The 2018 GranTurismo with the 4.7L V8 (F136 engine) is essentially a refined carryover of a design dating back to 2007. While the naturally-aspirated V8 sounds glorious, this platform suffers from serious engine durability issues and ZF transmission cooler failures that can leave you stranded or facing five-figure repair bills.
Catastrophic Engine Failure - Spun Rod Bearings & Piston Seizure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Metallic knocking or rattling from engine bay, especially cold start, Low oil pressure warning despite fresh oil change, Sudden loss of power, engine seizing during operation, Metal debris visible in oil during changes
Fix: Complete engine rebuild or replacement required. The F136 V8 has marginal oiling to rod bearings, especially cylinders 4 and 5. Aggressive driving or extended oil change intervals accelerate failure. Rebuild includes new pistons, rings, bearings, often crankshaft machining. Expect 40-60 shop hours for removal, machine work, and reinstallation. Short block replacement runs similar labor.
Estimated cost: $15,000-28,000
ZF Transmission Oil Cooler Failure & Contamination
Common · high severityTypical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission slipping, delayed engagement, or harsh shifts, Milky or pink fluid in coolant reservoir (coolant mixing with trans fluid), Check engine light with transmission temp codes, Complete transmission failure after coolant intrusion
Fix: The internal transmission oil cooler develops leaks, allowing coolant into the ZF 6-speed auto. Once contaminated, the transmission is toast. Repair requires new cooler, complete transmission rebuild or replacement, cooling system flush. If caught early (cooler only), 8-12 hours labor. If trans is contaminated, add 15-20 hours for rebuild/replacement.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,500 (cooler only), $8,000-14,000 (with trans damage)
Worn Transmission Mounts Causing Drivetrain Clunk
Common · low severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Heavy clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration through center tunnel at idle or acceleration, Visible sagging or torn rubber on transmission mount
Fix: The hydraulic transmission mount fatigues and collapses. Not dangerous but annoying and accelerates wear on driveline components. Replacement is straightforward but requires transmission support. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Shift Solenoid Pack Failures (ZF 6HP26)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting between specific gears (often 2-3 or 4-5), Transmission stuck in one gear (limp mode), Check engine light with solenoid-specific codes (P0770-P0777 range), Delayed downshifts or failure to upshift
Fix: The ZF transmission uses a mechatronic unit with multiple solenoids. Individual solenoid failure is common; some shops replace the full solenoid pack as preventive measure. Requires pan drop, valve body removal. 4-6 hours labor. Use only OEM or Genuine ZF parts.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,800
Head Gasket Seepage (Both Banks)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Oil residue accumulating on outside of engine block near head mating surface, Slight coolant smell or minor consumption without visible leaks, White residue around coolant cap or on dipstick (if severe), Oil contamination in coolant (worst case)
Fix: The F136 head gaskets can weep externally or, less commonly, leak internally. External seepage is often cosmetic initially but progressively worsens. Both heads should be done together. Requires engine disassembly from top, head machining check. 25-35 hours labor for both banks.
Estimated cost: $6,500-11,000
Fuel Filter Clogging & Pump Strain
Occasional · medium severitySymptoms: Rough idle, hesitation, or stumbling under acceleration, Difficulty starting, especially when hot, Check engine light with fuel trim or fuel pressure codes, Intermittent power loss at highway speeds
Fix: Maserati recommends fuel filter replacement every 20,000-30,000 miles, but many owners skip this. Clogged filter starves the engine and damages the fuel pump. Filter is in-tank on some variants, requiring tank drop. 3-5 hours labor depending on configuration. Always replace with OEM filter.
Estimated cost: $500-1,200
Buy only if you have a $10,000-15,000 emergency fund for engine or transmission replacement and accept that catastrophic failure is a when, not if, scenario — gorgeous car, but financially ruinous for most owners.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.