- Is Maserati reliable?
- How reliable is the Maserati GranTurismo?
- How reliable is the Maserati Ghibli?
- Is the Maserati Levante a reliable car?
- Why is Maserati unreliable?
- What are some of the common Maserati problems?
- How reliable are surveys and consumer reports?
- Should I buy, lease or finance a Maserati?
Concerned about buying a brand-new car but want to make sure you’re making the right choice? Maybe you’re looking for a luxury vehicle that will suit your needs but are worried about its reliability? This article will focus on answering the question “How reliable is Maserati?”, as well as reviewing individual vehicles, to help you make the best and most educated decision possible.
Maserati is known for producing luxurious and fast cars. Their logo is shaped like Neptune’s trident, inspiring a vision of luxury, elegance and speed.
Founded by four brothers in Modena, Italy in 1914, the company was purchased by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) in 1993.
In recent years, Maserati has become more popular. Since 2013 the company has experienced an increase in sales and in 2017 they sold over 51,000 units globally.
But, despite bespoke interiors, high performance and Italian style, there is one thing that plagues Maserati, and that’s dependability.
In this article, we look at how reliable the exclusive Italian brand is to run, taking into account the average cost of repairs, the amount of time that the cars are off the road due to faults, and the general wear and tear you can expect to experience with your new Maserati.
Is Maserati reliable?
The brand isn’t known for being overly reliable, suffering several issues, with the most common faults being electrical or affecting the axle and suspension.
Unfortunately, while Maserati is becoming increasingly popular among buyers, its reliability has not improved. Since 2016, Maserati has repeatedly earned a low reliability rating in the ReliabilityIndex rankings, coming 40th out of 40 brands.
In the most recent ReliabilityIndex rankings, the luxury manufacturer has earned a rating of ‘Poor’. In 2016 their point score in the Index was 697, in 2019 this has increased to an incredibly impressive 774 (though in this case, the more points a brand has, the lower the reliability rating).
The next closest manufacturer to Maserati is another luxury brand, Bentley, which has a reliability index score of 530 (just 1 point more than they earned in 2016).
How reliable is the Maserati GranTurismo?
The GranTurismo is probably one of the best-known models by Maserati and almost 4500 of them have been sold across Europe since 2010.
Focusing more specifically on the Maserati GranTurismo, we can see that when it comes to reliability, it fares slightly better than when looking at the brand overall.
According to the latest information from ReliabilityIndex, the GranTurismo has a rating of 748, so it’s still not incredible, but an improvement on 774. Though reliability is considered low for Maserati, many of the issues that contribute to the low score the manufacturer has been awarded occur later in the vehicle’s life.
So, if Maserati is your dream and you are considering getting a lease, it’s worth considering purchasing a maintenance package. There are ways to make your dream a reality without hurting your wallet.
As with any luxury vehicle, the repair costs are not kind to the bank balance, with the average working out at £1,157.70. While being repaired you can also expect to be waiting around a little, with repairs taking almost 5 hours, on average.
The key issue you should expect to encounter with the GranTurismo with the axle and suspension, which accounts for 38.30% of the car’s problems.
Another thing to consider when looking to purchase the Maserati GranTurismo, if you’ve been won over by the sleek styling of the powerful car, is the running costs.
Maserati claims you’ll get 20 mpg combined (that’s 13 in cities, 29 on motorways), but in reality, this will be much lower if you use the impressive 4.7-litre motor to its full potential. The car will also be in the top band when it comes to Vehicle Excise Duty due to CO2 emissions of 331g/km. And, as with any sports car with the power that you can get from the GranTurismo, you can expect the insurance to be extremely expensive.
When you register your new car with the DVLA (in the UK) you will also find you are expected to pay a £390 per year surcharge (once the car is 12 months old, and until it turns six) as the Maserati GranTurismo has a list price of over £40,000.
Interested in the Maserati GranTurismo? Get in touch with our experienced team. Call us now on 01903 538835 or request a callback.
Is the Maserati Ghibli reliable?
The Maserati Ghibli is a very popular model from the Italian brand if the 22,684 sold across Europe since 2014 is anything to go by.
However, just as with the GranTurismo, there are issues with reliability, with reviews from owners proving very mixed. Many specifically cite reliability as the issue they have had with their new vehicle.
Some have had trouble with the brakes, while others have found that the battery drains too quickly. One owner even stated that their Ghibli had been in the garage four times in the first twelve months.
In their own road test of the Ghibli, AutoExpress found that the car was lacking in build quality, missing the precision of the German equivalents (specifically mentioning the BMW 5-Series). There were also issues with the infotainment system, power-steering and brakes.
That said, as with every vehicle and every owner, some Maserati Ghibli drivers have had no problems at all with the reliability and when asked, gave it five stars.
When it comes to safety, the 2013 version of the Ghibli rated well, earning five stars from Euro NCAP for the multiple safety features, including airbags, pedestrian protection and safety assist.
The Ghibli isn’t exactly low-cost to run, however, expenditure isn’t as high as for the GranTurismo.
Maserati claims that the Ghibli can do 48mpg, however, this depends greatly on the model selected. Miles per gallon varies from 29 to 48 mpg combined (20-37 city, 40-58 highway).
If you select the lower-powered twin-turbo V6 petrol engine with 350bhp, indications are that you will get 32mpg and CO2 emissions are 207g/km, putting you at the higher end of the vehicle excise duty table, with the first payment upon registration amounting to £1,280.
If you decide that you would like the higher-powered Ghibli S with 404bhp then the miles per gallon drop to 29mpg combined and emissions of 223g/km CO2.
Like the GranTurismo, the Ghibli has a list price of over £40,000 and, therefore, will have a surcharge of £390 per year for years three to six.
Is the Maserati Levante a reliable car?
With Maserati dipping into the SUV market with the Levante, Maserati seems to be branching out from its usual vehicles, such as sports cars and luxury saloons. This full-size SUV, measuring over 5 metres long, is bigger than its rivals but with its appearance resembling coupés, it manages to hide its bulk quite well.
Using a modified version of Ghibli’s platform, you’d expect this vehicle to have improved on its reliability. But is this the case?
While Euro NCAP hasn’t crash-tested it yet as previously mentioned, it shares most of its mechanical architecture with the Ghibli which received 5 stars for safety when it was tested by Euro NCAP back in 2013.
AutoExpress awarded this vehicle a 3.5 out of 5 stars for reliability and safety, criticising the build quality, saying it wasn’t “as good as you might expect”. However, they do highlight and praise the three-year, unlimited mileage warranty.
This warranty beats its rivals’ warranty, such as the Audi Q7’s 3-year/60,000-mile guarantee. However, they do comment that while Porsche, BMW and Mercedes-Benz all offer the same cover, if you choose one of its rivals, you’re less likely to suffer from smaller issues – if historical data is anything to go by.
This vehicle is available with either a petrol or diesel powertrain, both of which are 3-litre V6 powerplants. The more economical diesel has a power output of 275hp, whereas the petrol “S” form has 430hp.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the cheapest car when it comes to running costs. The official fuel-consumption claims state that the diesel version is at 31mpg, while the petrol “S” version is at 22.4mpg. On the other hand, the CO2 figures are 238g/km and 286g/km respectively.
If you go with the petrol version of this vehicle, it will also put you on the higher end of the vehicle excise duty table, with the first payment upon registration amounting to £2,605. On the other side, the diesel version, with the lower CO2 emissions, amounts to £2,220.
Why is Maserati so unreliable?
But, why is Maserati so unreliable? They’re an exclusive brand, I hear you cry! With bespoke designs and engineering, they shouldn’t be unreliable. You’re right, in theory. But in reality, you’ll find that many luxury cars have issues when it comes to reliability.
There are a few reasons for this.
One of the main reasons they place so far down on the reliability tables is that when they do go wrong, the cost of repairs is quite high.
Maseratis can also take a long time to repair as their parts are harder to source and replace due to the limited number of suppliers of rarer components. These two factors bring down the manufacturer’s dependability and therefore, reduce their reliability score in comparison with other brands.
As much as it is a great thing, and adds to the uniqueness of Maserati, another reason that ultra-luxurious brands like Maserati and Aston Martin are considered unreliable is due to one of their key selling points; bespoke engineering.
You would be forgiven for thinking that having a bespoke model made to your specific requirements would make the individual models more reliable but this isn’t always the case. More modern, mass-production manufacturing techniques make more reliable models than bespoke engineering.
Also, Maseratis aren’t really your everyday car. It’s unlikely that your Ghibli, Levante or GranTurismo is the car you use for the weekly supermarket shop! Luxury cars aren’t designed for constant use, and if they are used a lot then they do wear down quite quickly and relatively easily.
So there are quite a few reasons why Maserati might be considered unreliable.
It is also worth considering product recalls. Since 2018 there have been 58 Maserati recalls in the UK. These include:
- The front-wheel bearing can become noisy and if ignored can fail and cause loss of vehicle control
- The right-hand door of the GranCabrio can open unexpectedly
- The headlamp vertical beam is out of compliance on the Levante
- Internal malfunctions of the control unit in the GranCabrio
What are some of the common Maserati problems?
It’s always good to know what problems you may encounter further down the line with your car, so here are some common problems you may experience with your Maserati:
- Brakes
- The brakes work, but if the fluid isn’t replaced regularly then they can get a bit wooden
- Stone chips
- Due to the fact that Maserati models are quite low to the ground, this means it’s possible you will end up with stone chips under the wheel arches, especially if you’re going to be driving fast (which, chances are, you will in a Maserati), so when checking for damage and wear, examine the wheel arches for stone chips, especially if you are thinking about buying a secondhand model
- Problems with the clutch
- Some Quattroporte owners have only reached 12,000 miles before having to get their clutch replaced.
If you are looking at buying a second-hand Maserati, then it’s worth asking about these issues before you buy.
How reliable are surveys and consumer reports?
Consumer reports and surveys are an accurate way of determining how reliable a car brand is. Companies like WarrantyDirect, which sell extended warranties, record when someone makes a claim.
This data is collated and used to determine the makes and models that are dependable and which ones aren’t.
Consumer feedback is also very accurate as it gives us a good idea of what the car is like to drive on a daily basis. After all, the owners are the ones who know their cars the best. They are also the ones paying for the repairs.
That said, when you have a brand as exclusive as Maserati, you can run into some trouble. This is mainly due to the fact that there aren’t that many Maseratis on the road, therefore you do have a smaller sample size than you would for a brand such as Ford, for example.
If we look at what Which? has to say, we can see that they have very little information about Maserati as they don’t have a sample size big enough to draw conclusions from.
However, we can work with what we have and we can work with what ReliabiltyIndex (a subsidiary of WarrantyDirect) has concluded and from what owners on the likes of AutoExpress have to say.
As it stands, consumer reports and surveys are still some of the most reliable ways of determining how dependable a car is, even cars as exclusive as Maserati.
Should I buy, lease or finance a Maserati?
There’s no denying it, Maserati design and build beautiful cars. From the mid-sized Ghibli to the sleek lines of the GranTurismo.
Unlike cars such as the Ford Tourneo or VW Golf, Maserati models have been designed with luxury in mind. They are the sort of car people admire as you drive along the motorway as you head off on a weekend getaway.
Maserati knows the people who buy their cars. They know that the ones who buy or lease their cars are looking for a unique vehicle, one that is designed for the individual. Maserati’s marketing focuses on the fact that their cars are bespoke, for the aficionado.
When it comes to manufacturers like Maserati a lease is ideal. A lease with a maintenance plan takes away any concerns you may have about reliability scores and possible costly repairs. You can have all the luxury with none of the worry.
You can drive the car for 2, 3 or 4 years, safe in the knowledge that, should anything happen, you are covered and when the lease contract ends, you can upgrade to the next model.
If you are looking at a Maserati, then you are looking for a beautiful car that doesn’t stand a chance of being ignored when it’s being driven. A Maserati is not easily forgotten.
Conclusion: How reliable is Maserati?
In conclusion, Maserati isn’t very dependable. At all. Their exclusivity means that they do not have the mass-production set-up that many of their competitors have, which goes some way in improving reliability.
This also means that they are expensive to repair and the parts can take a long time to source. But, this all comes with the package. If you get a car that is that exclusive, then it will cost you a lot to repair and the bespoke design may mean you run into trouble later down the line.
Ultimately, though, if you buy a Maserati, it’s not because you are looking for a reliable car to do your weekly shop in. You buy a Maserati because it looks good, it drives incredibly and it’s about as exclusive as you can get.
But, if you are looking for a reliable sports car, then the Maserati is slightly more reliable than Aston Martin and Ferrari.
Reliability ratings and repair costs were compiled in September 2019.
This article was last updated in October 2023.
Yes, the thing is my Lexus (the luxury division of Toyota) has never had a single issue since purchase. No handles, mirrors falling off (Maserati, looking at you), electrics failing (Aston Martin, Jaguar), etc. Not a single slight issue in 5 years of happy ownership. Just tyre and oil changes. My Porsche has also been far more reliable than a Maserati. And the production volumes of the model that I own are far less than Maseratis. So, “exclusivity” is no excuse. Really, it’s just a veil for incompetence. Clutch change in 10k miles?! You’re kidding. What kind of engineering is that?! After 5 years of Lexus ownership I was told by the shop that the car’s internals are still like on a brand new car. Just brake disk, tyre and liquid replacements. The usual. That’s it. Now, that’s engineering. With the price tag attached to Maseratis, they could have better build quality. But, then again, maximizing repair shop time is also a viable business model. But really, incompetence, whether by design or not, shouldn’t be encouraged.
So I would love a Maserati but the reliability is just too much risk. If only a Lexus could look like a Maserati inside or out. I would love a Lexus and knowing I could drive it for 200k+ miles with nothing but oil changes and tires…but I would hate the interior, exterior and mostly that GD spindle grill every time I drove it. They really need to fire everyone in their design department and hire some from Maserati.
I have found this artical and Roman’s comments invaluable. I had heard the stories of Mazerati reliability, ( or lack of ) this has confirmed it for me. I love all the good things but alas my plan to buy a Mazerati Ghibli will have to be shelved.
I can afford the car but not big repair bill’s on top. I’m so sad.
We are so glad that you have found our article useful. In regards to a Maserati, you could take a Maintenance contract out and therefore you would not be taking the risk, if you would like a Maserati and want to avoid the risk of repairs then give us a call and we can look at the options for you.
Greetings I was considering buying a used Maserati quattroporte 2005 loaded well maintained with 50,000 after reading the problems with them.and cost of repairs and clutch problems etc , it pushes me away , it’s a most beautiful car but to too many problems and repairs
I am now looking at a Jaguar xkr or xk8 convertible in year 2007 reading reviews a better year to buy being more reliable
You are right the Maserati is a beautiful car and it is unfortunate that they had such reliability issues, just a note, regarding the Jaguars make sure they have a full-service history and you do regular oil and filter changes to help keep the engine purring.
I have had my Levante for nearly a year> the best car I have driven by far . Three weeks ago my diesel engine blew up 9500 mls. Anyone else had this problem as I have now fallen out of love especially as Maserati will not extend my warranty !! Diabolical and now have a tainted view of Carrs Maserati.
We are sorry about your experience with Maserati, you may want to consider buying an independent companies warranty, be sure to check the small print, however. Warranty Direct higher level warranties are good in our experience. https://www.warrantydirect.co.uk/
One must understand something about Italian cars. And I do. Having lived in Italy for 10 years and having owned Italian cars. First, Italian cars are all geared to moving very fast from a stop, e.g., a traffic light, hence a high revving engine. Secondly, they are not made to last and last, Italians prefer to buy a new model fairly quickly than others. Thirdly, in Italy you have a local mechanic at almost every corner in the big cities, with specialist, such as autoelectrics, radiatoristas, renovating the engine, changing the clutch, etc. Carrozeria for interior work, etc. And the repairs are not expensive. All Italian cars have a great exhaust note, which is why I loved them while shooting down the streets of Rome. But here in Calif. I drive a Lexus (Over 230K miles) and a Mazda (over 135K miles) and still gong very strong. The Japanese philosophy is different. So, conclusion? If I was living in Italy I would definitely buy a Maserati.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Italian manufacturers. I am sure that our other readers will find your comment really useful. And yes, wouldn’t it be great to have a Maserati!
I have been driving a MB SL550, great car. I was considering a Maserati Quattroporte until I read the comments. It seems to be the same every where I read. Good Bye Maserati
agreed. good bye Maserati.
I had a Ghibli in 2014 on a two year deal, and was really impressed so much so that I bought a new Quattroporte in 2016, Masarati have cancelled my warranty, without notifying me because their records show the vehicle’s warranty started in 2015 & I had not had it’s first service done in 2016. I bought it new from Ridgeways Masarati Dealers in Oxford the log book is dated 26th June 2016 & the mileage was 45 miles on delivery. I am in the course of contesting this and will keep you updated
P.S? Kent
I bought a levante one year ago, and its been the worst car i have ever owned in my past 35 years of driving. First and foremost, the tyres are useless. I just hit a curb at 2mph and the tyre got slashed. Crazy. A recovery service cannot change the tyre, and so it has to be take to the dealers service station, it takes 7-10 days, for them to change the tyre and send the car back to you.
The controls are touch screen, which means you have to take your eyes of the road, to adjust anything, be it radio, heating, sat nav, everything. your finger prints smudge the screen, so you are constantly wiping the screen. The pickup is slow on the car, and its a very heavy car to drive. Very disappointing. Will never buy it again and am changing the car.
Sorry to hear that your experience with your Levante wasn’t better. I am sure that our readers will find your feedback helpful when making their decision.
Didn’t you get a test drive before making the decision to buy?
Driving around in cities is a nuisance and a burden these days. Anything that can turn it into a pleasant experience for me is worth the money, given the time we spend in them. Italian cars are moody, exciting, beautiful and yes temperamental. And I love them. I am on my second maserati quattroporte (pre 2014 as the new quattroporte and ghibli are not that appealing aestetically). No major issues, just a lot of fun and a pleasure to drive. While I don’t care about been seen, the car turns heads unlike audis, Bmws etc etc.
If you want functionality and reliability get a honda, they are awesome. You can’t have your cake and eat it (too). I would like to add that many regarded brand, e.g. BMWs, are not much better in terms of reliabililty and cost of ownership.
Hi Bruce,
It sounds like you’re a big fan of the comfort and luxury of the Maserati. Thank you for sharing your feelings on the marque with our readers. tthey are definitely beautiful cars to look at, so admiring gazes would be understandable.
No “exotic” is meant to be a daily driver. They are status symbols and a badge of pride..”I own a Maserati/Lambo/AstonMartin” etc. etc. You drive them on sunny days and only occasionally, to enjoy them and to be seen in them. So if you rack up the miles expect to rack up repair bills.
Hi Terry,
The Maserati is definitely a luxury car, as other the others you mention. These cars were definitely meant for the sunny days and special occasions rather than the everyday run to the supermarket. Thank you for your comment.
False. Exotics are only exotic to those who cannot afford them and they are meant to be driven, not sitting in your garage. Sitting is the problem many have with their cars, they need to be driven. Secondly, our circle drives them daily, Ferrari, Maserati, Bentley, Mclaren and other – Rain, snow (yes, we drive to the mountains in the snow) or shine, you drive them all the time (Seattle).
Italian cars are just that “for Italy”. In Italy you have car mechanics at every corner. You find one you can trust “Mechanico di fiducia”. They are not expensive and you an enjoy your Italian car. However, outside Italy it is another matter.
Hi Adi,
Thank you for your message. I am sure that our readers in Italy will find the information about mechanics helpful. If you have an issue with your luxury car in the UK there are many trusted mechanics and garages where you can get a service or repairs done for reasonable prices.
“ultra-luxurious cars such as Maserati” Ultra-luxurious? That is a laughable claim. What makes them so ultra luxurious? Just look at this video and tell me it is a true luxury vehicle. It is an overpriced wannabee luxury car.
Hi Philip,
Our reviews are written with research from various resources and the classification of Maserati is a luxury car maker who produces bespoke vehicles. Thank you for your feedback.
I just came out of Walmart and noticed I was parked right next to a Maserati Ghibli Q4. Now I want one too. And, yes, I will be driving to Walmart and any other supermarket with it.
Hi Linda,
Thank you for sharing your views on the Maserati. They are rather beautiful cars.
I have to agree. I had a Maserati Quattroporte and it was the prettiest thing on the road. Heads turned everywhere I went, but it stayed in the shop. I eventually got rid of it for a BMW. It definitely is not an everyday car. I miss it but I feel so much better having a reliable car.
Hi Michael,
They are definitely a car to be admired. But not so much if they are constantly in need of repair.
I’m going on 5 years driving Maserati sedans, and I love them. I had a Quattroporte for almost 3 years, and now drive a Ghibli Q4 (2017). I bought both used (very low miles), saving a huge amount on initial cost. They are not costing me any more than the Audi A6 Quattro I drove before the Quattroporte, and less than the BMW M6 I had before the Audi. I loved the Audi….not so much the BMW. I’m 77 years old and live in Florida (and North Carolina) in the US. My wife has a 2016 A6, but we use the Ghibli more as our primary car, and we drove it a little over 17,000 miles last year. We take it back and forth to our house in North Carolina, so it gets the highway mileage on those trips about 3 times a year. We had a $4,700 repair bill from Audi A^ at one time, and haven’t had anything like that yet on either Maserati. If you drive nice cars, you know these are going to happen every so often, but the idea that the Maseratis are somehow unusually expensive to own hasn’t materialized in reality for us. They are fun cars to drive and we (and particularly our grandchildren) enjoy having something “different.” I offer this as one anecdotally as one person’s experience for people considering different options. Hope it’s helpful….
Hello Jerome,
Thank you for sharing your multiple experiences with Maserati. As you say, every person’s experience is valuable when considering a large purchase. I am sure that our US readers will find your comments helpful when they are looking to buy their car.
I in love with the Maserati after proud Mary. Got one for my 50th bday. I love it. It does turn heads and most people do not know what it is. It is a luxury ride. I pray that mines is reliable. Not it is not gooing to be my primary vehicle. I have a few other options. This first month I will get some miles because it is my primary. Prd Mary got me!
Hi Mary,
Thank you for your comment about the Maserati. We hope that you enjoy driving your new luxury car.
If the Maserati is currently owned by Fiat. Chrysler, why are the parts still hard to get and expensive?
Hi Ron, Any ‘luxury’ vehicle parts are more than mainstream, this can be due to smaller production which increases the costs, mass production almost always reduces the cost of parts.
They aren’t! If you live in the EU you can get Genuine Maserati parts from 3rd party suppliers like Scuderia cars parts who sell Genuine factory parts for most exclusive and supercar brands at REALLY average prices. Engine parts for “real Maseratis” can get a bit expensive as “real Maseratis” use Ferrari (F136) engines.
When I say “real Masertatis” I’m not trying to be condescending, but there are 2 very distinct types of Maserati on the market. Bespoke 100% in house designed and developed cars like the GranTurismo and Quattroporte series, these cars are generally exceptionally reliable as they have been tested to hell and back, hence the six figure price tags!… If you read forums or talk with actual owners the majority of people will confirm that these hi-end in house designed and tested cars are as reliable as the top German Brands.
However, Maserati also assemble some other cars such as the Ghibli and Levante… These cars use cheap ‘off the shelf’ Fiat engines and chassis, and tend to have pretty disappointing reliability records… because they use cheap generic Fiat parts. The Ghibli is just a re-purposed Chrysler 200, not a Maserati!… No joke.
Example: If you look closely at a Maserati Ghibli you will quickly realize that mechanically, it’s just a Chrysler 200 with some bespoke Maserati bodywork and interior parts (In my opinion its a huge scam by Fiat!)… … You can buy the exact same Ghibli parts from Chrysler for 1/3 the price! I am sure the Maserati Brothers would tun over their graves if they saw what Fiat has done to their brand.
What makes a Maserati expensive to own is not really the parts cost. Mostly it’s the labor costs the dealers charge, as well as the inflated prices they charge for parts which can be purchased elsewhere for a fraction of the price.
To clarify: Levante and Ghibli Deisel uses the Jeep 3 liter engine (but is also available with a Ferrari based twin turbo V6 petrol engine). Chassis for all new Maseratis are Fiat based, and used on a number of other Fiat brand cars. Only the current GranTurismo and Cabrio are exclusively Maserati and have no ties to Fiat, the newest Quattroporte is related to the Chrysler 300, and the future GranTurismo will also share most of its parts with the Chrysler 300. So technically the current GranTurismo is the last Maserati in-house designed car we will ever see. And… According to a recent press release from Maserati, they are phasing out the supply contract with Ferrari, so in a few years Maseratis with Ferrari engines will be a thing of the past.
Thinking about purchasing 2008 GT? Thoughts?
Hi Carrolton,
Many thanks for your question. This is not one that we feel confident answering as we aren’t aware of the history of the vehicle. We would recommend you visit various owner forums for more accurate information on purchasing and owning a 2008 GT.
I’m not sure how much I trust this. My Maserati has been brilliant, in the years I’ve had it it’s needed very little work, and parts are (high end of) average price, it’s the dealership hourly costs that melt the mind. But exclusive cars are generally much easier to work on, Maserati, McLaren, Ferrari and Aston all use pretty standard size fixing for many reasons.
1) high-end car clients generally don’t work on their own cars, and most small repair-shops wont risk working on exclusive brands so almost all ultra-rich exclusive brand owners use the main dealer for service without a second thought of the cost. 2) It costs a lot of money to make parts which require special tools, your mid range brands (VW, Ford, Peugeot etc.), have to compete for service as this is where the majority of profits come from (not initial car sale). They protect there markets by making it very difficult to work on these cars (special tools or software often needed) which helps force the owner into main dealer service. 3)Super-cars are designed to be raced, and a key to being a race winner is the ability to quickly replace parts, many super-cars by design are really easy to work on (if you know what you are doing), far easier than your average OEM brand…. It’s just most rich people have zero interest in servicing their own cars. (I LOVE IT!).
My Audi’s and VW’s which have apparent “fantastic reliability ratings” have cost me a LOT more over the life of the car than my Maserati. VW mostly use a bespoke multi-point bolt heads which require special bespoke tools, which cost a fortune, and the assembly (disassembly) process is often needlessly complex. All the super-cars that I have owned have all used standard metric bolts making a Maserati or McLaren extremely easy to work on compared to an average car.
Personally, my Maserati GranTurismo has been insanely reliable, over the 89,000 miles I’ve driven, its been one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned. That said the Ghibli and Levante (SUV) are cheap junk which use chassis and parts from other Fiat cars and the quality is pretty crap (I would not even consider them a real Maserati, they are simply re-shelled Fiat brand cars, impossible to work on yourself)… Avoid them! But the real Maseraties, especially anything made after 2007 are on par with German quality, but are far more exciting to own and drive.
P.S- I work in vehicle development at McLaren at their proving-ground in IDIADA Spain…. So I spend my life working on Luxury cars (and everything in between). So this is not just an opinion, it’s fact based on my years of experience.
Hi Gero,
Thank you for your comments regarding the reliability of the Maserati brand. Our data is taken from multiple resources who look at several elements when it comes to the reliability of the vehicles, starting with repair cost, and time off the road following issues. Of course every model is different, but they also include the two models you mention as being not as reliabile as your GranTurismo, and this has to be taken into account when looking at the brand overall.
We are in the process of updating the reliability data across our sites at the present time, utilising multiple resources including:consumer surveys, warranty company reports and manufacturer reviews.
It is always helpful to hear from those who have on the road experience of a particular manufacturer, especially one who has a background in the industry. This information is very useful and I am sure that those who are considering Maserati will find it instructive when they come to make their decisions.
Hi Gero. Since I am actually looking very seriously into buying a Granturismo from 2007 with 72.000 km I found your post very interesting, especially because I live in Spain as well. I myself am working in the automotive industry as well and would love to know if there is anything very important to know before actually buying the car? It would be great to have some feedback from a professional that has proper experiences with this car. I have owned quite some sportive cars like BMW M5, Mercedes C63AMG, etc but never owned a Maserati but always been very interested in the brand because of its looks and currently seriously looking at 1 to buy. Your response would be very much appreciated. Thank you in advance!
After owning almost 60 different vehicles, including Porsches and Maseratis. I’ve found both my GT MC’s reliable and reasonable to repair& maintain. I purchased both used and purchased extended warranties, that I have not had to use (knock on wood)! Routine maintenance is performed at a certified Maserati dealership, by a Maserati master mechanic! I’ve been impressed with all aspects of my GranTurismos including the cost to maintain and parts. Perhaps I’m just lucky or my perspective is different because I expect the conditions that are discussed for owning any high end vehicle… I love my Maseratis!! i felt the review was a bit negative.
Hi bill,
Thank you for your comment. With regards the information you found negative, we have only used the information available us from Warranty companies, consumer reports and other sources to write a balanced review that will inform and help people to make a decision on their next vehicle. We appreciate that the information on the Maserati brand isn’t 100% positive however, we put together the data from multiple unbiased reports from the last 12 months and this is the result of that research.
Gero, how is the Quattroporte diesel for reliability? Is it also a “real Maserati” easy to work on and service or more like the fiat/mid range brands?
I had a 2014 Ghibli and had no problems. Loved the car. I then bought a 2018 Ghibli. Love it (even more). No problems. Very different.
Hi Alistair,
We have used the most recent available data to record the reliability of the Maserati, but there are always exceptions to the data that is available. Thank you for your comment on the reliability of the models you have driven.
Interesting forum and informative, I was looking for a big Deisel GT type car so the Ghibli and a BMW 640d popped into my radar, it’s my Dailey drive and I need it to be dependable. Looks like I have a lot to think about.
Hi Stefan,
Thank you for the feedback. If you are looking for a new vehicle and have questions you’d like answered I know that our team would be happy to help you source your new vehicle. If you would like to call Amanda on 01903 223391 she will be able to help you.
I purchased a Brand New Ghibli in 2016. It has been in the garage 4 times within the first Year. Nothing but problems. The steering judders when turned into full lock. The battery drains if not the car is not used for more than 3 days. In past I have driven BMW , Merc , Mits. Never had any issues.
Hi Bharat,
Thank you for your feedback about your Maserati Ghibli. We collate the data from multiple sources based in the UK in order to help those searching for a vehicle make an informed decision.
I love my 2018 Ghibli SQ4 430Cv. Best sport luxury sedan I’ve ever owned (among BMWs, Audi, Alfa, Lancia).
Hi,
Thank you for your comment on the reliability of the Maserati, we hope that you enjoy your new vehicle. We use a lot of data from various UK sources in order to get information on vehicle dependability.
Reliability? My 2015 Ghibli sQ4 has never broken down. Never! I’ve owned many Italian cars and the only problems I’ve ever had were corrosion related (living by the seaside with a ton of salt in the air). As for mechanically reliability? Maserati’s are 100% reliable. They basically never “break-down”.
Hi Roger,
Thank you for your comment on the reliability of Maserati. We are looking at data from UK insurance and warranty companies as well as consumer reports and compiling this so that new prospective owners are informed. We are unbiased and our only intention is to inform so that people can make their own minds up.
I own Maserati levante sports , the car is just another love of my life , I feel car is absolute piece of art with great features and feeling of great ownership always stays with you , little bit of issues can in any of cars, but Dubai Maserati seems very proactive in their approach and I have all thumbs up for my levante
I’ve driven a Levante SQ4 for over 2 years with only 1 reliability issue; the GPS antenna failed after 1 year. Excellent dealer back up: it was replaced promptly under warranty. The car has some idiosyncrasies – the rear suspension chatters over potholes (they all do this apparently) and the battery drops its voltage significantly if not frequently driven, resulting in bizarre error messages. Again, sorted quickly by a new battery at the dealer’s and regular use of a battery conditioner by me if I’m going to leave the car standing for more than a week.
Not withstanding all the above, I remain utterly enthralled by the car’s design, performance, luxuriousness, soundtrack and sheer character. I am also deeply impressed by the impeccable service from my dealer. I have loved every minute of the Maserati experience!
Hello David,
Thank you for sharing your experience of driving a Levante with us. The Maserati is indeed a beautiful vehicle. The information that we share in these articles on reliability is gathered from multiple sources, including warranty companies and consumer reports. We want people to have the information we have available to us so they can make the right decision for them.
I purchased a 3 year old GranTurismo with 9k miles from a Maserati dealer. I had the car for another 3 years and drive another 9k miles. It was 100% reliable, nothing went wrong or broke down, it was almost German like in its reliability. I averaged 24mpg around town and 27 on a cross Europe jaunt.
I am so glad to hear that. One day I will live my dream and own a Maserati GT.
I own a 16 plate Granturismo .. had it 18 months now, had a parking sensor problem , but Maserati (manchester) replaced it under warranty, gave me a brand new Quattraporte whilst work was being done, brilliant service from HR Owen !! I don’t use it as a daily driver, just weekends and good weather… you will not hear a nicer sounding car than this!! Awesome!!
It’s an exotic sports car, not a mondeo, so it might cost a bit more , if you can’t afford it , we’ll I’m sorry, don’t buy one!
I purchase my Brand new Maserati Ghibli gran Sport V6 diesal in September 2019 ..My last cars were BMW 5 series and do not get me wrong , They are great cars . But like all German cars , They are made to a template and some would say a little boring . If you have see the new BMW 5 series on the road , You probably would not give it a second look . Well its just a BMW ..But owning a Maserati is a different ball game , It stands out , It looks classy and beautiful and all Italian design . Everybody i know loves the car . I paid the same price as a new BMW 5 series with extras…And it holds the road better then my last 5 series and it sure footed in the rain , Unlike the last car ..
I have a 2002 maserati spyder- 20,000 miles. Transmission is leaking transmission fluid. Anybody has similar problems
Hi Larry,
Thank you for your comment. We would recommend you visit a Maserati owners forum where people will be in a better place to answer this question.
I brought a Maserati Ghibli 2018 diseal Grandsport. I had a Jaguar XJ before and wanted something different. The car was an ex showroom demo with 7000 miles less than a year old. I have had it a year and covered 4000 miles. It is stunning to look at and different. It is admired by complete strangers. But it has been back in the garage 4 times. It has a recurrent ad blue issue. The MIL on the dashboard keeps coming on. Each time the car has gone back it is Maserati in Italy who make the decision on repairs not the uk engineers. It takes longer for parts and decision making albeit uk customer service has been great. Servicing costs are redicuously stupid as are the parts. Redicuously. The ghibli is not a super car. The brand may be, in comparison to the XJ I had the XJ was a better car. Having said that I really like the ghibli. It is different. Maserati needed to pay attention to more detail in terms of switching, ambient lighting and sound system. Reliability is questionable. If Maserati carried slight tweets as above and had sensible servicing costs they would attract more buyers. As it stands I am sitting on the fence as to buying another.
Hi Neville,
Thank you for sharing your experience with your XJ and Ghibli. If you are looking to get a new vehicle in the future, please contact us and one of our experienced specialists will be able to help you.
I bought a 2018 GT Sport new in 2018. It’s now three years old and has 18,000 miles. Just had my first problem – a Check Suspension light that won’t clear. Dealer suspects a shock gone bad – won’t know for a day or two. The good news is it’s 100% covered by warranty and dealer provided a free rental car.
Maserati GT, Bulletproof drivetrain, 10k miles in 1 year, zero issues
I had the misfortune to purchase one of the first Levantes on sale in November 2016, in all of my motorig experience I have never owned a vehicle so prone to problems, the first being a scrape on the door, and being unable to source the correct paint, the vehicle tag and invoice reflecting the incorrect colour. This took months to sort out with the car off the road, and the only way to get the correct paint was to take the door mirror off and get it analysed. The ad-blu entry was a complete joke with the incorrect size spout and havng to empty the trunk to fill it using a long screwdriver to open the entry port. The rear suspension collapsed halfway through a holiday and the car was recovered and took weeks to fix, and indeed the list goes on, so much so that I got rid of the car with a big sigh of relief. H R O were very good in sorting most things out, and would I buy another one, no definatley not, ever . I only bought Maserati because I already own a Spyder and the the car is a treat. The Levante was a beautiful lady to look at but an absolute impossibility to live with
Is 10k miles in a year without a drivetrain issue really something to brag about? I’m asking in all seriousness.
I’ve owned several cars that went into the 100k+ miles without a drivetrain issue for a fraction of the cost of a Maserati. Also, 10k miles a year is low mileage.
Contemplating a GT or GT soft top 2010 or 11 ish. Wondering about issues aside from stone chips in wheel wells and front wheel bearings. Thank you in advance. Regards, Cyrus
Hi there Cyrus, thank you for your query. Some used Maserati GT and GT Convertible (soft top) have potential issues including:
– Electric problems with the radio GPS and other components.
– Suspension issues including leaks and wear
– Brake problems including wear and warping
– Engine issues such as engine misfires and oil leaks
– Transmission problems including jerky shifting and slipping
It’s important to note that not all GranTurismo models will experience these issues, and proper maintenance can help prevent many of them. Before making your purchase, it’s a good idea to have a trusted mechanic inspect the car thoroughly to identify any potential issues.
I hope this helps you in your decision-making process. Good luck with your purchase!
Impressive improvements in Maserati’s reliability indeed! Can you share any specific maintenance tips or routines you follow to ensure your Maserati stays dependable for the long haul? Your insights could be invaluable to fellow Maserati enthusiasts like me who want to maximize the longevity of our vehicles.
Hi there, thank you for taking the time to read our article.
Here are some maintenance tips and routines to maintain a Maserati:
1. Service it regularly.
2. Check and top up fluids.
3. Keep tires in good condition.
4. Monitor brakes.
5. Clean air filters.
6. Maintain the battery.
7. Use quality fuel.
8. Drive smoothly.
9. Properly store it.
10. Address odd noises promptly.
These tips will help your Maserati stay dependable for the long term. Happy driving!
I just traded in my 2022 Levante for a 2023 Grecale Trofeo. I had my Levante for 18 months and 14,000 miles…….not one single problem or concern, runs great.
My wife has had her 2022 Ghibli for just over a year, 10,000 miles, not one single issue. These cars run great, look great, feel great. We have had no issues with Maserati’s whatsoever.
Hi there John, thank you for sharing your honest review of Maserati.
Thinking of purchasing a 2014-2016 granturiismo, what are your thoughts. I had a 2017 ghibli, great car, sold because I heard so many negative things, got spooked. I sold the car for more than a bought it for. I only put 2-3000 miles a year on this car. Thanks, Jim
Hi there Jim, thank you for your query. Considering a 2014-2016 Maserati GranTurismo is a great choice. We’d recommend reaching out to our Vehicle Expert team for further advice on choosing the right Maserati model for you. Get in touch on 01903 255000.
Hi— I’m looking at a used Levante base. 2020. 19K miles. I know nothing about maintenance… other than: do it when you are supposed to! In New England… so bad weather. Car would be garaged in a barn—but driven in occasional cruddy weather. What are my biggest concerns if this is a “typical” Levante of this age and mileage? Would I get a good 6 years out of it assuming I put about 10K miles a year on it? (seems like previous owners only drove it 5K miles or so per year).
When considering a used Maserati Levante, especially in a region like New England with varying weather conditions, there are several factors to consider regarding reliability and longevity.
Firstly, Maserati, like many luxury brands, can be prone to higher maintenance costs compared to mainstream brands. Regular maintenance is crucial to keeping the vehicle in optimal condition, so ensuring that maintenance schedules have been followed is important. This includes oil changes, brake inspections, and other routine services.
Given the low mileage on the vehicle you’re considering, it’s a good sign that it hasn’t been heavily used. However, it’s also important to consider how the vehicle has been driven and maintained during those miles. Look for service records to ensure that it has been properly cared for.
In terms of longevity, Maserati vehicles can provide reliable performance if well-maintained. With your estimated mileage of 10,000 miles per year, and considering the vehicle’s current mileage, getting a good 6 years out of it is plausible with proper care. However, it’s essential to budget for potential maintenance and repair costs that may arise, especially as the vehicle ages.
Additionally, given New England’s weather conditions, it’s worth considering the vehicle’s handling in snow and icy conditions, as well as the availability of suitable tires for winter driving.
Ultimately, a thorough inspection by a trusted mechanic or dealership familiar with Maserati vehicles can provide valuable insight into the specific condition of the Levante you’re interested in and help address any concerns about its reliability and longevity.
I was so excited when I purchased/leased my 2023 Levante in December of that year. Two (2) days later the transmission slipped. Additionally computer lapses began ocurring with the computer audio system et al. It was heartbreaking. After two days of stress-free driving the car was brought back to the shop and held for three (3) weeks while diagnostics and repairs commenced. Fast forward three months later, the car is again in the shop for the same transmission issue and the computer issue has still not yet been resolved. Is the joy of driving the car worth the over 6 weeks of repairs? I made sure to have a ‘valet & car retrieval plan’ set up for repairs and services prior to signing the lease. I don’t know why I persisted at the time but am happy I did.
It feels fantastic to drive this car though the irony is when i purchased it, I was searching for something reliable. Far from that and fun to drive.
Hi there Shawn, thank you for sharing your honest experience with your Maserati Levante. If you’re looking to replace this model with a more reliable vehicle, get in touch with our team of Vehicle Specialists to find your ideal car on 01903 255000.
I want to buy a used Maserati but I’m terrified after reading all of this… Help
Hi there Dorothy, thank you for your query,. It’s understandable to feel apprehensive after reading about reliability concerns. Have you considered getting a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection and looking into an extended warranty for peace of mind? This could help mitigate potential issues and ensure you enjoy your Maserati with confidence.
I want to buy a used Maserati but I’m so confused after reading all of this. I love the look of the car but don’t want to be in the shop all the time. Please give honest advice
As a former owner of a 2006 Quattroporte, I can say that it was the worst car buying decision I ever made. Nice looking car, but nothing but a money pit for me. My honest recommendation is to never buy one, and you’ll never regret it.
Hi Fred, thanks for sharing your experience with the Quattroporte. It’s always valuable to hear firsthand accounts, especially when it comes to luxury brands like Maserati. While they’re known for their style and performance, it’s important to consider the potential maintenance costs as well. Your insight will definitely help others make an informed decision!