The Maserati Ghibli is a midsize luxury sport sedan sold in the US for the 2014 to 2024 model years. Most cars have a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, and a turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 was added for 2021. The early model years drew most of the owner complaints, many about a stuck accelerator pedal.
This guide ranks each Ghibli model year using NHTSA complaints and recalls and our years to avoid methodology. In short: avoid the 2014, 2015 and 2017, be careful with 2016 and 2021, and look for a 2019, 2023 or 2024 if you want a Ghibli.
Related: Genesis G80 years to avoid, BMW 5 Series years to avoid, Mercedes-Benz E-Class years to avoid.
How we rated the best and worst Maserati Ghibli years
We put the most weight on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, and every count in this guide comes from NHTSA’s complaint and recall records.
The Ghibli has 80 NHTSA complaints across all model years. The 2014, 2015 and 2017 account for 65 of them. The 2021 to 2024 have no complaints on file, but the 2021 has 5 recalls.
Every Maserati Ghibli model year ranked
| Model year | Verdict | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA recalls | Most-reported components |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Avoid | 19 | 6 | Vehicle speed control, suspension, electrical system |
| 2015 | Avoid | 25 | 6 | Vehicle speed control, electrical system, fuel and propulsion |
| 2016 | Caution | 7 | 4 | Power train, air bags, backover prevention |
| 2017 | Avoid | 21 | 5 | Engine, power train, electrical system |
| 2018 | Good | 1 | 2 | Service brakes, suspension, tires |
| 2019 | Best | 2 | 0 | Power train, suspension |
| 2020 | Good | 5 | 0 | Engine, backover prevention, electrical system |
| 2021 | Caution | 0 | 5 | None |
| 2022 | Good | 0 | 2 | None |
| 2023 | Best | 0 | 1 | None |
| 2024 | Best | 0 | 1 | None |
Most common Maserati Ghibli problems
These are the problems that show up most in NHTSA complaints and recall campaigns.
1. Stuck accelerator pedal and floor mats
Vehicle speed control is tied for the most-reported component, with 16 complaints, nearly all for the 2014 to 2016. Owners describe the accelerator pedal sticking and the car speeding up on its own, and two 2014 complaints report crashes. Campaign 16V122 covers certain 2014 to 2016 Ghiblis where the driver’s floor mat anchor may break, letting the mat move and trap the accelerator pedal.
2. Stalling and shifting into neutral (2017)
Several 2017 complaints describe the car shutting off, failing to accelerate from a stop or shifting into neutral in slow traffic. Campaign 18V173 covers certain 2017 Ghiblis where, because of an engine software problem, the transmission may shift into neutral or park, or the engine may shut off, at low speeds. On the 2014, campaign 16V424 covers cars where the gear selector may mislead the driver about which gear the car is in.
3. Electrical faults and seat wiring
The electrical system is also tied for the most-reported component, with 16 complaints. They include the car shutting off while driving, warning lights and backup camera failures. Campaign 17V046 covers certain 2014 to 2017 Ghiblis where adjusting the front seats may cause the seat wiring to rub and short circuit, which can increase the risk of fire.
Backup cameras are covered by two recalls. Campaign 16V839 covers certain 2017 cars where the camera may stop working in freezing temperatures, and campaign 25V098 covers certain 2021 to 2024 cars where radio software may stop the rear camera image from showing.
4. Fuel leaks
Five recalls cover possible fuel leaks, which can increase the risk of fire. Campaigns 14V654 and 18V831 cover certain 2014 and 2015 Ghiblis with faulty fuel lines or hose crimps. Campaign 17V834 covers 2018 cars with a fuel delivery pipe that may leak at its connections. Campaigns 21V872 and 24V269 cover certain 2021 and 2022 cars where a fuel line sensor housing may crack.
5. Suspension, chassis and differential
Several 2014 and 2015 complaints describe cracks in the front chassis or a strut tower, and tires wearing out quickly. Campaign 16V264 covers certain 2014 to 2016 cars where a rear tie-rod bolt may not have been tightened properly. Campaign 16V856 covers certain 2017 cars where the rear differential pinion nut may loosen, and some 2016 and 2017 complaints mention the differential. Campaign 18V347 covers a small number of 2018 cars with incomplete front subframe welds.
Which Maserati Ghibli years to avoid
Avoid: 2014, 2015 and 2017
The 2014 has 19 complaints and 6 recalls, and the 2015 has 25 complaints and 6 recalls. Both are led by complaints about the accelerator pedal sticking. The 2017 has 21 complaints and 5 recalls, with complaints led by the engine and power train, including stalling and shifting into neutral.
Caution: 2016 and 2021
The 2016 has fewer complaints, 7, but shares 4 recalls with the early cars, including the floor mat and seat wiring campaigns. The 2021 has no complaints, but it has 5 recalls, including two for fuel leaks. Confirm all recall work before you buy one of these years.
What is the best Maserati Ghibli year
The 2023 and 2024 have the cleanest NHTSA record, with no complaints and one recall for the backup camera software. The 2019 is the best of the older cars, with 2 complaints and no recalls.
Maserati Ghibli pre-purchase checklist
- Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm every open recall is complete.
- On a 2014 to 2016 car, confirm the floor mat recall is done and that the driver’s mat is secured.
- Test drive in slow traffic and from a stop, and watch for stalling, hesitation or unexpected shifts into neutral.
- Check for fuel smells or leaks in the engine bay.
- Test the backup camera, the power seats and all warning lights.
- Listen for noise from the rear differential, and have the front chassis and strut towers inspected on early cars.
- Ask for service records, and have a mechanic inspect the car before you buy.
Better alternatives to consider
If you want a midsize luxury sport sedan, these models are worth comparing. Check the years to avoid for each one before you shop.
Is the Maserati Ghibli reliable
The early Ghibli has a poor NHTSA record, with many complaints and recalls for the 2014, 2015 and 2017. Later cars have far fewer complaints, though recalls continued through 2024. A late car with complete recall work and good service records is the safest choice.
Frequently asked questions
What years did Maserati make the Ghibli?
Maserati sold this Ghibli sedan in the US for the 2014 to 2024 model years. Fueleconomy.gov lists no later Ghibli.
What is the most common problem with the Maserati Ghibli?
A stuck accelerator pedal is among the most common complaints, mostly on the 2014 to 2016 cars. Vehicle speed control and the electrical system are tied as the most-reported components, with 16 complaints each.
What gas mileage does the Maserati Ghibli get?
Fueleconomy.gov rates the V6 Ghibli at 18 to 20 mpg combined and the V8 at 16 mpg combined.
Which Maserati Ghibli years should you avoid?
Avoid the 2014, 2015 and 2017 Ghibli. They have the most NHTSA complaints. The 2019, 2023 and 2024 are the best years.