The Maserati Levante is a midsize luxury SUV sold in the US for the 2017 to 2024 model years. Most have a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, and a turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 was added for 2019. The first model year drew most of the owner complaints, many about the engine shutting off or the transmission shifting into neutral.
This guide ranks each Levante model year using NHTSA complaints and recalls and our years to avoid methodology. In short: avoid the 2017, be careful with the 2018 and 2019, and look for a 2024 if you want a Levante.
Related: Maserati Ghibli years to avoid, Porsche Cayenne years to avoid, Jaguar F-Pace years to avoid.
How we rated the best and worst Maserati Levante 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 Levante has 31 NHTSA complaints across all model years, and 18 of them are for the 2017. The 2021 and 2024 have no complaints on file, but the 2021 has 3 recalls.
Every Maserati Levante model year ranked
| Model year | Verdict | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA recalls | Most-reported components |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Avoid | 18 | 4 | Engine, electrical system, service brakes |
| 2018 | Caution | 4 | 1 | Electrical system, seats, vehicle speed control |
| 2019 | Caution | 5 | 1 | Electrical system, engine, seat belts |
| 2020 | Good | 2 | 0 | Electrical system, engine |
| 2021 | Good | 0 | 3 | None |
| 2022 | Good | 1 | 2 | Fuel system |
| 2023 | Good | 1 | 1 | Electrical system |
| 2024 | Best | 0 | 1 | None |
Most common Maserati Levante problems
These are the problems that show up most in NHTSA complaints and recall campaigns.
1. Stalling and shifting into neutral (2017)
The engine has 14 complaints, and 12 of them are for the 2017. Nine 2017 complaints describe the SUV shifting into neutral on its own, mostly at low speeds or when coming to a stop, and others describe the engine shutting off. Campaigns 16V936 and 17V161 cover certain 2017 Levantes where, because of an engine software problem, the transmission may shift into neutral or the engine may shut off at low speeds.
2. Electrical faults and shutting off while driving
The electrical system is the most-reported component, with 15 complaints spread across the 2017 to 2020 and 2023. Owners describe the engine or the whole car shutting off while driving, warning lights, an overheating touch screen and the instrument cluster acting erratically. Campaign 17V046 covers certain 2017 Levantes where adjusting the front seats may cause the seat wiring to rub and short circuit, which can increase the risk of fire.
3. Backup camera
Two recalls cover the backup camera. Campaign 16V839 covers certain 2017 Levantes where the camera may stop working in freezing temperatures. Campaign 25V098 covers certain 2021 to 2024 Levantes where the radio software may stop the rear camera image from showing.
4. Fuel leaks
Campaign 21V872 covers certain 2021 and 2022 Levantes where the fuel line sensor housing may crack and leak fuel, which can cause a stall and increases the risk of fire.
5. Chassis, seat belts and headlights
Campaign 18V347 covers a small number of 2018 Levantes with incomplete front subframe welds, which could break. Campaign 21V703 covers certain 2021 Levantes where the seat belt locking retractors may stop holding a child seat securely. Campaign 19V521 covers certain 2019 Levantes with adaptive LED headlights that may be aimed too high.
Which Maserati Levante years to avoid
Avoid: 2017
The 2017 has 18 complaints and 4 recalls, far more complaints than any other Levante year. Most are about the engine shutting off or the transmission shifting into neutral, which two recalls address with an engine software update.
Caution: 2018 and 2019
The 2018 has 4 complaints and 1 recall, and one 2018 complaint reports smoke and fire from the center console while parked. The 2019 has 5 complaints and 1 recall, and several of its complaints describe the SUV stalling or losing power while driving. Confirm all recall work before you buy one of these years.
What is the best Maserati Levante year
The 2024 has the cleanest NHTSA record, with no complaints and one recall for the backup camera software. The 2020 is the best of the earlier cars, with 2 complaints and no recalls.
Maserati Levante pre-purchase checklist
- Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm every open recall is complete.
- On a 2017, confirm the engine software recalls are done.
- Test drive in slow traffic and from a stop, and watch for stalling or unexpected shifts into neutral.
- Test the backup camera, the touch screen, the power seats and all warning lights.
- On a 2021 or 2022, check for fuel smells or leaks in the engine bay.
- Ask for service records, and have a mechanic inspect the SUV before you buy.
Better alternatives to consider
If you want a midsize luxury SUV, these models are worth comparing. Check the years to avoid for each one before you shop.
Is the Maserati Levante reliable
The 2017 Levante has a poor NHTSA record, with most of the model’s complaints. Later years have far fewer complaints, though recalls continued through 2024. A later SUV with complete recall work and good service records is the safest choice.
Frequently asked questions
What years did Maserati make the Levante?
Maserati sold the Levante in the US for the 2017 to 2024 model years. Fueleconomy.gov lists no later Levante.
What is the most common problem with the Maserati Levante?
Stalling and shifting into neutral are the most common complaints, mostly on the 2017. The electrical system is the most-reported component, with 15 complaints, followed by the engine with 14.
What gas mileage does the Maserati Levante get?
Fueleconomy.gov rates the V6 Levante at 16 to 18 mpg combined and the V8 at 15 to 16 mpg combined.
Which Maserati Levante years should you avoid?
Avoid the 2017 Levante. It has the most NHTSA complaints. The 2024 is the best year, and the 2020 is the best of the earlier years.