2017 Maserati Levante diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2017 Maserati Levante diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2017 Maserati Levante diesel than on all cars registered in 2017.

• Steering rack inner joints8.2× usual
  Maserati Levante

  4.1% All 2017 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Engine oil leaks2.9× usual
  Maserati Levante

  4.3% All 2017 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Track rod ends2.4× usual
  Maserati Levante

  3.4% All 2017 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.6% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Rigid brake pipes2.7× usual
  Maserati Levante

  2.7% All 2017 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.1% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

Common 2017 Maserati Levante diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 Maserati Levante diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  28% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  21% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  9% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  6% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Steering
  5% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

• Lights and electrics
  4% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2017 Maserati Levante diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 8.2× as often on the 2017 Maserati Levante diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2017 Maserati Levante diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2017 Maserati Levante diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?