Launched in 2017, the Maserati Levante is the brand’s first-ever SUV. Although the trident-bearing Italian came with a Ferrari-derived engine, things were not good reliability-wise. Early model years had engine problems, electronic glitches, and a few notable recalls.
Key Points
- The 2017 Maserati Levante has three recalls registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration covering some of its software malfunctions and tech glitches.
- The stylish Levante had several things going its way, but most reviewers found the Italian SUV overpriced.
- Journalists and owners have equally shown concern about the questionable quality of the Levante’s interior.
- Forum threads reveal multiple Levante owners experiencing engine stalls within a year or two of ownership. One displeased owner had problems with the infotainment screen freezing, a faulty liftgate, and windshield wipers failing.
- With all that said, the 2017 Maserati Levante is still worth considering. Especially when used prices are just under $40,000. Yes, it has problems, but not every Levante owner has experienced these issues.
Maserati Levante’s Noticeable Drawbacks Include Hefty Asking Price, Poorly Assembled Interiors, and Subpar Switchgear Quality
Generally speaking, most automotive reviewers are not very pleased with Maserati’s first go at an SUV. Car and Driver, Motor Trend, and Kelley Blue Book unanimously called it overpriced, mainly because most of its competition–the BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne, and Range Rover Velar–have starting prices less than the entry-level Levante.
Back when new, a 2017 Maserati Levante would’ve set you back between $72,000 and $83,000. However, prices have now dropped significantly, and you can pick one up for less than $40,000, highlighting another weak spot of the Levante, poor resale value.
More importantly, though, why did reviewers call the Levante overpriced? The interior is luxurious, looks the part, and has a Ferrari-derived V6 engine. The Levante seems alright for the money, so why aren’t reviewers happy with the vehicle? Well, it has more to do with how things are put together and the parts shared within FCA (now Stellantis).
Journalists were not happy seeing the same switchgear from a Dodge Challenger on an $80,000 Maserati. And the infotainment is a straight swap from a Chrysler 300, with the differences being the Maserati logo and the overall blue theme.
Another problem is poor interior quality. According to popular YouTuber Doug DeMuro, panel gaps, and the overall interior fit and finish inside a Maserati Levante are subpar when you compare it with the likes of a Porsche or BMW.
Adding to that are forum members from Maserati Life mentioning rattling noises from their 2017 Maserati Levante, and finding the interior plastics to be very cheap and non-Maserati-like when it comes to tactility.
Owner Complaints Mention 2017 Maserati Levante’s Engine Failure and Weird Electronic Glitches
Consulting the same forum revealed that multiple Levante owners have experienced engine failure within a year or two of ownership. It’s not a widespread issue, but one that’s worth keeping in mind. One Maserati Life member faced an engine failure in his 2017 Maserati Levante with just 10,400 miles on the odometer.
According to him, the engine seized after driving fast and subjecting the car to some tight corners. While he’s told it could be an oil pump failure, a fellow forum member points out it’s not the oil pump but the main bearing getting unseated. Apparently, it’s a design flaw in the Maserati Levante’s twin-turbo V6 engine.
Another owner posted multiple videos on YouTube mentioning the problems with his Maserati Levante. He even calls it the worst car he ever owned. According to this owner, his Levante had its infotainment screen freeze countless times to the point where it almost became routine.
2017 Maserati Levante Has Been Recalled Thrice For Multiple Software Malfunctions
Not many complaints are registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Out of the very few complaints made, the majority are against the 2017 Levante’s transmission. The ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic can accidentally shift into neutral.
Per the NHTSA, it appears to be a software issue and can even cause engine stalls, especially at slow speeds. The recall is estimated to have affected nearly 3,300 units.
Another recall focuses on the Levante’s seat wiring harness. Reportedly, adjusting the front seats causes the seat wiring harness to rub, potentially resulting in an electrical short or even the vehicle catching fire. Over 39,000 vehicles have been affected by what is, essentially, a design flaw.
A few months prior to the wiring harness recall, around 7,500 Maseratis were recalled for another software issue. Some Levantes had problems with the backup camera. In temperatures below freezing, the system places itself in a protection mode, disabling the backup camera. Not something you’d expect in an $80,000 luxury SUV.
The 2017 Maserati Levante is Flawed but Still Worthy
Although it does have a few problems, not every owner has experienced the issues, and thus, the Maserati Levante is not too bad of a car. The SUV is powerful and comes with excellent driving dynamics.
There isn’t much to worry about if you can find a sought-after example of a 2017 Maserati Levante. But you’ll have to live with your Italian luxury SUV knowing it has cheap Dodge and Chrysler parts sprinkled across 80% of its touchpoints.
Photos: Maserati
