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Maserati Common Problems & Known Faults

We track 20 known issues across 4 Maserati models, with an average MOT failure rate of 17.1%. Covering engine problems, electrical faults, suspension wear and more: what goes wrong, what it costs, and what to check before buying a used Maserati.

Check any Maserati before you buy

Enter a registration number to check its full dealer service history. See every dealer visit, dates, mileage, and work done so you know whether the maintenance that prevents these problems was actually carried out.

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£6.99 service history · £7.49 premium car check · Full refund if no records found

How reliable are Maserati cars?

Our database covers 4 Maserati models and 20 documented faults across the range. Of these, 3 are classified as dangerous and a further 10 as major. Dangerous faults are those that can compromise vehicle safety or lead to complete mechanical failure if left unaddressed.

According to DVSA MOT test data, Maserati models fail at an average rate of 17.1%, sitting below the 22.7% average across all manufacturers in our database. Reliability varies considerably between models. The Granturismo is the strongest performer at just 15.3%, while the Quattroporte has the highest failure rate at 19.6%.

If you are considering a used Maserati, researching the specific model and generation you are looking at makes a real difference. The most common failure areas across the range are suspension and brakes, though each model has its own particular weak points. This page gives you a complete breakdown by severity, the models affected, and what repairs typically cost at UK garages.

Maserati reliability summary

Average MOT failure rate
17.1%
Across 4 models with MOT data
Most reliable model
Granturismo
15.3% MOT failure rate
View problems →
Least reliable model
Quattroporte
19.6% MOT failure rate
View problems →
Total MOT tests analysed
23,991
Across 4 Maserati models

Where Maserati problems occur

Understanding which systems are most prone to failure helps you focus during a test drive or pre-purchase inspection. Here is how Maserati's 20 known issues break down by area.

Suspension problems dominate, accounting for 8 of the 20 faults we track (40%). Issues in this area include Front spring fracture (Type 387) and Suspension component corrosion and damage (M145). The most affected models are the Granturismo (4), the Quattroporte (3), the Coupe (1).

Brakes is the next most common area, with 7 documented faults (35%). Common faults here include Parking brake efficiency failure (Type 387) and Brake pipe corrosion (Type 387). The most affected models are the Coupe (2), the Ghibli (2), the Quattroporte (2).

We also track 2 steering faults across the range (10%). Problems to watch for include Steering rack gaiter deterioration (Type 387). The most affected models are the Coupe (1), the Ghibli (1).

Transmission rounds out the top problem areas with 1 known issues (5%). Notable issues include Cambiocorsa transmission failure (Type 387). The most affected models are the Coupe (1).

Known Maserati faults by severity

Every fault in our database is rated by severity based on its potential safety impact and typical repair cost. Below is a sample of issues at each level, with links to the affected model pages where you can read the full details.

Dangerous

Major

+ 5 more major issues across Maserati models

Minor

+ 2 more minor issues across Maserati models

Top issues across the Maserati range

The most common and severe problems found across all Maserati models, ranked by severity and how many models are affected.

Dangerous
Front spring fracture (Type 387)
Suspension 1 model affected
The front coil springs on the Maserati Coupe suffer from premature fracturing, failing at 9.7 times the national average according to MOT data. Spring fracture on a high-performance sports car is p...
Independent garage
£300–£500
Main dealer
£650–£900
Affects: Coupe
Dangerous
Brake pipe corrosion (Type 387)
Brakes 1 model affected
Brake pipes on the Maserati Coupe suffer from accelerated corrosion, failing MOT tests at 3.1 times the national average. This affects the rigid brake lines that run underneath the car, particularl...
Independent garage
£200–£400
Main dealer
£500–£800
Affects: Coupe
Dangerous
Suspension component corrosion and damage (M145)
Suspension 1 model affected
The GranTurismo's front suspension components, particularly control arms and subframe mounting points, suffer from accelerated corrosion that can lead to structural failure. MOT data shows this mod...
Main dealer
£3,000–£7,000
Affects: Granturismo
Major
Steering rack gaiter deterioration (Type 387)
Steering 2 models affected
The steering rack protective gaiters (rubber boots) on the Maserati Coupe deteriorate at an exceptionally high rate compared to other vehicles. These gaiters protect the steering rack from dirt and...
Independent garage
£150–£250
Main dealer
£350–£500
Affects: Coupe, Ghibli
Major
Parking brake efficiency failure (Type 387)
Brakes 2 models affected
The parking brake system on the Maserati Coupe frequently fails to meet minimum efficiency requirements during MOT testing, occurring at 7.9 times the national average. This typically indicates wor...
Independent garage
£180–£300
Main dealer
£400–£600
Major
Cambiocorsa transmission failure (Type 387)
Transmission 1 model affected
The Cambiocorsa automated manual transmission used in many Maserati Coupes is known for hydraulic system failures and actuator problems. The system uses hydraulic pressure to operate clutch and gea...
Main dealer
£3,000–£6,000
Affects: Coupe
Major
Engine MIL illumination (diesel)
Engine 1 model affected
This typically indicates emissions system faults including EGR valve carbon build-up, DPF sensor failures, or AdBlue system malfunctions. The trend is worsening year-on-year, suggesting progressive...
Independent garage
£200–£600
Main dealer
£500–£1,200
Affects: Ghibli
Major
Electrical system malfunctions
Electrical 1 model affected
NHTSA data shows 15 complaints about electrical system failures including wiring harness problems and unexpected shutdowns. These issues appear concentrated in early production years and may relate...
Main dealer
£800–£2,000
Affects: Ghibli
Major
Front spring failure (M145)
Suspension 1 model affected
Coil spring failure affects both 4.2L and 4.7L GranTurismo models at 86.5 times the fleet average rate according to MOT data, with a worsening trend over recent years. The springs can fracture or s...
Independent garage
£500–£800
Main dealer
£800–£1,400
Affects: Granturismo
Major
Shock absorber bush failure (IV)
Suspension 1 model affected
The shock absorber mounting bushes on the 4.2L V8 Quattroporte fail at exceptionally high rates, with MOT data showing failure at 10.7 times the national fleet average. The rubber bushes deteriorat...
Independent garage
£400–£600
Main dealer
£900–£1,300
Affects: Quattroporte

Check any Maserati before you buy

Enter a registration number to check its full dealer service history. See every dealer visit, dates, mileage, and work done so you know whether the maintenance that prevents these problems was actually carried out.

★GB

£6.99 service history · £7.49 premium car check · Full refund if no records found

Problems by Maserati model

We track faults across 4 Maserati models. Each model page includes every known issue, generation-specific details, UK repair costs, and MOT failure data. Select a model below to see its full breakdown.

Maserati Ghibli
5 known issues · 7,203 MOTs
1 generation
15.5% MOT failure rate
Maserati Quattroporte
5 known issues · 6,353 MOTs
2 generations
19.6% MOT failure rate
Maserati Granturismo
5 known issues · 6,352 MOTs
1 generation
15.3% MOT failure rate
Maserati Coupe
5 known issues · 4,083 MOTs
1 generation
18.1% MOT failure rate

What to check before buying a used Maserati

Every used Maserati deserves a thorough inspection, but knowing the common weak points for your target model gives you a serious advantage. Since suspension faults are the most common across the range, pay particular attention to this area during any viewing or test drive.

The 3 dangerous-rated faults deserve special attention. These include Front spring fracture (Type 387), Brake pipe corrosion (Type 387), Suspension component corrosion and damage (M145). Any of these can compromise safety or result in repair bills running well into the thousands.

A complete dealer service history is one of the strongest indicators of how well a Maserati has been looked after. Many of the faults on this page are preventable or can be caught early through regular servicing. If the seller cannot produce service records, treat that as a significant red flag.

Check the MOT history carefully too. With a 17.1% average failure rate across the Maserati range, some advisories and minor failures are normal over the life of any car. What matters is the pattern: recurring failures in the same area suggest an underlying problem, while a history of clean passes is encouraging.

Maserati repair costs: what to expect

Across all documented faults, the average Maserati repair costs between £328 and £574 at an independent garage. At the top end, the most expensive single repair can reach £1,000 or more. Main dealer rates are typically 30% to 50% higher across the board.

The single most expensive Maserati repair in our database is Suspension component corrosion and damage (M145), which can cost £3,000–£7,000 at a main dealer.

These figures are based on reported UK repair costs and serve as a guide. Actual prices will vary depending on your location, the garage, and the parts required. Getting quotes from two or three specialists before committing to any major work is always worthwhile.

Buying a used Maserati? Check it first

Get the full picture before you commit. Our car check covers outstanding finance, write-off status, stolen records, plate changes and mileage discrepancies. Or check the service history to see whether the maintenance that prevents these problems was actually done.

★GB

£7.49 car check · £6.99 service history · Free basic report included

Maserati reliability FAQs

Are Maserati cars reliable?

Across 4 models with MOT data, Maserati has an average MOT failure rate of 17.1%. The most reliable model is the Granturismo at 15.3% failure rate, while the Quattroporte has the highest at 19.6%. We track 20 known issues across 4 Maserati models.

What are the most common Maserati problems?

The most common Maserati problems include Front spring fracture (Type 387), Brake pipe corrosion (Type 387), and Suspension component corrosion and damage (M145). Across all Maserati models we track 20 known issues, with 3 rated as dangerous.

Which Maserati model is most reliable?

Based on MOT failure data, the Maserati Granturismo is the most reliable model with a 15.3% failure rate from 6,352 tests. The least reliable is the Quattroporte at 19.6%. However, individual car condition and service history matter more than model averages.

How much do Maserati repairs cost?

Maserati repair costs at independent garages average £328-£574 per issue. The most expensive repairs can reach £1,000 or more. Main dealer rates are typically 30-50% higher. Costs vary significantly by model and issue, so check the specific model page for detailed pricing.

Should I get a vehicle check before buying a Maserati?

Yes. Maserati models have 20 known issues between them, including 3 dangerous and 10 major problems. A service history check (£6.99) shows whether scheduled maintenance was done, and a premium car check (£7.49) covers finance, stolen, write-off status. Both are essential before buying any used Maserati.

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