Maserati Ghibli Years to AvoidThe weakest years — and the one you should buy instead
After reviewing every Maserati Ghibli we've analyzed (12 years), these are the 12 weakest. Each one has either an absolute low reliability score, chronic repair issues, or unusually high ownership costs relative to other Ghibli years.
Proceed with caution
2014 Maserati Ghibli
The 2014 Maserati Ghibli is a beautiful and exhilarating luxury sport sedan, but it's a financial gamble for anyone not prepared for significant and frequent expenses. As an early model year, it's notorious for quality control issues and electrical gremlins, making it a high-risk proposition for long-term ownership. If you're seeking Italian flair without the associated deep pockets, this vehicle is not for you.
Why this year scores low
Prone to persistent infotainment glitches (freezes, reboots), sensor failures (parking, ABS), window regulator issues, and phantom warning lights. Wiring harness issues can also lead to complex diagnostics.
Reports of turbocharger wastegate actuator failures, high-pressure fuel pump issues, oil leaks (valve covers, timing cover), and PCV valve problems leading to check engine lights and reduced performance. These issues can be complex and expensive to diagnose and repair.
Premature wear on leather bolsters, sticky buttons and switches (a common Maserati trait), climate control unit malfunctions, and an increasing propensity for squeaks and rattles. Infotainment screen delamination is also noted.
Proceed with caution
2017 Maserati Ghibli
The 2017 Maserati Ghibli is an emotional purchase, offering stunning aesthetics and an intoxicating exhaust note, but it demands a buyer fully prepared for a demanding and often frustrating ownership experience. While its powertrain can be robust with diligent care, expect frequent electrical gremlins and significant interior component failures that will lead to substantial and ongoing repair bills, making it a high-risk proposition for most. Only proceed if you have deep pockets and a strong passion for the brand.
Why this year scores low
The Maserati Touch Control Plus infotainment system is prone to freezing, lagging, and complete failure. Issues also extend to various sensors (wheel speed, parking assist), window regulators, and control modules, often requiring expensive diagnostic time and module replacement.
Common complaints include sticky buttons, peeling trim, premature wear on leather upholstery, and malfunctioning switches (e.g., window switches, climate control buttons). These issues significantly detract from the luxury experience and are costly to rectify due to specialized parts.
Due to its sporty tuning and weight, suspension components like control arm bushings, ball joints, and even adaptive dampeners can wear prematurely, leading to clunking noises, imprecise handling, and requiring expensive replacements. Power steering pump failures are also reported.
Proceed with caution
2015 Maserati Ghibli
The 2015 Maserati Ghibli is a striking luxury sedan with a distinctive Italian flair, but it comes with a significant reliability caveat. While offering compelling performance and styling, ownership of a used Ghibli demands deep pockets and a strong stomach for potential electrical and engine-related issues, making it a high-risk proposition for the uninitiated.
Why this year scores low
The Maserati Touch Control (MTC) infotainment system is prone to freezing, lagging, or displaying glitches. Additionally, owners frequently report issues with various sensors (parking, tire pressure), power window motors, battery drain, and general wiring harness inconsistencies that are difficult and expensive to diagnose.
While potent, the Ferrari-derived V6 can suffer from auxiliary belt tensioner failures, oil filter housing leaks, and ignition coil pack issues. Less common but more severe are turbocharger wastegate actuator failures, which require significant labor to replace and can lead to reduced performance or check engine lights.
Control arm bushings and ball joints tend to wear out prematurely, leading to clunks, rattles, or loose steering feel. The optional Skyhook adaptive dampers can also fail, resulting in a harsh ride or error messages, with replacement costs being exceptionally high.
Proceed with caution
2016 Maserati Ghibli
The 2016 Maserati Ghibli is a beautiful, performance-oriented sedan, but its long-term reliability is a significant gamble. While it offers an engaging driving experience and undeniable curb appeal, be prepared for a consistent flow of maintenance and repair expenses that can quickly eclipse its depreciated purchase price.
Why this year scores low
Known for frustrating infotainment glitches (Uconnect-based), persistent battery drain issues, and premature failure of various sensors (parking, TPMS). Window regulators and door lock actuators are also common culprits, leading to expensive repairs.
The optional Skyhook adaptive suspension system can suffer damper failures, resulting in harsh rides or warning lights. Control arm bushings wear out, causing clunks and poor handling. Power steering pumps or rack seals can leak, requiring costly component replacement.
The high-performance Brembo brakes offer excellent stopping power but come with a significant ownership cost. Rotors are prone to warping and pads wear rapidly, especially under spirited driving. Replacement parts are proprietary and substantially more expensive than typical luxury sedans.
Proceed with caution
2018 Maserati Ghibli
The 2018 Maserati Ghibli is an exotic luxury sedan that promises thrilling performance and undeniable style, but it comes with the typical Italian temperament. While the Ferrari-derived V6 engine and ZF transmission are generally robust, the electrical system and component longevity are known Achilles' heels, demanding a dedicated and financially prepared owner. This isn't a car you buy for peace of mind, but rather for the experience it offers, with full awareness of the potential ownership complexities.
Why this year scores low
Owners frequently report issues ranging from minor infotainment glitches and frustrating software bugs to more serious problems like parasitic battery drain, faulty sensors (check engine lights, TPMS, ABS), and accessory malfunctions (windows, locks). These issues can be intermittent and difficult to diagnose.
Wear items such as control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends tend to wear out faster than in less performance-oriented vehicles, exacerbated by harsh road conditions. Adaptive dampers, if equipped, can also fail, leading to significant replacement costs.
While the core V6 engine is strong, components like ignition coil packs, various sensors (oxygen sensors, camshaft position sensors), and gaskets (valve cover, timing chain cover) can develop leaks or fail prematurely, leading to warning lights and performance issues. Turbocharger wastegate actuators can also be a source of trouble.
Proceed with caution
2019 Maserati Ghibli
The 2019 Maserati Ghibli is a vehicle that commands attention with its stunning design and engaging performance, yet it comes with significant reliability caveats that potential owners must understand. While the powertrain is generally robust, you must brace for a higher frequency of electrical gremlins and interior component failures than mainstream luxury competitors. This vehicle is a passionate choice, not a pragmatic one, demanding a robust budget for its upkeep.
Why this year scores low
Owners frequently report issues with the Uconnect infotainment system freezing, unresponsive screens, Bluetooth connectivity problems, and various dashboard warning lights appearing seemingly at random. Sensor failures (e.g., parking sensors, tire pressure monitoring) are also common. Wiring harness issues, though less frequent, can lead to complex diagnostic challenges.
Despite a premium feel, several interior components are prone to failure or premature wear. These include sticky buttons (especially on older models, though improved in 2019, still present), malfunctioning window switches, loose trim pieces, and occasional issues with seat heaters or power adjustments. Sunroof mechanisms can also develop rattles or sticking issues.
While initially precise, components like control arm bushings, sway bar links, and shock absorbers (especially adaptive dampers if equipped) tend to wear faster than expected. This can lead to clunking noises, reduced ride comfort, and imprecise handling. Power steering pump or rack issues are less common but costly if they occur.
Proceed with caution
2021 Maserati Ghibli
The 2021 Maserati Ghibli is a distinctly styled luxury performance sedan that offers an intoxicating driving experience and an exotic presence. However, it demands a significant ownership budget and meticulous attention to maintenance, as its reliability falls short of its German rivals, posing a moderate risk for owners who are not prepared for premium running costs.
Why this year scores low
Owners frequently report issues with the UConnect infotainment system freezing, glitches, unresponsive screens, and Bluetooth connectivity problems. Various sensor failures (ABS, TPMS, engine warning lights) and parasitic battery drains are also common, often requiring software updates or module replacements.
While the Ferrari-derived V6 engine is fundamentally strong, components like ignition coils, spark plugs, and various gaskets/seals are prone to premature wear or leaks. Turbocharger wastegate issues or intercooler leaks, though less common, can also surface, leading to reduced performance and costly repairs.
Due to its performance-oriented setup and heavier curb weight, suspension components such as control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rods can wear out faster than average. This leads to clunks, rattles, or loose steering feel, requiring expensive component replacement to restore ride quality and handling.
Proceed with caution
2022 Maserati Ghibli
The 2022 Maserati Ghibli, while undeniably stylish and potent, demands a dedicated owner prepared for significant long-term maintenance and potential electrical woes. While its core drivetrain is reasonably robust, the overall ownership experience will likely involve frequent, costly trips to the dealership, making it a high-risk proposition for those seeking everyday dependability.
Why this year scores low
Owners frequently report issues ranging from phantom warnings, malfunctioning sensors (ABS, TPMS), infotainment system freezes, faulty window regulators, and parasitic battery drains. These often stem from complex wiring harnesses and sensitive modules.
While the engine itself is generally solid, ancillary components like water pumps, coolant expansion tanks, and various hoses can develop leaks or fail prematurely, especially in turbocharged models. Overheating can quickly lead to major engine damage.
The sophisticated suspension system, while providing excellent handling, can experience accelerated wear on bushings, ball joints, and control arms. This manifests as clunking noises, imprecise steering, and premature tire wear, often due to aggressive driving or poor road conditions.
Proceed with caution
2025 Maserati Ghibli
The 2025 Maserati Ghibli, representing the final iteration of its generation, presents a compelling blend of Italian style and performance, but demands a discerning owner prepared for its inherent reliability quirks. While offering a thrilling driving experience, potential buyers must recognize that ownership comes with a significant commitment to proactive maintenance and the likelihood of elevated repair costs, marking it as a car for enthusiasts ready to embrace its character flaws.
Why this year scores low
The complex electrical architecture is prone to various issues, including infotainment system freezes, sensor malfunctions (e.g., parking sensors, tire pressure monitors), battery drain concerns, and occasional warning light anomalies without clear underlying mechanical faults. These often stem from software glitches or substandard component longevity.
While the core V6 engine is robust, owners frequently report issues with ancillary components such as turbocharger wastegates, ignition coils, engine mounts, and various oil seals or gaskets developing leaks. These issues, while not always catastrophic, lead to expensive repairs due to labor-intensive access and specialized parts.
The sophisticated adaptive suspension system (Skyhook) can suffer failures in its active dampers, leading to a degraded ride and costly replacements. Additionally, premature wear of bushings, control arms, and occasional power steering pump leaks or electronic steering rack malfunctions are not uncommon, especially in regions with rough roads.
Proceed with caution
2023 Maserati Ghibli
The 2023 Maserati Ghibli is a striking luxury sport sedan that offers immense character and performance, but it comes with a known propensity for higher maintenance and repair costs, especially related to its sophisticated electronics and performance-oriented components. While newer models have seen some improvements, it remains a vehicle for the enthusiast who understands and budgets for its unique ownership experience and potential for costly repairs.
Why this year scores low
Owners frequently report issues with the infotainment system freezing, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto disconnections, various sensor failures (e.g., parking, TPMS), and occasional battery drains. These often manifest as software bugs or wiring harness issues rather than hardware failure.
While the core V6 engine is robust, peripheral components such as turbocharger wastegates, ignition coils, and various gaskets/seals can develop leaks or premature wear. Oil pan gaskets, valve cover gaskets, and vacuum pump seals are common culprits, leading to oil leaks.
The Ghibli's sophisticated adaptive suspension and performance-tuned steering system can experience premature wear on bushings, control arms, and adaptive damper components, especially if driven aggressively or in rough conditions. Replacement parts are expensive.
Proceed with caution
2020 Maserati Ghibli
The 2020 Maserati Ghibli is a truly passionate choice, offering Italian flair and a thrilling driving experience that few rivals can match. However, this distinction comes with a demanding ownership profile, requiring a significant budget for its potentially temperamental electrical systems and elevated maintenance costs. Proceed with caution, as this vehicle rewards passion but punishes neglect.
Why this year scores low
Owners frequently report issues with the infotainment system freezing, Bluetooth connectivity dropping, various warning lights illuminating without cause, and sensor failures. These often require costly diagnostic time and module replacements.
While the engine is robust, minor oil leaks from valve covers or timing chain covers can appear. Turbocharger wastegate actuators can also develop issues, leading to reduced performance and 'check engine' lights. These repairs are labor-intensive due to engine bay access.
The Ghibli's performance-oriented suspension and powerful brakes are prone to faster wear than average. Control arm bushings, ball joints, and adaptive damper leaks are common, as is rapid wear of brake pads and rotors, leading to frequent and expensive replacements.
Proceed with caution
2024 Maserati Ghibli
The 2024 Maserati Ghibli is a beautiful and emotive vehicle, offering a distinct blend of luxury and performance. However, long-term ownership carries a 'proceed with caution' recommendation due to the brand's historical electrical eccentricities and significantly higher than average running costs. While a compelling statement car, expect meticulous and costly maintenance to mitigate potential frustrations.
Why this year scores low
Infotainment screens can freeze or restart, various sensors (parking, blind spot, tire pressure) are prone to intermittent failure, and power window motors have been known to fail. This is a recurring theme across Maserati models.
While the core V6/V8 engines are robust, accessory components like serpentine belts, pulleys, and certain sensors (O2, camshaft position) can fail prematurely, leading to warning lights or drivability issues. Oil leaks from valve covers or timing covers can also develop over time.
Complex adaptive suspension systems can be prone to damper leaks or electronic failures. Bushings and control arms may also show accelerated wear, especially in models driven aggressively or in harsh conditions, leading to clunking noises or reduced ride quality.
