2018 Maserati Quattroporte
The 2018 Maserati Quattroporte is a luxury sedan that blends Italian styling with performance. It offers a compelling driving experience, luxurious interior, and distinctive exhaust note, making it appealing to those who want something different from the German luxury car establishment. However, some owners report issues that can detract from the ownership experience. The 2018 Quattroporte is available with several engine options, including a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 424 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque (Quattroporte S and S Q4), and a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 producing 523 horsepower and 524 lb-ft of torque (Quattroporte GTS). All engines are paired with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. Some common complaints include electrical glitches, infotainment system issues, and concerns about reliability, which can be a significant drawback despite its stylish design and powerful engines.
Engine
3.0L Twin-Turbocharged V6
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks originating from the valve cover gaskets and oil cooler lines. Symptoms include visible oil on the engine, oil spots on the ground, and a burning oil smell.
- Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gaskets and/or oil cooler lines.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Premature turbocharger failure, leading to a loss of power and potential engine damage. This may be indicated by a whining sound from the turbochargers or a check engine light.
- Solution: Turbocharger replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
- Recalls: None Found
3.8L Twin-Turbocharged V8
- Excessive Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners report higher than expected oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes.
- Solution: In some cases, a software update may help. In more severe cases, internal engine work may be required, such as piston ring replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (Software Update) - $5,000+ (Engine Work)
- Recalls: None Found
- Timing Chain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: While not widespread, a few reports exist of timing chain stretch or failure, leading to rough running, misfires, and potential engine damage.
- Solution: Replacement of the timing chain, guides, and tensioners.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
8-Speed ZF Automatic Transmission
- Rough Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh or jerky shifts, particularly at lower speeds.
- Solution: In some cases, a transmission software update can resolve the issue. In other cases, valve body replacement or transmission rebuild may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (Software Update) - $1,500 - $6,000 (Valve Body/Rebuild)
- Recalls: None Found
- Transmission Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: The transmission slips out of gear during acceleration, or the engine revs excessively without a corresponding increase in speed.
- Solution: Replacement of transmission components such as clutch packs or valve bodies, or a complete transmission replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $6,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Malfunctions (if equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: The vehicle’s air suspension system may experience leaks or compressor failures, leading to uneven ride height, sagging, or complete failure of the system.
- Solution: Replacement of the air struts, air compressor, or related components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+ per corner (air struts)
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Infotainment System Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can experience freezing, lagging, and random reboots. Navigation, audio, and Bluetooth connectivity may be affected.
- Solution: Software updates can sometimes resolve these issues. In more severe cases, replacement of the infotainment unit may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software Update) - $1,000 - $3,000+ (Unit Replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Sensor Failures
- Description/Symptoms: Various sensors, such as those for the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), parking sensors, and ambient temperature sensors, may fail prematurely.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per sensor (depending on location and type)
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners report issues with the vehicle’s battery draining quickly, even when the car is not in use. This can be caused by parasitic draws from various electrical components.
- Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the parasitic draw. This may involve replacing faulty modules or wiring.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Door Handle Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The electronic door handles can sometimes fail to operate correctly, making it difficult to open the doors.
- Solution: Replacement of the door handle mechanism.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ per door
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sunroof Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may get stuck open/closed, or exhibit unusual noises.
- Solution: Replacement of the sunroof motor or repair of the sunroof track.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,200
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2018 Maserati Quattroporte, while offering a luxurious and engaging driving experience, is known to have several common issues. Engine-related problems, such as oil leaks and excessive oil consumption, can be costly to repair. Transmission issues, including rough shifting and slipping, are also a concern. Electrical glitches, particularly with the infotainment system, are frequently reported. Suspension and exterior issues, like air suspension malfunctions and door handle problems, can further add to the ownership costs. Overall, the severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures, with repair costs varying accordingly.