Italian luxury sedan with the heart of a cruiser, not a sports car. The 3.0 V6 diesel (VM Motori engine) offers strong midrange torque, 37+ mpg on motorway runs, and running costs lower than the V6/V8 petrol variants. ZF 8-speed automatic is generally reliable. Main concerns: DPF and EGR system prone to clogging on short trips, electrical gremlins (battery drain, infotainment failures), Skyhook air suspension ECU failures, and expensive brake rotor warping. Luxury interior materials degrade (sticky buttons, trim separation). Not German-level reliability, but acceptable for owners who maintain properly and use specialist mechanics. Budget €2,000-4,000/year for maintenance plus €1,500-3,000 risk buffer.
DPF clogging and regeneration failure€1,500 - €3,500
Short trips prevent proper regeneration, leading to full DPF blockage · more· less
The diesel particulate filter becomes 100% blocked when short town trips don't allow proper regeneration. Once fully clogged, the ECU prevents further regeneration attempts and a new DPF is required. Symptoms include poor performance and engine warning lights. Prevention: regular motorway runs at sustained speeds (50+ mph for 20-30 minutes), keeping revs above 2,500 rpm. Forced regeneration at Maserati dealer costs €200-400. Full DPF replacement runs €1,500-2,500 for the part plus €500-1,000 labor.
EGR valve and inlet manifold clogging€800 - €2,200
Diesel soot clogs inlet manifold, causes black smoke and power loss · more· less
The EGR system recirculates exhaust gases mixed with oil, creating tar buildup in the inlet manifold. Even with 80% motorway driving, significant buildup occurs by 17,000 km. This causes black smoke, reduced power, and increased DPF regeneration frequency. EGR valve replacement costs €800-1,400. Inlet manifold cleaning or replacement adds €400-800. Some owners have EGR valves blanked/disabled (not legal in most markets), which reduces buildup but increases DPF regeneration intervals and may trigger emissions warnings.
Skyhook air suspension ECU failure€1,200 - €3,500
Suspension control module fails on pre-2015 cars, requires replacement · more· less
Early Quattroporte VI models (2013-2014) have problematic suspension ECUs that fail, triggering yellow shock absorber warning lights. Maserati updated the ECU to more robust specification around MY2015. ECU replacement is straightforward (plug-and-play under driver's floor panel) but expensive: €1,200-2,000 for the module. If Skyhook shocks also fail, each damper costs €1,400. Many owners switch to aftermarket coilover suspension (€2,500-4,000 installed) to eliminate electronic suspension complexity permanently.
Battery drain and electrical faults€300 - €1,500
Car drains battery when parked, causing cascade of warning lights · more· less
The Quattroporte has parasitic electrical drain issues. If parked for more than a few days without a trickle charger, the battery dies completely. Once the battery is dead and recharged, the instrument cluster shows multiple warning lights (suspension, parking brake, etc.) because the ECU can't complete its startup checks without full voltage. A quality battery costs €200-400. Trickle charger (CTEK recommended) costs €60-120. Some cars have a software issue where proximity to the key fob activates systems and drains the battery - a dealer software update addresses this.
Brake rotor warping€1,600 - €4,000
Brembo rotors warp prematurely, causing steering vibration when braking · more· less
The Quattroporte uses large Brembo brake components that are prone to rotor warping, especially on cars with 20" or 21" wheels. Symptoms include steering shake during braking, often appearing within 3-5,000 km even after replacement. Dealers claim rotors cannot be turned (resurfaced), only replaced, per Maserati guidance. Full brake job (pads and rotors all four corners) at dealer costs €3,000-4,000. Independent specialists charge €1,600-2,500 using OEM or quality aftermarket parts. Some owners report success with premium aftermarket cross-drilled rotors that include warping warranties.
Infotainment system failure€500 - €6,000
Screen freezes on Maserati logo, module fails, GPS and backup camera stop working · more· less
Common issue where the infotainment screen shows only the Maserati logo and won't boot. First attempt: press and hold radio on/off button for 15 seconds, release, then press again (system reboot). If that fails, check fuse F37 which controls the complete MTC (Maserati Touch Control) module. If fuse is intact, the Telematics Gateway (TGW) module has likely failed. TGW replacement costs €1,500-2,500 at dealer. In severe cases where the entire infotainment system must be replaced, dealers quote up to €6,000. The system is dated but does support CarPlay with cable.
Sticky interior buttons and trim degradation€800 - €3,000
Rubberized coating on buttons and switches melts into sticky mess · more· less
Nearly universal issue affecting all Maserati models from this era. The soft-touch rubberized coating on buttons, switches, and trim pieces degrades due to heat, UV exposure, and humidity. Symptoms appear after 8-10 years regardless of mileage or care. Buttons become sticky and difficult to press. Dealer refinishing costs €2,500-3,000. Specialist refinishing services offer alternatives for €800-1,500. Some owners DIY clean with isopropyl alcohol temporarily, but degradation returns. Not a functional failure, but significantly impacts ownership experience and resale value.
Turbocharger failure€2,000 - €4,500
Turbo seals leak oil, bearings wear causing whistling noise and blue smoke · more· less
The VM Motori 3.0 V6 diesel uses a single turbocharger. Failures are relatively uncommon but expensive. Symptoms include whistling/whining noise under boost, blue smoke from exhaust (oil burning), loss of power, and excessive oil consumption. Turbo replacement using OEM parts costs €3,500-4,500 at dealer. Quality aftermarket turbos cost €2,000-3,000 installed at independent specialists. Regular oil changes with correct specification (5W-40 fully synthetic) and avoiding prolonged idling extends turbo life significantly.
Coolant system leaks (water pump, thermostat)€600 - €1,800
Water pump and thermostat housing develop leaks, causing overheating · more· less
Coolant leaks typically originate from the water pump or thermostat housing. Symptoms include coolant warning light, engine overheating, or bright yellow/green puddles under the car. Water pump replacement costs €600-1,200 including labor. Thermostat assembly costs €100-200 for the part, with labor adding €200-400. Coolant hose failures also occur; dealers charge €900-1,850 for hose replacement plus flush, while independent shops charge €400-700. Address coolant leaks immediately to prevent engine damage from overheating.
Acceptable reliability for those who understand the compromises
The Quattroporte diesel is not a German luxury sedan in disguise. Engine and ZF transmission are generally solid, but emissions systems (DPF, EGR), electronics, and suspension require more attention than BMW/Mercedes/Audi equivalents. Most issues are well-documented and manageable with proper maintenance and realistic expectations. Budget-conscious buyers should establish relationship with independent Maserati specialist rather than using dealer exclusively. Cars with complete service history and evidence of regular motorway use are significantly better bets than city-driven examples.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Complete service history
Full Maserati dealer or authorized specialist records essential. Verify annual oil changes with correct 5W-40 fully synthetic specification.
Tires
Check tread depth (legal minimum 1.6mm, replace at 3mm), age via date codes (replace after 6 years regardless of tread), uneven wear patterns indicating suspension issues. Rears wear faster.
Cold start
Engine must be completely cold. Listen for unusual noises, check for excessive smoke (white = coolant leak, black/blue = engine issues).
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including varied speeds and motorway running. Suspension and transmission issues often only appear when warm.
Body condition
Check for accident damage, paint mismatch, panel gaps. Aluminum body is expensive to repair properly.
Specific for this vehicle
DPF regeneration history
Ask seller about DPF warning lights and regeneration frequency. Request evidence of regular motorway use, not just city driving. Check exhaust for excessive soot.
Start from cold and monitor for DPF/engine warnings
Any DPF warning light is serious - walk away unless seller agrees to DPF replacement before purchase. Engine should start cleanly with minimal smoke.
Battery and electrical system check
Test all electrical functions systematically: windows, locks, sunroof, seat adjustments, climate control, infotainment. Warning lights on dash after cold start should clear within seconds.
Suspension operation and warning lights
Drive over speed bumps and rough surfaces. Listen for clunks, knocks, or excessive noise. Any yellow suspension warning light indicates ECU or damper failure - expensive repair.
Brake pedal feel and steering vibration
Brake from 60-70 mph multiple times. Any vibration through steering wheel or brake pedal indicates warped rotors. Brake pedal should be firm, not spongy.
Inspect all interior buttons and switches
Press every button, switch, and control. Feel for stickiness or coating degradation. Test steering wheel controls, center console buttons, door switches. This is cosmetic but affects resale value.
Check EGR and intake system
Have specialist inspect EGR valve and inlet manifold for carbon buildup during pre-purchase inspection. Excessive buildup indicates poor maintenance or predominantly short-trip use.
Coolant level and condition
Check coolant reservoir - should be between min/max marks when cold. Coolant should be clean yellow/green, not brown or milky (indicates contamination).
Tire condition and brake wear
Rear tires wear faster due to weight distribution. Uneven wear indicates suspension issues. Check brake pad thickness and rotor condition - warped rotors are common.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Floor mat anchor breakage (2014-2016)Verify completed
Fuel line damage causing leak (2014-2015)Verify completed
ECM software update for emissions (2013+)Recommended
HVAC software update for AC cooling (2020)Recommended if issues
Contact Maserati dealer with VIN to verify all recalls and TSBs completed. Floor mat and tie-rod recalls are safety-critical. Multiple technical bulletins address shock absorber leaks, brake noise, and infotainment issues - ask specialist to check service history for these updates.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (4 years / 50,000 miles)Expired on all 2013-2020 models
Maserati Limited Extended Warranty (powertrain)Available years 7-10, various mileage caps
Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) warranty+2 years if CPO certified
All 2013-2020 Quattroporte diesels are outside factory warranty. Extended warranty costs €2,100-2,500 per year for comprehensive coverage. Vehicle must have under 65,200 miles (105,000 km) to qualify for extended warranty, complete service history at authorized centers, and no major accident damage. Consider third-party luxury car warranties as potentially better value. Many owners self-insure using independent specialists rather than purchasing extended warranty.
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.