2003 Maserati Quattroporte

Here’s a breakdown of common issues reported for the 2003 Maserati Quattroporte, organized by category and engine/transmission options.

The 2003 Maserati Quattroporte is a luxury sedan known for its elegant Italian design and powerful performance. It was offered with a 4.2-liter V8 engine producing approximately 394 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. It was only available with the DuoSelect transmission. People often praised the car’s styling, exhaust note, and exclusivity. Common dislikes included the temperamental electronics, high maintenance costs, and the DuoSelect transmission’s driving characteristics.

Engine

4.2L V8

• Timing Chain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise upon startup, particularly when cold. In severe cases, this can lead to engine damage if not addressed. This is more common in earlier production models.
  • Solution: Replacing the timing chain, tensioners, and guides.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil puddles under the car, oil consumption increases, and the smell of burning oil. Common leak areas include valve cover gaskets, timing cover, and rear main seal.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets and seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ depending on the location of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

DuoSelect (Automated Manual)

• Clutch Wear and Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty engaging gears, jerky shifting, and eventual inability to drive. The DuoSelect transmission is known for its clutch wear due to its automated manual design.
  • Solution: Replacing the clutch assembly. This often includes the clutch disc, pressure plate, throw-out bearing, and possibly the flywheel.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Hydraulic Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The DuoSelect system relies on a hydraulic pump to operate the gear changes. Failure of this pump results in the inability to shift gears, warning lights on the dashboard, and potentially stranding the vehicle.
  • Solution: Replacing the hydraulic pump and possibly the associated relay and fluid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Actuator Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, difficulty selecting gears, and error messages related to the transmission actuator.
  • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the transmission actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Skyhook Suspension Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The Skyhook adaptive suspension system can experience issues with the shocks leaking or failing. This results in a harsh ride, poor handling, and warning lights on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty Skyhook shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+ per axle.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Sensor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Various warning lights on the dashboard due to failing sensors such as ABS sensors, crankshaft position sensors, and mass airflow sensors.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per sensor, depending on the sensor type and location.
  • Recalls: None Found
• ECU/TCU Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic engine performance, transmission problems, and communication errors within the car’s computer systems.
  • Solution: Diagnosing the issue and either reprogramming or replacing the ECU or TCU.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The exterior door handles are known to be fragile and can break or become difficult to use.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per door handle.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sticky Buttons
  • Description/Symptoms: The rubberized coating on interior buttons (e.g., climate control, radio) can degrade over time, becoming sticky and unpleasant to touch.
  • Solution: Cleaning and recoating the buttons or replacing the affected panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the severity and chosen solution.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Navigation Screen Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The navigation screen can fail or become dim over time.
  • Solution: Replacing or repairing the navigation screen.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2003 Maserati Quattroporte is a beautiful and desirable car, but potential buyers should be aware of its common issues. The most significant concerns revolve around the DuoSelect transmission’s clutch wear and hydraulic system, as well as potential engine issues like timing chain problems and oil leaks. Electrical gremlins and suspension problems can also add to the ownership costs. Repair costs can be high due to the car’s complexity and the need for specialized parts and labor. Proceed with caution and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.