Brakes and electrical system issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
Drivers looking for a luxury SUV often gravitate toward the 2019 Maserati Levante. The automaker claims it has an “adventurous spirit,” but owners are struggling to enjoy this model. Reports claim that the electrical system and service brakes are failing.
As a luxury model, the electrical system should be more than sufficient to seamlessly run everything in the vehicle, but it’s not.
Here is one NHTSA complaint worth reading. “My current vehicle is at the dealership still being worked on for the initial and past issues not corrected. I had to bring my loaner vehicle of same make model and year because the loaner had similar issues to my own vehicle. The vehicle stalled with my wife and child in a busy intersection (in motion) and would not start for over 20 mins. She could not even get the vehicle in Neutral to push it out of the way (vehicle would not allow). I returned the vehicle back (stalling twice on the way but thankfully it restarted after a 5 min shutoff). Going back to my vehicle still in repair when the technician bought my vehicle inside as it was raining outside the day I returned the loaner they found the rear passenger area of my vehicle under repair just found water infiltration in the inside electrical areas adjacent to battery etc and panels of the vehicle. I always noticed my vehicle always had a musty smell and thought maybe the kids spilled something but could never get it to go away. Aside from shortages from inside water infiltration we are now concerned with mold growth in the fabric and interior body panels now knowing this was an issue. There is compounding issues with the vehicle that may or may not be elated with other issues being addressed such as abnormal condensation in headlights, window paneling and trim coming loose etc. The dealership states it was a battery (doesn’t make sense) issue but these issues take away all life safety measures and vehicle control, one time is too many and we refuse to put our children in this make and model only a year old requiring so much replacement and items failing that can result in bodily injury or death due to the vehicles system failure and motor control (brakes, throttle control, power steering air bag lighting, suspension and windshield wiper).”
Aside from the electrical system, there’s also a recall related to the exterior lighting that shows how little Maserati cares about the construction of this vehicle. NHTSA Campaign Number 19V521000 states some vehicles have misadjusted headlights that could impair visibility. As a premium luxury vehicle, there are too many defects putting families at risk. No one wants to have such an “adventurous spirit.”
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| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Engine | |
| Seat Belts | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Steering | |
| Suspension | |
| Vehicle Speed Control |
While discussing safety, it’s imperative to look at the service brakes. The Levante seems to struggle to have a functional braking system.
Another NHTSA complaint states, “Check Engine Light goes on and entire instrument cluster goes chaotic. Followed by the vehicle loosing power steering, engine control, air bag failure, the brakes resets and at slow speed the vehicle tries to engage the EM brake causing the vehicle to jerk and stop during movement this has been scary when it has happened on the highway and almost caused an accident coming out of a parking lot. Other issues is now the automatic lights and my windshield wipers do not function at all in which I cannot drive when it rains. My scheduled service is July 15 (called June 23rd) but when describing the issues no sense of urgency has been taken. I have submitted photos as everything I have is video of the situation. In summary the car seems to be having completed electrical failure of equipment.”
Again, there is proof that Maserati has done a terrible job of constructing this vehicle. Service Bulletin #MAS001850 states that there are problems with water infiltration that require technicians to seal the body. This isn’t the type of adventure anyone wants to experience, especially from such an expensive vehicle. If a customer wants to enjoy the water, they would buy a boat instead.
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Maserati pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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