Maserati Ghibli (M157) Common Problems & Reliability

The M157 Ghibli is a heavy executive saloon, and its multi-link front suspension with double wishbones is worked hard by UK potholes and speed cushions. The front control-arm bushes and ball joints wear prematurely, causing knocking or clicking over bumps, uneven tyre wear and, on Skyhook-equipped cars, inconsistent damping. UK MOT data lists suspension and steering among the Ghibli's common advisory areas, so the fault regularly shows up at test time. Left unchecked, play worsens, alignment suffers and the car can fail its MOT on steering or suspension items.

Maserati Touch Control (MTC), the Ghibli's central infotainment hub, is known on early cars (roughly 2013–2017) to freeze, reboot, drop Bluetooth pairings or fail to wake the rear-view camera. Reviewers found the original system poor, with the 2016 facelift bringing a much-improved interface. Because MTC clusters vehicle settings, a glitchy unit can leave climate or display functions unresponsive. A weak battery can trigger unrelated electrical warnings, so battery health should be checked before blaming the head unit; dealer software updates often cure recurring freezes.

The gasoline Ghibli's 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 (F160, assembled by Ferrari for Maserati) uses plastic timing-chain guides and hydraulic tensioners that turn brittle with age and mileage. When a guide cracks, the chain slackens and valve timing can jump, logging crankshaft/camshaft correlation fault code P0017; tapping or rattling near the valve covers on cold start is the classic early warning. Broken guide fragments can fall into the oil pan and block the oil pickup, starving a turbocharged engine of oil and risking bearing damage or a seized engine. The repair needs a Maserati factory locking tool and roughly seven to eight hours of labour, and risk rises when oil changes have been skipped or the wrong oil used.

Early Ghiblis, roughly the 2013–2017 pre-facelift cars, can develop coolant leaks from the radiator, water pump, thermostat housing and rubber hoses as seals harden and joints begin to weep. A slow leak is easy to miss until coolant level drops enough to overheat a turbocharged V6, an expensive outcome. UK MoT statistics show the Ghibli fails more often than average on exhaust, emissions and leaks, and coolant loss with no visible puddle, a sweet coolant smell or white smoke from the exhaust are warning signs to watch for on a viewing. Pressure-testing the system and checking the underside for residue are worthwhile pre-purchase steps.

The Ghibli's electrical system is sensitive to battery state: a weak or discharged 12V battery can throw a cascade of unrelated dashboard warnings, and modules such as the body controller or infotainment unit can fail to shut down and drain the battery while the car stands. Maserati dealers keep showroom cars on trickle chargers for this reason, and UK MOT data lists lights and electrical among the Ghibli's most common advisory areas. Symptoms include random warning lights, a flat battery after only a few days parked, and accessories behaving oddly. Keeping the car on a battery tender if not driven daily, and testing resting voltage, are the practical defences.