Maserati makes some of the most beautiful cars in the automotive world. The perfect combination of performance and comfort, these beautifully designed luxury cars are part of every gearhead's dream garage. And at the prices you can get these exotic Italians on the used market, they seem like the best bargain. Sure, older models have a reputation for being unreliable and prohibitively expensive, but cars manufactured after 2013 are comparatively more durable. These cars have a bad reputation due to their running costs and even simple maintenance can cost thousands of dollars . However, good preventive maintenance can help owners save thousands of dollars and keep these performance cars in top condition.
1 engine problems
Most Maseratis, especially the older ones, use Ferrari engines. Not only are these engines extremely powerful, but they also produce an incredible sound across the entire speed range . However, when it comes to reliability, it's obviously not about Toyota or Honda engines. Although overall reliability is poor, these engines can exceed the 100,000 mile mark when properly maintained. Higher running costs generally discourage owners from driving high mileage on these engines, which is arguably more detrimental. A car that has driven between 6,000 and 10,000 miles is likely to run better and more reliably than a shop model. Although it may not seem obvious to you, driving your Maserati a few thousand miles each year is crucial to a hassle-free ownership experience.
A variator problem also occurs on some Quattroporte and GranTurismo models with wet sump transmissions . This issue was highlighted directly by Maserati and generally does not affect vehicles manufactured after 2011. It may be worth checking all belts at every routine maintenance and changing the oil at the recommended interval of 12,000 miles (or sooner). It's also important to keep an eye out for misfires or other unusual noises because if you miss them, they can lead to more serious (and expensive) problems.
2 Transmission and clutch problems
Most Maserati vehicles are equipped with two transmissions: a six- or eight-speed ZF gearbox or an automated F1 "Graziano" single-clutch manual transmission. The ZF unit is by far the most reliable option and is a proven transmission with a reliable torque converter setup. Vehicles equipped with ZF transmissions are unlikely to experience major problems, especially if they have been serviced. The F1 single clutch unit is a completely different story. These transmissions were notoriously unreliable and extremely expensive to repair . This is the same transmission that is used in the Alfa Romeo 8C and several Ferraris. Therefore, as expected, the repair costs are as high as you would expect for a supercar gearbox. To give you an idea , owners have reported estimates ranging from $6,000 to over $10,000 for clutch replacement and other transmission-related work . No matter what transmission your Maserati is equipped with, following the maintenance schedule for fluid changes and not stressing the transmission (by keeping it in neutral or park rather than driving at a standstill) can contribute to durability and reliability.
3 brake problems
Many Maserati owners have complained about spongy pedal feel and squeaky brakes. These problems are very common and relatively easy to fix . A spongy brake pedal can be caused by air in the system and should go away after a thorough flush and change of brake fluid. Even if your Maserati doesn't have a spongy pedal feel, changing the brake fluid every 1 to 2 years is recommended, depending on usage. If the problem persists and nothing else seems to help, upgrading to stainless steel brake lines instead of the rubber brake lines that came with the car should help. Brake squealing is a common problem on many performance cars, so the squeaking noise you hear is probably completely normal, especially if you're using OEM pads. Some owners have resorted to replacement pads from brands like Formula Dynamics.
For owners who plan to use their Maserati on the track , the OEM braking system might be a bit disappointing. Upgrading the entire system, including switching to a higher boiling point brake fluid, can result in significant improvements in overall performance. Additionally, track use will require you to change brake discs and pads more frequently than Maserati's prescribed service intervals, which can be expensive as many (if not most) models use Ferrari parts.
4 comments with spotlights
Many Maserati models are known to have headlight problems. Owners have reported problems ranging from misalignment to flickering to intermittent failures while driving. Other common problems include reduced light output, uneven beam and condensation. These problems are usually caused by electrical problems, faulty light bulbs, or a problem with the xenon ballast that controls the headlights. Xenon headlights are very powerful but complex and some OEM bulbs are prone to failure . Therefore, replacing the bulbs (not the entire headlight) can help resolve intermittent failures. If this doesn't solve the problem, it could be the ballast control unit. Most modern Maserati models have three: one for each headlight and a central control unit. Repairing or replacing these xenon ballasts can help solve the problem.
Electrical problems and loose connections are common on these vehicles. So having them checked by a professional every year or two can prevent further problems. Condensation in the headlights and taillights is another common phenomenon on these vehicles. However, in most cases this is normal and the condensation should disappear within an hour of use or parking in the sun. A good mechanic can also easily diagnose misaligned headlights.
5 Oil and coolant leaks
Oil and coolant leaks spare no one: even many Toyota and Honda models suffer from minor leaks. So as long as the leaks are minor, there is no need to worry. Typically, these phenomena occur when even smaller joints are worn out. Performing diagnostics and repairs every time there is a small leak can be expensive, especially when labor costs are exorbitant. So as long as you don't get a small puddle under your Maserati after a few hours of parking, you're fine. However, it is all the more important to check the engine oil level regularly and top it up if necessary . However, if you notice a noticeable oil leak and your car has swallowed more oil than expected, it's a good idea to have the problem diagnosed by an experienced technician. Small leaks are relatively harmless, but large leaks can leave you stranded on the road or cause thousands of dollars in engine damage.
Refrigerant leaks are easier to repair and detect, but they can surprise you. While engine leaks usually occur slowly over time, coolant leaks are most often caused by worn pipes and hoses. Like any other piece of rubber, over time they can become hard and brittle and eventually break or come apart. It's a good idea to check all hoses, pipes, and clamps during routine maintenance and replace them every few years.
6 electrical problems
Electrical problems can be a nightmare for owners and it is to be expected that many exotic cars will experience electronic problems. For lucky owners, these problems are usually limited to a weak battery. The easiest way to solve this problem is to drive the car as often as possible and use a high-quality trickle charger when the car is in the garage for a long time. If the electrical problems are more serious, parts of the wiring harness may need to be replaced. This isn't always as big a task as it seems, but it can quickly become an expensive affair.
7 paint cracks and stone chips
Build quality has never been a big selling point for Maserati cars, and the same goes for paintwork. Owners have reported that these cars are prone to stone chips and paint cracking. Their repair can be expensive and color matching is a difficult task when the body panels need to be repainted. A good wash and wax can help prevent paint from wearing off and causing imperfections, but it's not enough. Opting for some type of paint protection can be a worthwhile investment for Maserati owners. Two of the most popular paint protection methods are ceramic coating and PPF .
8 adhesive buttons and interior decorations
The interior of a new Maserati is a nice place to be , but it doesn't really age well. Most owners are familiar with the infamous "sticky buttons" problem, where parts of the cockpit panel and buttons become sticky once the protective coating wears off. Although parking indoors or in the shade helps avoid (or delay) this problem, it is often considered part of the experience of owning a Maserati. There are various sprays that can help solve the problem. New buttons aren't all that expensive either, which is why many owners prefer replacing sticky buttons rather than using sprays or scraping off the sticky residue.
9 Premature and uneven tire wear
Any performance car can use up a set of tires much faster than a regular family car . When driving on the race track, it can be assumed that a set of tires only has a short lifespan. However, some models of the Italian car brand may require a set of rear tires every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers. Many owners have also reported uneven tire wear. Make sure your Maserati's tires and wheels are properly balanced and aligned at all times. And while suspension problems can always lead to uneven tire wear, even something as simple as air pressure can affect tire life.
10 Suspension Problems
Many Maserati models are equipped with complex air suspension systems that are outrageously expensive to replace. Although these systems are in high demand in modern cars , they are not among the most reliable systems on the market, and neglect and misuse can lead to other problems with the suspension system control module or airbags and almost always require replacement. . Air suspension failures are generally common in garaged vehicles or vehicles with irregular maintenance histories. If you drive your Maserati frequently and check the suspension during every routine maintenance, the chances of air suspension failure can be significantly reduced. However, like all wear parts, these suspension components have a limited lifespan, even with maintenance, and you can expect problems to arise every 5 to 8 years.
Source: Maserati, CarSurvey.org
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