The Maserati Levante is a luxury SUV produced from 2016 to 2024 at the Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy. As Maserati’s first SUV, the Levante offered buyers a range of engine options from turbocharged four-cylinders to Ferrari-built V8 powerplants.
This article breaks down the best and worst model years of the Maserati Levante based on reliability, owner complaints, maintenance costs, and long-term dependability. Understanding which years to target and which to avoid helps buyers make informed decisions about this Italian luxury SUV.
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Maserati Levante Generational Overview
First Generation (2017-2024)
The Maserati Levante debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2016, with first deliveries beginning in spring 2016 as 2017 models. The SUV was built on the Maserati M156 platform and featured all-wheel drive across all trim levels.
Initial engine options included a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 350 horsepower and a 3.0-liter V6 diesel with 275 horsepower. The 2018 model year introduced the Levante GTS with a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 generating 550 horsepower, while the Levante Trofeo variant arrived with 580 horsepower. In 2021, Maserati added a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mild-hybrid option producing 330 horsepower. Production ended in March 2024.
Common issues across the generation included electrical system malfunctions, suspension problems, and transmission software errors causing unexpected shifts to neutral. The 2017 and 2018 models experienced higher complaint rates than later years.
Best Years for the Maserati Levante
The 2021-2023 model years represent the most refined versions of the Levante with improved interior quality and updated electronics.
2021: This year introduced the mild-hybrid GT Hybrid model with updated interior electronics and smartphone app integration. The revised infotainment system addressed earlier Bluetooth connectivity issues, and build quality improvements reduced interior rattles reported in earlier models.
2022-2023: These final production years benefited from all previous refinements and addressed many early electrical problems. Fewer owner complaints were filed compared to 2017-2018 models, and suspension components showed better durability.
2020: The Levante received mid-cycle updates including refined suspension tuning and improved electrical system diagnostics. This year served as a transition point between early problematic models and the more reliable later versions.
Worst Years for the Maserati Levante
The 2017 and 2018 model years experienced the highest number of owner complaints and reliability issues.
2017: As the first production year, the 2017 Levante suffered from electrical system failures at low mileages and engine software problems causing the transmission to shift into neutral unexpectedly. Owners reported issues within the first 6,000 miles, with some experiencing engine problems at just 3,000 miles.
2018: This model year continued to experience electrical malfunctions and introduced new concerns with fuel line sensor housings that could crack and leak fuel. Despite adding the V8 engine option, the 2018 maintained problematic components from the 2017 model.
2019: While improvements began appearing, the 2019 Levante still carried over some electrical system issues and experienced uneven tire wear problems reported by multiple owners.
Common Problems Across the Maserati Levante Lineup
Electrical System Failures
Sensor malfunctions affecting parking assist and lane-keeping functions plague multiple model years. Infotainment screen glitches disrupting Bluetooth and audio connections occur frequently, and persistent warning lights appear due to faulty electrical diagnostics.
Transmission Software Issues
The ZF eight-speed automatic transmission experiences unexpected shifts to neutral during stop-and-go traffic conditions. Engine shutoffs at slow speeds occurred in 2017 models due to software programming errors requiring dealer updates.
Suspension and Handling Problems
Suspension noise and rough handling on uneven surfaces affect ride quality across multiple years. Frequent alignment issues impact stability, and worn suspension components require more frequent service than comparable luxury SUVs.
Fuel System Defects
The 2022 model year faced recalls for fuel line sensor housings that crack and leak fuel, creating fire hazards and engine stall risks. Maserati dealers replaced faulty sensor housings under warranty to address this safety concern.
Brake System Wear
Premature brake pad and rotor wear requires more frequent replacements than expected. Power steering malfunctions cause inconsistent steering responses, and brake warning lights appear despite recent repairs.
Interior Quality Issues
Cheap plastic materials lack the luxury feel expected at this price point compared to Mercedes-Benz and Porsche competitors. Cup holder covers fail to latch properly, and headrest rattling with falling pieces has been reported by owners.
Tire Wear Concerns
Uneven tire wear with premature degradation to the metal creates safety hazards. Conflicting information from dealerships about expected tire life compounds owner frustration.
Reliability Breakdown by Year
2024 Maserati Levante Reliability Rating
The final production year ending March 2024 represents the most refined version with eight years of engineering improvements. Limited availability exists due to the short production run before discontinuation.
2023 Maserati Levante Reliability Rating
This year benefited from resolved electrical issues and improved component durability compared to early models. The V8 Ultima special edition marked the end of V8 engine availability as Ferrari discontinued production.
2022 Maserati Levante Reliability Rating
While improved over 2017-2018, the 2022 model faced fuel line sensor housing recalls requiring dealer intervention. Electrical system reliability showed improvement, though sensor malfunctions still occurred.
2021 Maserati Levante Reliability Rating
The introduction of the GT Hybrid mild-hybrid model brought updated electronics and better smartphone integration. Interior quality improvements reduced rattles and cheap plastic complaints from earlier years.
2020 Maserati Levante Reliability Rating
Mid-cycle refinements improved suspension tuning and electrical diagnostics. This transitional year showed fewer complaints than 2017-2019 but lacked the full refinements of 2021-2023 models.
2019 Maserati Levante Reliability Rating
Electrical problems persisted from previous years, and tire wear issues emerged as a new concern. The Trofeo variant debuted with 580 horsepower but carried over problematic components.
2018 Maserati Levante Reliability Rating
This year ranks among the worst with high complaint rates and fuel system defects. Despite introducing the GTS V8 model and safety features like lane-keeping assist, reliability remained problematic. Owners reported shocking unreliability with oil leaks and poor dealership service experiences.
2017 Maserati Levante Reliability Rating
As the inaugural year, the 2017 Levante experienced the highest failure rates with electrical problems at 6,000 miles and engine issues at 3,000 miles. Transmission software causing unexpected neutral shifts and engine shutoffs required recalls.
Warranty & Ownership Costs
A Maserati Levante will cost approximately $11,394 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the luxury SUV segment average by $1,059, though the 26.57% probability of major repairs exceeds expectations for this price class.
First-year costs average $596, increasing to $1,061 by year five. The first five years total approximately $3,994 in maintenance costs, which is $1,516 less than the luxury SUV industry average. Major repair probability rises from 2.63% in year one to 12.42% by year five.
Extended warranty coverage is recommended due to electrical system and suspension repair costs. Maserati’s factory warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles, but dealership closures have created service contract honoring issues for some owners.
Buying Guide: What to Look For
The 2018 Levante offers the best value for used buyers with V8 engine availability and lane-keeping assist at average prices around $55,863 with 28,563 miles. This represents $46,586 in savings compared to buying new.
Avoid 2017 and 2018 models unless heavily discounted due to documented electrical and transmission problems. The 2021-2023 years provide the most reliable ownership experience with refined electronics and improved build quality.
Inspect electrical systems thoroughly, testing all sensors, infotainment functions, and warning lights before purchase. Check suspension components for wear and test drive on uneven surfaces to identify handling issues. Examine tire wear patterns for uneven degradation and verify brake pad and rotor condition.
Target vehicles with complete service records from authorized Maserati dealers and verify all recalls have been completed. The F160 V6 engine proves reliable with proper maintenance, capable of exceeding 300,000 miles.
When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Maserati Grecale, Maserati Granturismo, Maserati Quattroporte and Maserati Biturbo. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.
FAQs
Is the Maserati Levante reliable?
The Levante’s reliability varies significantly by model year, with 2017-2018 models experiencing high failure rates and 2021-2023 versions showing improved dependability. The 26.57% chance of major repairs within 10 years exceeds expectations for luxury SUVs.
What year of the Maserati Levante is most dependable?
The 2021-2023 model years represent the most dependable versions with updated electronics, improved build quality, and resolved electrical issues from earlier production. The 2021 introduced smartphone app integration and addressed many owner complaints.
What year should you avoid?
Avoid 2017 and 2018 Levante models due to documented electrical system failures, transmission software problems, and fuel line defects requiring recalls. These years experienced failures at low mileages with some issues appearing before 3,000 miles.
What are the most common problems?
Electrical system sensor malfunctions, suspension noise and handling issues, premature brake wear, fuel line sensor housing cracks, and cheap interior materials represent the most frequent complaints. Transmission software causing unexpected neutral shifts affected early models.
How long does a Maserati Levante last?
The F160 V6 engine can exceed 300,000 miles with proper maintenance according to ownership reports. However, electrical and suspension components may require significant repairs before reaching high mileage.
How much does Maserati Levante maintenance cost?
Expect $11,394 in maintenance and repair costs over 10 years, with first-year expenses around $596 increasing to $1,061 by year five. This totals approximately $3,994 for the first five years of ownership.
Conclusion
The 2021-2023 Maserati Levante model years offer the best combination of reliability, refined electronics, and improved build quality. The 2017 and 2018 versions should be avoided due to electrical failures, transmission problems, and high complaint rates.
Overall dependability improved significantly from early production to final years, though the Levante still carries higher repair probabilities than segment competitors. Buyers seeking value should target 2018 models with V8 engines at reduced prices, while those prioritizing reliability should focus on 2021-2023 examples. Thorough pre-purchase inspections of electrical systems, suspension components, and service records remain essential regardless of model year.
