2018 Maserati Levante problems
The Maserati Levante (Tipo M161) was an executive crossover SUV produced by Italian manufacturer Maserati at the Mirafiori factory in Turin from 2016 to 2024. The Levante went on sale in Europe in May 2016, and in North America in September 2016, remaining on sale into 2024. Production of the Levante ceased by the end of March 2024, commemorated with the release of a top-spec 424BHP special edition.
The Levante was named after a warm, easterly wind that blows in the western Mediterranean Sea, southern France, down to the Strait of Gibraltar. The name of the wind, in turn, comes from the Latin word "levare", which means "to rise". Its design is based on the Kubang concept car that debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show.
Announcements
The concept that led to the Levante, the Maserati Kubang, was unveiled in 2011 at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The Levante was first unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on 1 March 2016, followed by a 2016 New York Auto Show. Models for the United States went on sale in April 2016. Early models included Levante (350 PS) and Levante S (430 PS).
Canada models went on sale in September 2016. Early models included Levante (350 PS) and Levante S (430 PS). The Maserati Levante Trofeo was unveiled at the 2018 New York International Auto Show. The Trofeo has 3.8 litre twin turbo V8 engine and Q4 all wheel drive, with 590 hp (440 kW) and 730 N⋅m (538 lbf⋅ft) peak torque.
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Common 2018 Maserati Levante problems
The 2018 Maserati Levante is a luxury crossover SUV that has been praised for its performance and design. However, like any vehicle, it is not without its common problems. Based on complaints from owners of this car, here are some of the most common issues with the 2018 Maserati Levante:
- Air conditioning problems: One of the most common problems with the 2018 Maserati Levante is air conditioning issues. Many owners have reported that the air conditioning system in their vehicle is not working properly, with the system blowing hot air instead of cool air. This can be a major problem, especially during the summer months.
- Electrical system problems: Another common issue with the 2018 Maserati Levante is electrical system problems. This can include issues with the vehicle's infotainment system, as well as problems with the vehicle's electrical components. These issues can be frustrating for owners, as they can affect the overall functionality of the vehicle.
- Build quality problems: Some owners of the 2018 Maserati Levante have reported issues with the vehicle's build quality. This can include problems with the vehicle's interior and exterior components, such as rattling noises, squeaks, and other issues. These problems can affect the overall quality and durability of the vehicle.
- Brake problems: Brake problems are also a common issue with the 2018 Maserati Levante. Some owners have reported issues with the vehicle's braking system, including problems with the brake pads, rotors, and other components. These issues can affect the safety and performance of the vehicle.
These are just a few of the most common problems with the 2018 Maserati Levante. It's important to note that not all vehicles will experience these issues, and that the overall reliability and durability of the vehicle will depend on a variety of factors. However, if you are considering purchasing a 2018 Maserati Levante, it's important to be aware of these common problems and to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic before making a purchase.
Does the 2018 Maserati Levante have a Ferrari engine?
The Maserati Levante engine options include a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 and a 3.8-liter turbocharged V8. All models have an eight-speed automatic. The Ferrari-built V8 only comes on the top trim - the Maserati Levante Trofeo.
Is the Maserati SUV reliable?
How reliable is a Maserati? When you choose a rare and exclusive vehicle like a Maserati for your Upper Saddle River drives, you can expect to spend more than the average driver on repairs and parts. According to the U.K.-based Reliability Index, Maserati reliability ratings averaged 774.00 for 2019.
What is the problem with the 2017 Levante?
Summary: Maserati North America, Inc. (Maserati) is recalling certain 2017 Levante vehicles. Due to an engine software problem, at slow speeds such as stop-and-go traffic, the transmission may unexpectedly shift into neutral or the engine may shut off.
How much is maintenance on a Maserati Levante?
Annual Maserati Levante Maintenance – Starting at $380. Two-Year Levante Maintenance – Starting at $500. Three-Year Levante Maintenance – Starting at $1,080. Four-Year Levante Maintenance – Starting at $1,500.
2018 Maserati Levante car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Maserati Levante problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Maserati Levante vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2018 Maserati Levante complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Maserati Levante.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-07-13
- Crash: 1
- VIN: ZN661YUS4JX
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Was driving 65 in a 65 mph zone. Lightly drizzling. Felt something happen to passenger front tire or suspension. Car spun out of control, rolled and crashed into rocks in NM. Was recently taking my 2019 Maserati Levante in for service and front lower arms were broken. I am at about the same mileage with the 2019 (35k vs 40k on the 2018). Could this same issue be the culprit or was I supposed to receive a recall notice about faulty welding that I see has happened in other 2018 Levantes?
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-07
- VIN: ZN661YUAXJX
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SO U DRIVE THE CAR AND THE DISPLAY SHOW, DISPLAY TOO HOT AND THAN SHUTS OFF. LAST MONTH I WAS MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY, THINKING I CAN JOIN THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC WITH THE HORSEPOWER AND SPEED I HAVE, MY CAR GOT STUCK AT 30MPH ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DRIVE WITHOUT NO KNOWLEDGE IT WONT GO MORE THAN 30MPH AND RPM RAISED TO 6 OR 7. ITS BEEN IN SHOP FOR ALMOST 40 DAYS AND THEY ARE SAYING I LL GET IT BACK TODAY EVERY OTHER DAY. THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION WHEN THIS IS HAPPENING. I HOPE SOMEONE DOESNT GET INTO ACCIDENT CAUSE THEY WILL THINK THE CAN JOIN THE SPPED OF THE TRAFFIC WHEN IT GETS STUCK AT 30MPH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-15
- VIN: ZN661YUL4JX
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE RIGHT WHEEL WELL INSERT CAME UNSCREWED AND ONE OF THE SCREWS BLEW THE RIGHT REAR TIRE AS EXITING THE FREEWAY AT ABOUT 50 MPH
2018 Maserati Levante recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2018 Maserati Levante.
- Manufacturer: Maserati North America, Inc.
- Components: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
- Summary: Maserati North America, Inc. (Maserati) is recalling certain 2018 Maserati Quattroporte, Ghibli, and Levante vehicles. The welds on the front sub frame may be incomplete, which can result in the welds breaking.
- Consequence: If the welds fracture, it can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Maserati will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the sub frame for incomplete welds, replacing the sub frame, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Maserati customer service at 1-877-696-2737. Maserati's number for this recall is 369.
Negative 2018 Maserati Levante car reviews
Positive 2018 Maserati Levante car reviews
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I've owned it for 6 years and it's the best thing I've ever driven. I'm pleasantly surprised by how little maintenance it has required. Once a year, I take it to the dealership for servicing, which costs me anywhere from $600 to $1400 depending on the service level. I'm happy to report that I haven't experienced any electronic or engine problems in the 6 years that I've owned it. It truly is fantastic!
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I've had my Levante for a month now and I must say, it's been quite the ride! If you're looking for an SUV that offers the performance of a sports car, then the Levante is definitely worth considering. While it may not be a sports car per se, it certainly provides the thrill of one. It's important to note that most reviews you'll come across are for the base Levante, which isn't great. However, the Levante S is a real Maserati and is definitely worth the investment if you're looking for a thrilling ride. This car is more exciting than my previous 510hp Jaguar XFR, thanks to its Ferrari engine and exhaust combination. The Levante S is an exotic amongst SUVs and is a true cousin of Ferrari. The handling is tight and controlled, but what sets it apart is the engine and exhaust note. I test drove the Macan GTS and the Cayenne S, both of which were great, but neither had the personality of the Levante S. The Levante S is an exotic car and as such, insurance costs are higher. While some reviewers have mentioned that the Levante shares buttons with Jeep, I've never known anyone who shops for this car to even sit in a Jeep. The tech is fine and the interior looks more luxurious than any Porsche, but to touch, Porsche wins. Overall, if you're looking for an SUV that offers a thrilling ride, then the Levante S is definitely worth considering.If you're looking for a luxury SUV with great performance, this car is definitely worth considering. It has an exotic feel that sets it apart from other cars in its class. The Maserati's engine is truly impressive, with an explosive sound that will blow you away. However, it's important to note that Maserati's after-sales service can be lacking, and the insurance group is high, similar to that of a Ferrari or Lamborghini. Despite these downsides, the Maserati is a driver's car that offers both luxury and performance. Keep in mind that it's not a Lexus and it does consume a lot of fuel.
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The interiors of the car are of exceptional quality. It came equipped with all the Adas (Autonomous driving Level 2). As for the road holding, with 4 Pirelli Sottozero, it has proven to be lake effect proof (I live in West Michigan). Honestly, even on dry roads, I cannot get close to the limit without risking to get my license burned. The engine, being a Ferrari engine, is impressive. My Levante towed my race car several times, even down to Georgia, and I experienced plenty of torque and towing at 70mph (this is the max speed I can publicly declare, isn't it?). The transmission temperature always remained in the normal range, even in summer. I have not done any serious off-roading, but I have driven on some muddy roads. I cannot express any reliable judgement, but the pneumatic suspension allows you to adjust the height from the ground, allowing pretty deep fords. The downside of buying this car is the fuel economy. It does everything (even racing on a track), but you just need to feed it. Another characteristic that could be improved is the storage volume, which is slightly bigger than my previous Lexus RX350. Unfortunately, we were hit by a violent storm, so I tested the off-road quality of the Levante by using the vehicle to clean my property. I was able to tow a cart full of wood uphill on a wet and steep trail without any issues.
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I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying your 2018 Levante base model! It seems like you made a great choice. The Levante is a unique and stylish SUV that really stands out on the road. It's great to hear that it handles well and that the Ferrari designed twin turbo engine is meeting your needs. The interior materials are also impressive and add to the overall look of the vehicle. Thanks for sharing your positive experience with Maserati!
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I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share my experience with the Levante. I've had mine since November and I absolutely love it! The engine has a unique growl that always turns heads and catches people's attention. Even valets make sure to give it top billing. While the gas mileage may not be the best, I didn't purchase the car for its fuel efficiency. I bought it because every time I get in it, I never want to get out. If you're looking for a car that will turn heads and make you fall in love, the Levante is definitely worth considering. I highly recommend it!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2018 Maserati Levante problems:
HERE'S WHY THE MASERATI LEVANTE IS HORRIBLE ...
Apr 23, 2019 ... HI EVERYONE, HERES WHY I THINK THE MASERATI LEVANTE ISN'T WORTH 75K. MY OPINION IS THIS CAR IS WAY OVER PRICED!!!LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU GUYS ...
Levante Issues, anyone else suffering? | Maserati Forum
May 27, 2018 ... The juddering is because of the tires being wide and not having enough grip when cold, and it't not uncommon for them to last less than 15k km.
The Maserati LeVante Is The WORST Vehicle I Have EVER Owned ...
May 7, 2019 ... F Maserati!! It is a POS As a 20 Year Automotive Sales Professional and now a Driver for 25+ years... the Maserati LeVante is by far the ...
Maserati Levante 2018: Stuck in Drive? Troubleshoot Common ...
Jul 31, 2023 ... If the shifter is damaged, it may not be able to engage the park gear properly. The problem is more likely to occur if the car has high mileage.
Watch this BEFORE you BUY a Maserati Levante! - YouTube
Feb 1, 2024 ... The depreciation on these cars is well above just about everything out there, and the reputation is pretty bad. Not even a real Ferrari engine, ...
Other years of Maserati Levante
Are you having problems with your 2018 Maserati Levante?
Garett Collins 2025-08-08
My wife and I recently decided to switch from a Maserati Levante to a new BMW X5. Although we took a loss on the trade-in, we are much happier with our new car. We found that the controls on the Levante were difficult to use and not very intuitive. For example, the stick behind the steering wheel that controls the wipers was hard to see and reach, and the button on the steering wheel only scanned through radio stations instead of switching between presets. Additionally, the engine turning off when stopped at a light was a nuisance, but we were able to turn off that function after clicking through a few menus. The seats were also relatively narrow and tight, which may not be comfortable for taller individuals. Despite these issues, we did appreciate the heated seats, although it was a bit inconvenient to turn them on and off through the touch screen. Overall, we are much happier with our new BMW X5 and would highly recommend it.The turning radius of the Levante was not good, which made it difficult to turn into parking spaces without backing up. We recently got the new X5 and noticed a significant difference in steering between the two cars. Additionally, during the first snowfall in Chicago in December, we found that the X5 handled far better than the Levante, which tended to slide. Unfortunately, we were not satisfied with the Levante despite its cool appearance and valet appeal. We ended up taking a $20k hit to get out of our lease and avoid driving it for another 3 years. We spent around $80k on the Levante, but the X5 has none of the deficiencies we experienced with the Levante. This experience has made me reconsider my plans to replace my BMW 650ix convertible with a Maserati Gran Turismo next year.
Bryon Farrell 2025-08-06
Hello, I am sorry to hear about your negative experience with Maserati of Bergen County. It sounds like you have had a frustrating time with their service department. I understand how important it is to have a reliable vehicle and receive quality service. Have you considered reaching out to their management team to express your concerns? They may be able to provide a solution that meets your needs. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.I suggested that someone pick up the car from my home and bring it to the dealership, which the service manager thought was a great idea. Initially, I was informed that the tires needed to be rebalanced. However, later I was told that the balance machine showed that the tires could not be brought into proper balance and 4 new tires were requested from Maserati, but I would have to wait for their response. After a few days, I was informed that the existing tires were able to be rebalanced and the car would be ready that day, but unfortunately, no one called me for 2 more days. After my Levante spent five (5) days in the shop, I picked it up and the service manager explained that since the vehicle sat at the shipping port for a while when it entered the USA, the tires became uneven. A simple rebalancing was now performed and the problem was fixed. However, the problem still existed exactly as before and I had to get it over to your service people for the 4th time for the same problem. Finally, after 4 tries, I was told that it needed new tires, but Maserati had to approve it. Eventually, they did and my brand new Levante spent 15 days in the shop. After the 4th try, the steering column and lighting were finally repaired.
Chandler Rogahn 2025-07-10
I have experienced several issues with my Maserati SUV within the first two years of ownership, including a malfunctioning air suspension system that required a full replacement and squeaky brakes. Despite being a repeat Maserati customer, I am disappointed with the quality of this vehicle and the lack of support from Maserati service. As a luxury car with a high price tag, these issues are unacceptable. I have attempted to address the brake issue with my sales representative, but have not received a response.
Billy Bailey 2024-10-16
The car initially caught my eye, however, at around 60,000 miles, issues began to arise and ultimately led to a complete engine failure at approximately 80,000 miles. Despite the high cost of replacement, I made the decision to invest in a new engine for $38,000. Unfortunately, the vehicle's value has significantly decreased and it is now worth only $10,000 in scrap. Although I paid over $100,000 for the vehicle when it was new, I have come to realize that it was not a wise investment.
Berry Medhurst 2024-02-11
The paint on my car looked beautiful at first, but unfortunately, after driving it for only 5 months and 5,066 miles, I noticed over 30 chips in the paint. Additionally, I have experienced some issues with the stereo, front tires rubbing, and a rattling noise at 20 miles an hour. Despite these issues, the car has good acceleration once it gets going. However, at 70 miles an hour, I can feel the road through the steering wheel and gas pedal. The brakes squeak, but they do stop the car quickly. Although I have been told that I am the only person experiencing these issues, I am hopeful that they can be resolved. I was even presented with a solution to trade it in for a better Maserati, but unfortunately, I would lose $20,000 in the process. Overall, I would recommend being cautious before purchasing this car. By the way, I accidentally mentioned the wrong year earlier, mine is actually a 2017.