2018 Maserati Ghibli

The 2018 Maserati Ghibli is a luxury sports sedan that offers a blend of Italian style and performance. It’s often praised for its distinctive design, luxurious interior, and the exciting sound of its exhaust note, especially on models equipped with the V6 engine. However, some owners have reported concerns about reliability, build quality, and higher maintenance costs compared to some competitors. The 2018 Ghibli offered three engine options: a 3.0L Twin-Turbocharged V6 producing either 345 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque or 424 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque (Ghibli S and SQ4), and a 3.0L Turbocharged Diesel V6 producing 275 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque (European market only). All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

3.0L Twin-Turbocharged V6 (345 hp & 424 hp)

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from various engine seals and gaskets, including the valve cover gaskets and oil pan gasket. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the vehicle, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets and seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ depending on the location and severity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, often originating from the water pump or coolant hoses. Symptoms include low coolant levels, overheating, and visible coolant leaks.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L Turbocharged Diesel V6

No Issues Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic Transmission (All Engines)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported rough or delayed shifting, especially during low-speed acceleration or downshifting. The transmission may also exhibit hesitation or jerking.
  • Solution: A software update from the dealership may resolve the issue. In some cases, valve body replacement or complete transmission replacement is necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (Software Update) - $6,000+ (Transmission Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Issues (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Ghibli models equipped with air suspension may experience issues such as sagging, failure to maintain ride height, or warning lights on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacing the air struts, air compressor, or related sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3000+ per strut
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can experience glitches, freezing, or complete failure. Common complaints include unresponsive touchscreens, Bluetooth connectivity issues, and navigation problems.
  • Solution: Software updates, resetting the system, or replacing the head unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (Software Update) - $1500+ (Head Unit Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Various sensors, such as the oxygen sensors, mass airflow sensor, and wheel speed sensors, can fail, triggering warning lights on the dashboard and affecting engine performance.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per sensor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof may become stuck, leak, or fail to open or close properly.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power Window Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows may fail to operate, get stuck, or move slowly.
  • Solution: Replacing the window motor, regulator, or switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Maserati Ghibli, while offering a luxurious and sporty driving experience, is not without its potential issues. Engine oil leaks and infotainment system problems are among the more commonly reported concerns. Air suspension issues, if equipped, can also be costly to repair. While some issues may be minor and easily resolved with software updates, others can require more extensive and expensive repairs. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor them into their purchasing decision, including the cost of maintenance and potential repairs.