A striking Italian luxury sedan with a Ferrari-derived V8 that sounds magnificent. However, this is a scarily complex car with extensive electrical systems that can be troublesome. The DuoSelect automated manual (pre-2007) has notoriously short clutch life; the ZF automatic (2007+) is far more reliable. Key concerns: cam variators fail on engines built before September 2010, Skyhook suspension ECU overheats in warm weather, steering rack leaks are endemic, and window regulators fail frequently. Electrical gremlins are common regardless of mileage. The engine itself is robust when maintained. Only consider this car with deep pockets and access to a Maserati specialist.
VVT doesn't return to base position on shutdown, causing timing issues · more· less
The main reliability concern on the 4.2L V8. The problem is that the VVT (Variable Valve Timing) system doesn't return to the base position so a locking pin can engage when the car is shut off. According to Maserati technical bulletins, any engine with an engine number below 148697 is potentially susceptible. The dry-sump engines (DuoSelect cars) have about a 1 in 20 failure rate, while wet-sump 4.7L engines (2007-2010) have about 1 in 3. Cars built after September 2010 had the upgraded variators from factory. Repair requires approximately 4-5 hours labor, with parts costing around €650 per variator. Total repair typically runs €1,500-2,000 per side at a specialist. Some owners report needing both sides done.
DuoSelect clutch wear (pre-2007)€3,000 - €4,500
Automated manual clutch wears rapidly, often needing replacement every 15,000-30,000 km · more· less
The DuoSelect transmission is an automated manual (no torque converter) that is computer and hydraulically controlled. Clutch life averages only around 18,000 miles (30,000 km), though with careful driving some owners achieve 50,000 km. Aggressive or city driving can wear the clutch in as little as 10,000-15,000 km. Parts and labor for replacement runs around €3,000-3,500 at a specialist. The hydraulic selectors can also fail, costing €2,000-2,500 each to replace. This is why the ZF automatic (2007+) commands a significant price premium - it's far more reliable and pleasant to drive.
Steering rack leak€3,500 - €5,000
Endemic issue - even cars with 15,000 km show leaking racks · more· less
This is the number one problem on the Quattroporte. In one inspection of 6 Maseratis, all showed signs of steering rack leakage. Cars with as little as 10,000 miles have shown leaking racks. Detection is easy: lift the car and look for oil residue near the steering components. A new rack from Maserati is extremely expensive. The power steering pump also fails frequently, often in combination with the rack, adding another €1,200-1,500 to the repair. Combined rack and pump replacement can exceed €5,000. Some owners use power steering fluid with seal sweller as a temporary fix for minor leaks.
Skyhook suspension ECU failure€500 - €2,000
ECU overheats in warm weather, causing suspension control failure warnings · more· less
A known design flaw causes the Skyhook ECU to overheat in warm weather and shut down. Symptoms appear after 20-40 minutes of driving in temperatures above 30C, with "Suspension Control Failure" warnings appearing. The message disappears after the car cools for 2-3 hours. The ECU is located under the driver's floor panel. Dealers charge around €500-600 for a new unit, though used/new-in-box units can be found for €150-400. There was a service bulletin about the suspension control module - newer ones have a redesigned mounting bracket. Many owners eventually convert to conventional coilover suspension to eliminate the issue entirely.
Skyhook shock absorber failure€3,500 - €5,500
Adaptive dampers leak or fail internally, typically after 80,000-120,000 km · more· less
New Skyhook shocks cost over €1,800 each from Maserati. A full set of four can run €4,000+ for parts alone. One shop quoted €4,000 to replace front and rear assemblies. A more affordable option is sourcing used shocks from low-mileage cars - some owners have found pairs for €600 each plus €1,000 labor. Many owners convert to aftermarket coilover setups (non-electronic) as a more reliable and cheaper long-term solution. Note that the Skyhook system was dropped on base models from 2009 onwards.
Window regulator failure€400 - €1,200
White plastic clips break, dropping the window into the door · more· less
The window regulator is a known weak point with an "atrocious failure rate." The typical failure point is the white plastic clip giving up. Dealer repair costs around €1,200 per window (€650 for parts, rest labor). New regulators with motors can be sourced for €250-600 from aftermarket suppliers. A rebuild service costs around €300 using proprietary metal parts to strengthen the OEM regulators. DIY repair kits exist for as little as €35-100. The job takes 1-1.5 hours for someone experienced. Expect to deal with at least one window regulator failure during ownership.
Electrical system gremlins€300 - €2,500
Random warning lights, sensor failures, battery drain, door latch issues · more· less
The Quattroporte V is "immensely, scarily complex" and electrical issues affected even Autocar's press car. Symptoms include sporadic warning lights ("like a Christmas tree"), unresponsive infotainment, power windows/mirrors ceasing to work, and parasitic battery drain. The wiring is poorly routed with insufficient protection. Battery drain can occur within 2-7 days if not driven regularly - a trickle charger is essential. The electronic handbrake sticks if infrequently used. Door handles were subject to recall in 2005 for a wiring harness short circuit. Diagnosis often requires Maserati SD3 diagnostic equipment.
Sticky interior buttons/trim€500 - €3,000
Rubberized coating degrades into sticky, gummy mess · more· less
Like Ferraris of the same era, Maserati used a soft-touch rubberized coating that degrades over time. Heat, UV, and humidity accelerate degradation. Steering wheel buttons alone were quoted at €4,000+ from the dealer. Window switches cost €500 each, and they'll become sticky again within a year. Professional refinishing services (such as Sticky No More or Carplastix) offer permanent solutions for €500-2,000, refinishing existing parts with a coating that won't degrade. DIY cleaning with isopropyl alcohol or baby wipes can help temporarily.
Oil gasket leaks€500 - €1,500
Valve cover and front cover gaskets seep oil onto exhaust manifolds · more· less
A common issue with both wet and dry sump 4.2L engines. Valve cover gaskets begin to seep, then leak onto the exhaust manifolds, causing oil smell when idling or at low speeds, and smoke on startup. The dry sump engines can also develop intermix problems at 80,000-100,000 miles when O-rings on the front cover fail. In one inspection, 3 out of 6 Maseratis had leaking oil gaskets on one or both sides. A specialist can typically do each side for €500-700.
A/C compressor failure€1,000 - €1,500
Worn compressor causes rattle that disappears in ECO mode · more· less
A rattle lower in the engine bay that goes away when you press the ECO button on the dash indicates a worn air conditioning compressor. Replacement costs over €1,000. The A/C compressor belt should be inspected every two years according to the service schedule. This is distinct from the timing variator rattle which occurs on startup and overrun.
High complexity, high ownership costs
The Quattroporte V rewards owners who appreciate Italian craftsmanship and can accept the associated running costs. The engine is actually robust when maintained, but everything around it - electrical systems, transmission (especially DuoSelect), suspension electronics, and steering rack - can be problematic. Budget at least €2,000-3,000 annually for unexpected repairs on top of regular servicing. Access to a competent Maserati specialist is essential.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete records from Maserati dealer or recognized specialist essential. This car punishes neglect.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for rattling in first 30 seconds (variators) and lower engine bay rattles (A/C compressor).
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway driving. Many electrical issues only appear when systems are warm.
Battery condition
Should be 800A+ capacity. Weak batteries cause cascading electrical issues.
Specific for this vehicle
Identify transmission type
DuoSelect (pre-2007) has paddle shifters with no torque converter - clutch wear is expensive. ZF automatic (2007+) with traditional gear selector is far more reliable. Blue cam covers = ZF auto, red = DuoSelect.
Check steering rack for leaks
Lift the car and look for oil residue near steering components. This is the #1 problem on these cars.
Listen for variator rattle on cold start
Any rattle in first 30 seconds on cold start indicates worn cam variators. Also check on overrun (decelerating in gear).
Test all electrical functions
Every window, every switch, parking sensors, infotainment, climate control. Electrical gremlins are endemic.
Press all interior buttons
Check for sticky/gummy coating degradation. Especially steering wheel buttons and window switches.
Test Skyhook suspension
Drive for 30+ minutes in warm weather if possible. Suspension control failure warning indicates ECU heat issues.
Check DuoSelect clutch wear (if applicable)
Ask about clutch replacement history. Drive in traffic - jerky shifts indicate worn clutch or hydraulic selectors.
Verify recall work completed
Door handle wiring harness (2005), rear tie rod assemblies (2005-2008). Check with VIN at Maserati dealer.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Door handle wiring harness short circuit (2005)Verify completed
Rear tie rod assembly corrosion (2005-2008)Verify completed
Front suspension arm (various years)Verify completed
Suspension ECU mounting bracket updateTSB - check if applied
Cam variator upgrade (pre-Sept 2010 engines)TSB - verify if completed
Contact Maserati with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The tie rod recall (June 2013) is particularly important as failure can cause loss of vehicle control.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (4 years / 80,000 km)Expired on all units
Extended warranty availabilityGenerally not available
Corrosion warranty (4 years)Expired
All Quattroporte V models are now well outside their original warranty period. Extended warranty programs typically don't cover vehicles of this age. Budget accordingly for all repairs.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.