2004 Maserati Coupe

The 2004 Maserati Coupe is an Italian sports car known for its Ferrari-derived engine, luxurious interior, and distinctive styling. It came standard with a 4.2-liter V8 engine producing 390 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission (rare) or a 6-speed Cambiocorsa automated manual transmission. Many owners appreciate the car’s exotic appeal, thrilling performance, and comfortable ride. However, common complaints often revolve around high maintenance costs, the unreliability of the Cambiocorsa transmission, and expensive parts.

Engine

4.2L V8

• Valve Cover Gasket Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks around the valve cover gaskets, leading to oil consumption and potential oil spots on the garage floor. Burning oil smell may also be present.
  • Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, especially upon cold start. Can eventually lead to engine damage if left unattended.
  • Solution: Replacement of the timing chain tensioners, guides, and potentially the timing chain itself.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Cooler Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak near the front of the engine, often accompanied by overheating due to reduced oil pressure.
  • Solution: Replace the oil cooler and lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Cambiocorsa 6-Speed Automated Manual

• Clutch Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty engaging gears, jerky shifts, clutch warning light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the clutch assembly, including clutch disc, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3000 - $5000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Hydraulic Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission malfunction warning, inability to shift gears, jerky or delayed shifts.
  • Solution: Replacement of the hydraulic pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting, inability to select certain gears, transmission malfunction warning.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Manual Transmission

No Issues Found

Suspension

• Skyhook Dampers Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Uneven ride height, poor ride quality, clunking noises from the suspension.
  • Solution: Replacement of the Skyhook dampers. Can be very expensive. Some owners opt for aftermarket non-Skyhook replacements.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Control Arm Bushing Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, especially over bumps. Vague steering feel.
  • Solution: Replacement of the worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Sensor Failures (ABS, TPMS, etc.)
  • Description/Symptoms: Warning lights on the dashboard, inaccurate readings from the sensors.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Car battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not driven frequently.
  • Solution: Identify the parasitic draw and repair the faulty component. Sometimes a new battery is required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sticky Interior Switches
  • Description/Symptoms: Rubberized coating on interior switches becomes sticky and unpleasant to the touch.
  • Solution: Cleaning/removal of the sticky coating, or replacement of the affected switches.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sticky Interior Switches * Description/Symptoms: Rubberized coating on interior switches becomes sticky and unpleasant to the touch. * Solution: Cleaning/removal of the sticky coating, or replacement of the affected switches. * Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+ * Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 Maserati Coupe, while offering a thrilling driving experience, is known for its potential maintenance issues. The most significant problems revolve around the Cambiocorsa transmission, which can be expensive to repair or replace. Engine issues like valve cover gasket leaks and timing chain tensioner failures are also common. Suspension issues, particularly with the Skyhook system, contribute to the high cost of ownership. Electrical gremlins and interior trim issues add to the list of potential problems. While some issues are relatively minor, others can be very expensive to address, making thorough inspection and a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic essential before buying a used 2004 Maserati Coupe.