Maserati Ghibli MOT Failures

An analysis of 5,560 real DVSA MOT tests on the Maserati Ghibli — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: M157 (2013–2021).

Where the Maserati Ghibli fails its MOT

The single biggest MOT failure point on the Maserati Ghibli is emissions failure — this model is 5.2 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it worth watching for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 5,560 MOT tests, 0.93% of all Maserati Ghibli tests recorded this as a failure.

Exhaust and emissions failures often point to catalytic converter degradation, lambda sensor faults, or — in diesel models — DPF problems. These can be expensive to fix and will cause an immediate MOT failure.

Other notable weak points include track rod ends worn (8.1x the fleet average), tyre cords visible or damaged (7.5x the fleet average), and tyre tread depth not in accordance with the req... (5.3x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Maserati Ghibli's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.

The failures span 3 categories: Exhaust & Emissions, Steering, Tyres. If you're inspecting a Maserati Ghibli before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.

How failures change with mileage

The Maserati Ghibli's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.

Under 60,000 miles

At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.

For the Maserati Ghibli specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are tyre cords visible or damaged (7.5x the average) and tyre tread depth not in accordance with the req... (5.3x). emissions failure (5.2x) and emissions failure also appear frequently.

Over 100,000 miles

High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.

The standout failure at this mileage is track rod ends worn at 8.1x the fleet average.

The shift from tyre cords visible or damaged at lower mileages to track rod ends worn at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.

Known issues beyond the MOT

An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Maserati Ghibli specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.

Engine MIL illumination (diesel) Major

This typically indicates emissions system faults including EGR valve carbon build-up, DPF sensor failures, or AdBlue system malfunctions. Affects M157; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£600.

Electrical system malfunctions Major

NHTSA data shows 15 complaints about electrical system failures including wiring harness problems and unexpected shutdowns. Affects M157.

Steering rack gaiter deterioration

The protective rubber gaiters (bellows) that seal the steering rack ends against dirt and moisture deteriorate on diesel variants, particularly around 100,000+ miles. Affects M157; typical independent garage repair cost is £150–£250.

Accelerated brake disc wear

Both petrol and diesel variants show brake disc wear failures at over three times the fleet average across multiple mileage bands. Affects M157; typical independent garage repair cost is £400–£700.

For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Maserati Ghibli common problems breakdown.

What to check before buying a Maserati Ghibli

Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Maserati Ghibli:

Exhaust & Emissions — check for emissions failure. Steering — check for track rod ends worn. Tyres — check for tyre cords visible or damaged, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the req....

Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about engine mil illumination and electrical system malfunctions. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £200. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.

Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.

MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.