A Maserati turns heads wherever it goes. But under the hood, is it as reliable as it looks?
If you’re considering buying one, you may be wondering whether the high-end price tag is worth it — or if you’re signing up for costly repairs.
In short, how reliable are Maseratis?
The truth is – every auto manufacturer is guilty of producing a faulty model from time to time – even those with the most esteemed reputations.
That’s why the California lemon law exists – to protect consumers from being stuck with a faulty vehicle. These laws provide remedies for drivers who buy or lease a car that turns out to be unreliable. Typically, in the form of a buyback (refund) or vehicle replacement.
Maserati and California Lemon Law
So, if your Maserati breaks down a lot, it may be worth looking into your lemon law rights. In order to qualify as a lemon car in California, the vehicle must:
- Be covered under the manufacturer or dealer warranty when the defect or nonconformity was first reported.
- Have one or more defects/nonconformities that substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
- Have been subjected to a reasonable number of repair attempts by a manufacturer-certified facility to fix the defect or nonconformity; or
- Have been out of service for repairs on one or more defects/nonconformities for at least 30 days.
- The defect or nonconformity must not have been caused by driver abuse or neglect.
If your Maserati meets the criteria for a lemon – and you have documentation to prove it – you may be eligible for compensation.
So, are Maserati good cars? The answer is – it depends. In this post, we’ll go over the most common Maserati complaints and what you can do if your car is eligible for a California lemon law claim.
Are Maserati Cars Reliable? 3 Common Complaints
If your Maserati breaks down a lot, you’re not alone. While Maserati can be a great car, the company does have a few common problems that drivers should be aware of. These include:
Seatbelt Malfunctions
Certain 2021 Levante, Quattroporte, and Ghibli vehicles have been recalled by Maserati due to faulty seatbelts. This issue poses a potential safety risk as the seatbelts may not properly restrain occupants in the event of a collision, increasing the risk of injury.
Maserati has taken responsibility for this problem and initiated a recall to address the faulty seatbelts. If you own one of the affected models, it is important to contact your local Maserati dealership or service center to have the issue rectified. They will likely replace the defective seatbelt components free of charge to ensure your safety.
If they cannot repair the defect after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be eligible for compensation under California lemon laws. Consult a lemon law attorney in California to learn more about your legal options.
Faulty Airbags
Another reason you may question whether Maseratis are good cars is due to their faulty airbags. Several models of Maserati vehicles have been recalled for airbag problems, which can cause the airbags to deploy unexpectedly or fail to deploy in an accident.
Like with the seatbelt malfunctions, Maserati has taken the initiative to correct this issue and recall the affected vehicles. If you own one of the recalled models, contact your local dealership or service center to have it repaired free of charge. Do not take your car to a third-party repair shop, as this can prevent you from pursuing a lemon law claim should the repair fail.
Engine Issues
Another reason why Maserati vehicles break down a lot is that certain models are prone to engine issues. This can be due to a range of factors, such as poor maintenance or defective parts. Some of the common engine issues that may occur include stalling, loss of power, and oil leaks.
If you are experiencing any of these issues with your Maserati vehicle, it is important to take it to an authorized mechanic for repairs as soon as possible. This will help to prevent any serious damage from occurring and may also be necessary for a successful lemon law claim.
Again, if Maserati is unable to fix the problem, you may be eligible for a refund or replacement under CA lemon law. A lemon law attorney in California can advise you on your legal rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
How Long Do Maseratis Last?
Maseratis are built for performance and luxury, but how long do they actually last? On average, a well-maintained Maserati can reach 100,000 to 150,000 miles or about 10 to 12 years before significant issues arise. However, this lifespan depends heavily on how well the car is maintained and whether the owner keeps up with recommended service schedules.
Maintenance Is Key to Maserati’s Durability
Unlike some mainstream brands known for their long-term reliability, Maseratis require rigorous upkeep. Regular oil changes, brake servicing, and engine checks are essential to keeping the car running smoothly. Neglecting routine maintenance can lead to premature engine wear, electrical failures, and transmission problems—costly issues that can significantly shorten the car’s lifespan.
Common Problems That Affect Longevity
Some Maserati models have well-documented reliability concerns that can impact how long they last. These include:
- Transmission failures: Especially in older Quattroporte and Ghibli models.
- Electrical system issues: Infotainment malfunctions, faulty sensors, and lighting problems.
- Expensive part replacements: Components like the suspension, brakes, and exhaust system wear down quickly.
Comparison to Other Luxury Brands
When compared to rivals like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche, Maseratis tend to have a shorter lifespan due to higher maintenance needs and less reliable engineering. While a BMW 5 Series or Mercedes E-Class can easily surpass 200,000 miles with proper care, Maseratis often require major repairs much earlier.
This difference in longevity makes Maseratis a less practical choice for long-term ownership unless buyers are willing to invest in ongoing maintenance.
Why Does Maserati Depreciate So Much?
Maseratis have a reputation for rapid depreciation, often losing a significant portion of their value within just a few years. But why does this happen?
Luxury Car Depreciation at a Faster Rate
All luxury vehicles depreciate faster than standard cars, but Maseratis stand out for losing value more quickly than most high-end brands.
Within the first five years, a Maserati can lose over 60% of its original value, making it one of the most rapidly depreciating luxury brands.
High Repair Costs and Reliability Issues
One major factor behind Maserati’s depreciation is its costly repairs and inconsistent reliability. Potential buyers know that maintaining a Maserati is far more expensive than owning a BMW or Lexus.
When parts fail, replacement costs can be exorbitant, discouraging second-hand buyers and driving resale values down.
Limited Market Demand vs. Competitors
While brands like Mercedes and BMW have a large, loyal customer base and strong resale demand, Maserati has a smaller niche audience.
Used Maseratis tend to sit on dealership lots longer because they appeal to a smaller pool of buyers willing to take on their higher maintenance costs.
Impact on Resale Value
Because of these factors, Maserati owners often take a bigger financial hit when reselling compared to other luxury brands.
While a Porsche or Mercedes may retain 50-60% of its value after five years, many Maseratis retain only 30-40%—making them a less attractive investment for long-term ownership.
Are Maseratis Worth It?
When it comes to whether Maserati is a good car brand, the answer is usually subjective. For some people, they may be worth investing in due to their stylish design and luxurious features. For others, the reliability issues that some Maserati models have may make them too much of a risk.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and research before investing in a Maserati. Make sure to look into the reliability of the Maserati you are considering, as well as common issues it may have.
Know your legal rights under California lemon law should you experience any serious problems with your car.
Dealing with a Problematic Maserati? We Can Help.
If your Maserati spends more time in the repair shop than on the road, you don’t have to keep dealing with the hassle. California’s lemon law protects drivers from unreliable vehicles, and you may be entitled to a refund or replacement.
At Cline APC, we’ve helped countless drivers fight back against defective cars and uncooperative manufacturers. Even if you’re unsure whether you qualify, we’re here to answer your questions and guide you through your options. Reach out today for a free, no-obligation consultation—because you shouldn’t have to pay for a car that doesn’t work.
