The 2017 Levante shares major components with Chrysler 300/Charger (ZF 8HP transmission, some electronics) but hangs a Ferrari-derived twin-turbo V6 up front. That engine is the Achilles' heel — catastrophic failures are disturbingly common, especially pre-2019 models.
Catastrophic Engine Failure (Piston/Ring/Bearing Collapse)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 30,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Sudden loss of power, rattling or knocking from lower end, Metal debris in oil during routine changes, Check engine light with misfire codes, oil pressure warnings, White or blue smoke on cold start escalating to constant
Fix: Complete short-block replacement or full engine rebuild — pistons crack, rings fail, bearings score the crank. Dealer often quotes reman long-block. 25-35 labor hours depending on harness/turbo reuse. Early VINs had defective piston coatings; Maserati extended some warranties but many owners are out of coverage.
Estimated cost: $18,000-28,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Trans fluid puddles under engine bay, driver-side front, Burnt ATF smell, low fluid level on dipstick (requires scan tool access on some), Harsh shifts or delayed engagement when fluid gets low
Fix: Factory crimped cooler lines corrode at fittings or crack at bends. Replace both feed/return lines plus top off ZF LifeguardFluid 8 (expensive fluid). 3-4 hours labor; sometimes bundled with trans service.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Transmission Mount Deterioration
Common · low severityTypical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk on takeoff or when shifting into reverse, Excessive vibration at idle in Drive, Visible transmission sag or torn rubber on mount inspection
Fix: The rear trans mount is a hydraulic type, shared with some Chrysler platforms but Maserati-specific part number. Fails from heat and stress. 2-3 hours labor, straightforward R&R from underneath.
Estimated cost: $600-950
Fuel Filter Clogging / Fuel System Contamination
Occasional · medium severitySymptoms: Rough idle, hesitation under load, limp mode, Multiple misfires across cylinders, fuel trims way off, Won't start or starts then stalls repeatedly
Fix: In-tank fuel pump module includes filter; contaminants (sometimes from factory tank coating breakdown) clog it. Requires tank drop, pump module replacement. If injectors are fouled, add cleaning or replacement. 4-6 hours labor for pump, more if injectors need work.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,800
Shift Solenoid Pack Failures (ZF 8HP Transmission)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh or delayed 2-3 or 3-4 upshifts, flare on downshift, Check engine light with transmission fault codes (pressure control solenoids), Intermittent limp mode, trans stuck in one gear
Fix: ZF mechatronic sleeve or individual solenoids fail. Drop pan, replace solenoid pack or full valve body depending on codes. Fluid/filter service at same time. 5-7 hours labor; some shops replace whole mechatronic unit to avoid comeback.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,500
Head Gasket Failure (Both Banks)
Rare · high severityTypical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant loss with no visible external leaks, White exhaust smoke, sweet smell, Overheating, coolant in oil (milky dipstick) or oil in coolant, Misfires on one bank, bubbling in overflow tank
Fix: Often a secondary failure after overheating from other causes (thermostat, water pump). Requires head removal both sides, resurface, new gaskets, studs, timing components inspection. 18-24 hours labor if heads are OK; add machine shop time/cost if warped.
Estimated cost: $6,000-9,500
Backup Camera Intermittent / Black Screen (Recall 17V-666)
Common · low severitySymptoms: Camera display goes black intermittently or won't activate in reverse, Screen flickers or shows 'camera unavailable' message, Recall issued for software update to Uconnect system
Fix: Software reflash at dealer under recall. If problem persists post-flash, camera or Uconnect module may need replacement. Recall repair is free; post-recall hardware failures run 1-2 hours labor plus parts.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall) to $800 if hardware replacement needed
Only if you can afford a $20k engine replacement without flinching or find one with documented engine rebuild/replacement already done — otherwise, walk away.
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.