Are Maseratis Reliable? Maserati is a luxury brand, and if you’re buying a luxury car, reliability is probably at the top of your list. But are Maseratis reliable? Unfortunately, they’re not as reliable as other luxury cars—or even Italian cars in general (Ferrari included). To understand why this is so, let’s take a look at the history of Maserati and how they got to where they are today:
Maserati was founded by Alfieri Maserati in Bologna, Italy in 1914. The company initially focused on building racing engines before moving into building road-going sports cars in 1922 with the Tipo 26/28/38 series. Following World War II and several years of financial struggles after their founder died unexpectedly from pneumonia in 1947, two brothers named Ettore and Ernesto Maserati took over management duties until 1954 when Cisitalia took over production responsibilities for the company. In 1963 Ferrari acquired 50% ownership but maintained autonomy for another 5 years before rebranding themselves as simply “Ferrari”.
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There are some common problems with Maserati cars
There are some common problems with Maserati cars. Some of these include sticky gear levers, flashing dashboard lights, leaks from the air conditioning system, brake caliper failure and turbo charger failure. Replacing a turbo charger is costly and a major repair for a Maserati car.
Sticky gear levers
A common problem that Maserati owners face is a sticky gear lever. This can be caused by a number of issues, but it’s fairly easy to fix if you know what to look out for.
- First, check the condition of your oil and make sure the oil level is correct. If you’re not sure how much to add or when it should be changed, consult your owner’s manual or take it into a service center for an inspection.
- Next, check the transmission fluid level by following these steps:
- Remove both covers from under the hood; they should just slide off with little effort (but don’t pull too hard). Beneath each cover lie three dipsticks—one each for engine oil, transmission fluid and coolant/anti-freeze degree levels—which are used in conjunction with accompanying gauges on either side of them (to monitor those fluids). These gauges will inform you whether or not there’s enough fluid present within those systems; if there isn’t then obviously something needs fixing as soon as possible since these fluids help lubricate moving parts throughout every automobile system imaginable!
Flashing dashboard lights
A flashing dashboard light could be a sign of a faulty ECU, alternator, battery or starter motor. If your car has been sitting for too long and the battery has gone flat then it could also mean that you need to charge up the battery again.
Flashing dashboard lights can also indicate that there is an electrical fault in the engine bay. In some cases it may be due to an issue with one of these components: fuel pump or injectors.
Leaks from the air conditioning system
Maseratis are known for their sleek, Italian design, but they may be more recognizable for the problems associated with their air conditioning system. This is one of the most common issues that plague Maserati owners, who often experience leaking or poor performance from their air conditioner.
The air conditioning system on a Maserati is complicated, consisting of multiple components and parts including pistons, hoses and valves that need to work together in order to keep your car cool on hot days. Unfortunately it can be difficult to troubleshoot these issues as well as expensive — replacement parts alone can cost upwards of $3k. In addition to this there’s also the possibility that your entire A/C unit will need replacing altogether which can cost up to $5k!
As if this weren’t enough cause for concern, it’s also important to note that many owners report experiencing breakdowns due directly related problems with their cars’ A/Cs — this means that even when everything seems fine there could still be underlying issues within these systems which may lead them break down unexpectedly at any moment while driving down the road!
Brake caliper failure
Brake calipers are a common problem with Maserati’s. They can fail, and when they do it’s not just inconvenient; it’s very expensive. Brake caliper failure usually results in the vehicle not braking properly and can cause you to lose control of your car.
The good news? It’s possible to repair your brake calipers yourself if you’re willing to get your hands dirty—but doing so will require some mechanical skill, time and patience. The bad news? If you’re not prepared for this kind of major repair job on your own car (and most people aren’t), then paying someone else is going to cost thousands of dollars.
Turbo charger failure
Another common Maserati problem that can affect the turbo charger is one of the oldest problems around: poor engine maintenance. Turbo chargers are expensive, and they can fail without warning if you neglect your car’s oil changes or change its regular spark plugs too often. The engine itself needs to be well maintained for the turbocharger to work properly, so if you don’t get it serviced regularly, you may find yourself with a bill of thousands upon thousands of dollars just to replace the part—a cost that will likely put your vehicle out of commission until it’s repaired.
While we’re on this topic: let’s talk fuel quality. If your fuel isn’t up to par—if there are impurities in it or other contaminants—it could damage the turbocharger and cause it not only to fail but also possibly catch fire!
Replacing a turbo charger is costly and a major repair for a Maserati
While replacing a turbo charger can be costly, it is also a major repair. If you are considering buying a Maserati, consider the impact that failing turbo chargers have on the environment.
While replacing your turbo charger will cost you around $5,000 to $6,000, some people opt for aftermarket parts in order to save money. This option may sound appealing at first glance but when you factor in labor costs and potential damage caused by subpar parts there’s no contest: buying OEM equipment is still the best way to go when it comes time for repairs.
Faulty electronic control unit (ECU)
The ECU is a computer that controls the engine. It can fail and cause a range of problems, including an inability to start or run your car. If you have an issue with your ECU, it may be possible to replace it yourself; however, this procedure is not easy and requires certain knowledge about how cars work. There is also a risk of overcharging the battery if the replacement is done incorrectly; this could damage both your new ECU as well as your battery.
Replaced ECU’s can be difficult to program and expensive to put right
ECU’s are an important part of the car’s electrical system, controlling many aspects of its operation. They can sometimes be damaged by water, and it may be difficult to get them to work again if they have been damaged in this way. It is possible that replacing an ECU after an accident could cost more than the value of the car itself!
Maserati’s may be stylish, but they have a chequered reliability history
Maserati’s may be stylish, but they have a chequered reliability history. They are generally considered to be the least reliable make of luxury car. This is true for Maserati’s in general and not just the Ghibli.
The sources for this information are: Consumer Reports (a well-respected independent testing organisation), J.D Power (another respected independent testing organisation) and Car Talk (a motoring advice show).