporte problems 

Average annual repair cost: $1,000
CarComplaints.com complaints: 11
The most common issue for the Maserati Quattroporte: A few drivers have reported melting interiors, which warp in high temperatures and leave behind a sticky residue and foul smell. Other notable Quattroporte issues include:
  • Excessively noisy to drive
  • Prone to premature tire wear
The Quattroporte also suffers from significant and misleading clutch problems:
  • Drivers of the 2006 model notice a dash display message that the transmission has failed and that the car won’t start. 
  • The transmission failure message is usually found to be a computer error.
  • The only way around this problem is by replacing the clutch, which can be costly. 
MORE: What does the clutch do in a car?

Most common Maserati Ghibli problems

Average annual repair cost: $1,200
CarComplaints.com complaints: 6
The most common complaint against the Maserati Ghibli: The passenger seat area is claustrophobically small. In addition to this common grievance, the Ghibli faces the following common mechanical problems and design flaws:
  • Clutch issues: Several models have suffered from a malfunctioning clutch problem after hitting the 13,000-mile mark.
  • Automatic transmission issues: Drivers find that automatic Ghibli models are incredibly slow to accelerate.
  • Chipped and cracked exterior: The Ghibli sits very low to the ground and doesn’t have the build or durability to withstand bumps—cracks and chips are commonly found around the wheels and arches. 

Most common Maserati Levante problems

Average annual repair cost: $500 to $1,500
CarComplaints.com complaints: 1
The Maserati Levante may only have one logged complaint, but it suffers from more than a few common problems:
  • Inadequate electrical system: The electrical system sometimes doesn’t provide enough power for the car and can require hefty automotive repairs.
  • Misaligned headlines: The Levante was also recalled for a headlight misalignment which reduces visibility and endangers other drivers. 
  • Emergency brake malfunction: 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 Maserati MC20 problems

Average annual repair cost: $1,200-$6,500
CarComplaints.com complaints: N/A
The MC20 is Maserati’s newest luxury sports car, drivers have quickly 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. 
MORE: Every Maserati sports car you should know

Most common Maserati GranTurismo problems

Average annual repair cost: $1,200-$6,500
CarComplaints.com complaints: 0
While there aren’t any standout issues with the GranTurismo, Maserati owners warn to keep an eye on the following common Maserati weak spots:
  • Electrical system
  • Brakes
  • Clutch
  • Suspension
MORE: Mechanical breakdown insurance: What is it, and do I need it?

Maserati cars have poor reliability

As a luxury Italian vehicle manufacturer, Maserati is synonymous with opulent, high performance cars and comfortable driving experiences. However, the brand is not known for making sturdy, reliable vehicles.
Consider the following statistics:
  • Maserati consistently receives low-reliability rankings from industry experts.
  • ReliabilityIndex ranks Maserat as the least reliable vehicle brand out of 40 manufacturers in the UK.
  • 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 Maserati: 2006 Quattroporte

 Most common problem: Interior melting
NHTSA complaints: 3
NHTSA recalls: 3
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 Maserati: 2012 GranTurismo

Most common problem: No common mechanical issues, but it’s overpriced 
NHTSA complaints: 1
The 2012 GranTurismo experiences very few problems, although it is overpriced compared to more reliable luxury vehicles. It’s your best bet if you don’t mind a used Maserati, but there are higher-quality new cars made by more reliable car brands for the same price. 
Maserati’s most popular model: The GranTurismo was created by Ferrari himself, which may explain its popularity and lack of common mechanical problems. 
MORE: The most reliable sports cars
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