The “Maserati of SUVs”, the Levante, has hit the shores recently. With the brand’s first try at a full-blown utility vehicle, expectations did really go high with everyone. For the most part, this SUV does feel built to its commanding price tag, but common failure points like faulty software, brakes, and air suspension are turning out to be a constant and expensive hurdle in this SUV's ownership. The recall number has grown to 3 in the launch year. Though the official complaint number seems low on NHTSA, it can be directly attributed to the low sales volume. So should you be trying your luck with this $72,600 SUV instead of something like the Porsche Cayenne, the BMW X6, or even the new Jaguar F-Pace? Well, this article should help you with that.
2017 Maserati Levante User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Complaints
- Transmission- Unintended shift to neutral and engine stalling when braking are some common issues to look out for on the 2017 Maserati Levante. Though the problem was initially thought to be mechanical, it was later determined that it was due to a factory programming error in the ECU. An automaker-initiated recall was later rolled out that year (ID-17V161000), which updated the module to fix the low speed, stop-and-go engine fuelling parameters and transmission tuning. But unfortunately, the issue is said to recur for some users even after the recall.
- Service brakes- Though not reported by the NHTSA, multiple owners have had brake issues on the 2017 Maserati Levante. Excessive brake noise, pedal vibration, and brake disc warping are the major complaints reported by the owners. Owners with this issue also have pointed out the need to replace the rotors, within mileages as low as 5,000- miles. Without a warranty, the replacement costs could range from $1,400 to $3,000 depending on the number of parts that need replacement.
Electric System complaints
- Backup camera- Loss of backup camera display is another issue that several owners of the Maserati Levante have complained about. Though the issue was initially thought to be an isolated issue, it did turn out to be pretty widespread. An entertainment telematics module that goes into protection mode in low temperatures was traced to be the issue. The updates were released under a nationwide recall (ID-16V839000) towards the tail end launch year.
Structural Complaints
- Steering- Steering shudder is another issue to look out for on the 2017 Maserati Levante. Hardpoints when turning to sides, noise, and oscillation at high speeds are some symptoms of this issue as pointed out by owners. Replacement of the steering column is the only known fix to this issue.
- Air suspension- “Air suspension malfunction” warning is pretty common on the 2017 Maserati Levante. This unit has been pretty infamous for being the single most unreliable part of the SUV. Failures and replacement have been recorded within a month of punches of the SUV. The suspension control module is the most common failure point as reported.
2017 Maserati Levante Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
13th March 2017 |
17V161000 |
A software error may cause the vehicle to shift to neutral or stall. |
Due to an engine software problem, at slow speeds such as stop-and-go traffic, the transmission may unexpectedly shift into neutral or the engine may shut off, increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will update the engine control module software, free of charge. The recall began on March 31, 2017. |
|
2 |
20th January 2017 |
17V046000 |
The seat wiring harness may short circuit. |
Adjusting the front seats may cause the seat wiring harness to rub, possibly resulting in an electrical short, and possibly increasing the risk of a cabin fire. |
The dealers will inspect the vehicles, replacing the seat wiring harness, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 26, 2017. |
|
3 |
18th November 2016 |
16V839000 |
The backup camera may get disabled in very cold temperatures. |
In temperatures below freezing, the entertainment telematics module (ETM) may place itself in a protection mode, disabling the backup camera, reducing the driver’s view of what’s behind, and increasing the risk of a crash or injury. |
The dealers will update the ETM software, free of charge. The recall began on December 30, 2016. |
Should you buy a used 2017 Maserati Levante?
The Maserati Levante is a rather niche product and ranking its success solely on sales numbers won’t do justice. Low numbers, as they say, maintain exclusivity and that is applicable here as well. That said, when you spend close to 75 grand on an SUV, it is recommended that you stay on the safer side. Given that this SUV is rather new this year and known for its transmission software issues and air suspension faults, we would advise you to wait a bit longer before you put down your money on it. Options like the Porsche Cayenne or a fully equipped BMW X6 stand out as more reliable options currently with lower complaint and recall numbers for the model year in the discussion. But if you want some exclusivity and are willing to spend that extra dollar on maintenance, nothing is keeping you away from buying the 2017 Maserati Levante.
