2008 Maserati GranTurismo

The 2008 Maserati GranTurismo is a luxury grand tourer known for its stunning Italian design, powerful Ferrari-derived engine, and luxurious interior. The 2008 model year GranTurismo came standard with a 4.2-liter V8 engine producing 405 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. It came exclusively with a ZF 6HP26 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally praise the car’s exhaust note, elegant styling, and comfortable long-distance cruising ability. Common complaints often revolve around reliability concerns, high maintenance costs, and a somewhat dated infotainment system.

Engine

4.2L V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are relatively common, often stemming from valve cover gaskets, timing cover seals, or the oil pan gasket. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the car, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ (depending on the location and severity of the leak)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Thermostat Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating due to a stuck or failed thermostat. The car might take longer to warm up, or the temperature gauge might read abnormally high.
  • Solution: Replacing the thermostat.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Camshaft Variator Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking or rattling noises from the engine, particularly at idle or low speeds. These noises often arise from problems with the camshaft variators, which are used for variable valve timing. Reduced engine performance and/or check engine light
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected variator(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $4000+ (depending on how many are replaced)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

ZF 6HP26 6-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting/Delayed Engagement
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or jerky shifts, particularly between 1st and 2nd gear, or delayed engagement when shifting into drive or reverse. This can often be attributed to worn valve bodies or low transmission fluid.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter change, valve body repair or replacement, or complete transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (fluid flush) - $6,000+ (transmission rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration, especially at low speeds or when accelerating. Slipping transmission is also possible.
  • Solution: Torque converter replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Skyhook Suspension Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: (If equipped with Skyhook adaptive suspension) Uneven ride height, knocking noises from the suspension, or failure of the adjustable dampers. Warning lights on the dash are possible.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected Skyhook damper(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ per damper
  • Recalls: None Found
• Control Arm Bushing Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or squeaking noises from the suspension, particularly when going over bumps. Poor handling and steering response.
  • Solution: Replacing worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ per control arm
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially if the car sits for extended periods. This can be due to a parasitic draw from various electrical components.
  • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the source of the parasitic draw (e.g., faulty module, aftermarket accessory).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ (depending on the complexity of the issue)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Failures (ABS, TPMS, etc.)
  • Description/Symptoms: Various warning lights on the dashboard indicating failures in systems like ABS, TPMS, or airbag systems.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per sensor
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housings.
  • Solution: Replacing headlight seals or entire headlight assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+ (depending on fix and whether its OEM or aftermarket)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sticky Interior Trim
  • Description/Symptoms: Certain interior plastic trim pieces (e.g., around the center console or dashboard) can become sticky or tacky over time. This is a common issue with Italian cars of this era due to the type of coating used.
  • Solution: Removing and refinishing the affected trim pieces.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ (depending on how much trim is refinished)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Infotainment screen freezes, navigation problems, or Bluetooth connectivity issues.
  • Solution: Software updates (if available), replacement of the infotainment unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 Maserati GranTurismo is a beautiful and engaging car, but potential buyers should be aware of the potential for expensive repairs. Engine oil leaks, transmission issues, and suspension problems, are some of the most common and costly concerns. Electrical glitches and sticky interior trim are also frequently reported. Addressing these issues can range from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to several thousand dollars for major repairs, making thorough pre-purchase inspection crucial.