2012 Maserati Quattroporte

The 2012 Maserati Quattroporte is a luxury sedan that blends Italian styling with performance. It was offered with two engine options: a 4.2-liter V8 producing 400 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, and a 4.7-liter V8 generating 425-440 horsepower and 362-369 lb-ft of torque, depending on the trim. Both engines were paired with a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Quattroporte for its distinctive exhaust note, elegant interior, and engaging driving dynamics. Common complaints include reliability issues, high maintenance costs, and dated infotainment technology.

Engine

4.2L V8

• Timing Chain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise upon startup, especially when cold. Check engine light may illuminate with codes related to camshaft timing. Can lead to engine damage if not addressed.
  • Solution: Replacement of the timing chain, tensioners, and guides.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level. Often originates from valve cover gaskets, timing chain cover, or rear main seal.
  • Solution: Replace leaking gaskets and seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ (depending on location and severity)
  • Recalls: None Found

4.7L V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level. Often originates from valve cover gaskets, timing chain cover, or rear main seal.
  • Solution: Replace leaking gaskets and seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ (depending on location and severity)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Variator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loud rattling noise from the engine, particularly at idle. Reduced engine performance.
  • Solution: Replacement of the variators.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

ZF 6HP26 6-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, particularly between 2nd and 3rd gear. Can be more pronounced when the transmission is cold.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter replacement. If the problem persists, valve body repair or replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $3,000+ (depending on the severity and repair needed)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, particularly when accelerating from a stop. Transmission slipping.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Skyhook Suspension Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Warning lights on the dashboard related to the suspension system. Uneven ride height, poor ride quality. Failure of individual Skyhook struts.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty Skyhook struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ per strut.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Suspension Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting low on one or more corners, especially after being parked overnight. The air compressor may run excessively or fail completely.
  • Solution: Locate and repair air leaks in the air lines, struts, or compressor. Replace faulty components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,500+ depending on the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, even when the car is not in use. The car may be difficult to start or may not start at all.
  • Solution: Locate and repair the source of the parasitic drain. This may involve tracing wiring harnesses or replacing faulty modules.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ (depending on the complexity)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Various warning lights on the dashboard. Malfunctioning of systems such as ABS, stability control, or tire pressure monitoring.
  • Solution: Diagnose and replace faulty sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per sensor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Door handles failing to open the doors, sticky or difficult to use.
  • Solution: Replacement of door handle assemblies.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500- $1,500+ per handle.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Infotainment System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, Crashing, Slow Response, Loss of Navigation/Audio Functionality.
  • Solution: Software updates (if available), replacement of the head unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard/Trim Peeling/Delamination
  • Description/Symptoms: The leather or soft-touch materials on the dashboard or door panels can peel or delaminate.
  • Solution: Refinishing or replacement of the affected trim pieces.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power seats fail to adjust correctly or at all.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected seat motor or assembly
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Maserati Quattroporte, while offering a unique blend of luxury and performance, is prone to a number of issues. Engine and transmission problems can be costly, as can suspension repairs, especially those related to the Skyhook system. Electrical gremlins and interior trim issues are also common. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor in higher-than-average maintenance costs. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major repairs, and costs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the specific problem. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic familiar with Maserati vehicles is highly recommended.