The 2024 Levante shares the ZF 8-speed transmission and Ferrari-derived 3.0L twin-turbo V6 with earlier M161 platform variants. While newer than problematic 2017-2019 models, it still inherits cooling system vulnerabilities, transmission adaptation issues, and the Italian supercar tax on parts and complexity.
Transmission Oil Cooler Leaks and Overheating
Common · high severityTypical onset: 40,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid pooling under vehicle near front axle area, Harsh shifting or delayed engagement when hot, Transmission overtemp warning on dash, Pink or red fluid mixing with coolant in overflow tank
Fix: Replace transmission oil cooler and associated lines, flush both transmission and cooling system. The cooler is integrated into the main radiator stack on some variants, making this a 6-8 hour job with front bumper and cooling stack removal required. ZF fluid and Maserati-specific programming add cost.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200
Carbon Buildup and Intake Valve Coking (Direct Injection)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Rough idle and misfires on cold starts, Loss of power under acceleration, Check engine light with multiple misfire codes (P0300-P0306), Increased fuel consumption
Fix: Walnut blasting of intake valves requires intake manifold removal on both banks. This is a 10-12 hour job due to tight V6 packaging and ancillary component removal. Some shops also replace PCV components and perform top-end decarb treatment simultaneously.
Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800
Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle and Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Metallic rattling at idle or light throttle, especially when cold, Loss of boost pressure and limp mode activation, P0045 or P0047 boost control codes, Excessive black smoke on acceleration
Fix: Wastegate actuator arms seize or the flapper becomes loose. Often requires complete turbo replacement rather than rebuild due to parts availability. Each turbo is 8-10 hours labor due to exhaust manifold access and coolant/oil line routing. Doing both simultaneously is common to avoid repeat work.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
Transmission Mount Failure and Driveline Vibration
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 35,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration at idle especially when in gear, Excessive driveline movement visible during hard acceleration, Transmission feels like it's dropping or settling after stop
Fix: Rear transmission mount uses a hydraulic bushing that deteriorates quickly under torque. Replacement is straightforward at 2-3 hours but requires transmission support and careful alignment. OEM-only part with no quality aftermarket alternative.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200
High-Pressure Fuel Pump and Injector Failures
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 70,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Long crank time before starting, especially hot restarts, Engine runs rough and lacks power under load, P0087 fuel rail pressure too low code, Fuel smell in cabin or engine bay, Metallic ticking from engine bay when running
Fix: High-pressure pump driven off camshaft can fail internally, sending metal through fuel system requiring full injector set replacement. Pump replacement alone is 4-5 hours, but if injectors are contaminated budget 8-10 hours plus six injectors at $400+ each. Fuel system flush and filter replacement mandatory.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500
Coolant Crossover Pipe and Thermostat Housing Leaks
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 45,000-75,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant smell in cabin or visible steam from engine bay, Low coolant warning with no visible external leaks, Overheating in traffic or under load, Coolant dripping from bell housing area onto transmission
Fix: Plastic crossover pipes and thermostat housing at rear of engine become brittle. Access requires removing intake plenum and various sensors. 5-6 hours labor, and while you're there most techs recommend doing both thermostats and upper hoses as preventive. Genuine Maserati parts required as aftermarket doesn't seal properly.
Estimated cost: $1,500-2,400
Only if you have a $5K-per-year repair fund and access to a good independent specialist — the driving experience is stunning, but ownership costs rival German luxury SUVs with Italian parts premiums.
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.