2012 Maserati GranTurismo

The 2012 Maserati GranTurismo is a stylish and luxurious Italian sports car known for its beautiful design, powerful engine, and distinctive exhaust note. The GranTurismo is generally praised for its aesthetics and driving experience, offering a blend of performance and comfort. However, it is also known to have some reliability issues and higher maintenance costs compared to other luxury vehicles. For the 2012 model year, the GranTurismo was primarily offered with a 4.7-liter V8 engine producing around 444 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. The transmission was a ZF 6HP26 six-speed automatic. Some criticisms include its outdated infotainment system and somewhat cramped rear seating.

Engine

4.7L V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations, including valve cover gaskets and the front timing cover. Symptoms include visible oil drips, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ depending on the leak’s location and complexity.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Problems with the VVT system, specifically the cam phasers, can cause rough idling, loss of power, and check engine lights.
  • Solution: Replacing or repairing the VVT components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+ depending on the extent of the damage and parts needed.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

ZF 6HP26 6-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: The ZF 6HP26 transmission can experience rough shifting or slipping between gears, particularly at higher mileages.
  • Solution: A transmission fluid change is recommended, however, often the transmission requires a rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (fluid change) - $6,000+ (rebuild/replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Skyhook Damper Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: The Skyhook adaptive suspension system can experience damper failures, leading to a bouncy ride and reduced handling. A warning light on the dashboard may appear.
  • Solution: Replacing the failed dampers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2500+ per damper, depending on the location and labor costs.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain, especially when the car is not in use for extended periods, is a common complaint.
  • Solution: Identifying and fixing the parasitic draw. This may involve checking the car’s systems to see what is draining the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the cause and complexity of the electrical issue.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Various sensor malfunctions can occur, triggering warning lights and affecting performance. These include ABS sensors, tire pressure sensors (TPMS), and oxygen sensors.
  • Solution: Diagnosing and replacing the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per sensor, including labor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housings.
  • Solution: Replacing or resealing the headlight assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ per headlight, depending on whether it’s a repair or replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can be slow, unresponsive, or experience glitches.
  • Solution: There is no good solution for this, except for upgrading to an aftermarket solution.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100- $2000+ for an aftermarket solution.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard Adhesive Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The leather on the dashboard of the GranTurismo can become unglued, causing the leather to bubble and peel.
  • Solution: Replacing the dashboard, or re-gluing the leather.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $5000+ depending on the location and whether it is repaired or replaced.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Maserati GranTurismo can be an enjoyable car to own, but it comes with potential reliability concerns. Engine oil leaks and VVT issues on the 4.7L V8 are common and can be expensive to fix. The ZF 6-speed automatic transmission can suffer from rough shifting. Suspension issues with the Skyhook system, electrical problems like battery drain and sensor malfunctions, and headlight condensation are also frequently reported. Interior issues with the infotainment system and dashboard adhesive can detract from the overall ownership experience. While not all cars will experience all of these issues, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and budget accordingly for potential repairs. The severity of the issues ranges from minor annoyances to major mechanical failures, with repair costs ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.