Maserati Issues Critical Safety Recall for 2017 Quattroporte and Ghibli Models
Luxury vehicle owners urged to address potentially dangerous rear differential issue immediately
Affected Vehicles and Production Details
The recall impacts approximately 300 high-performance sedans from Maserati's 2017 lineup:
- 2017 Maserati Quattroporte luxury sedan
- 2017 Maserati Ghibli sports sedan
Only vehicles manufactured between July 1 and October 12, 2016 are included in this safety action. Owners can verify their vehicle's production date using the manufacturer's VIN lookup tool or by contacting an authorized Maserati dealership.
Understanding the Safety Concern
Rear Differential Pinion Nut Issue
The recall addresses a potentially dangerous manufacturing defect in the rear differential assembly. During production, the pinion nut securing the differential unit may not have been properly torqued to specifications. This critical fastening component maintains proper gear alignment and power transfer to the rear wheels.
Potential Consequences
If left unaddressed, this condition could lead to:
- Gradual loosening of the pinion nut during vehicle operation
- Improper gear meshing and potential binding
- Sudden locking of the rear wheels while driving
- Loss of vehicle control and increased crash risk
Maserati emphasizes that this defect poses a significant safety hazard, particularly at highway speeds where rear wheel lockup could result in dangerous spin-out situations.
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Authorized Repair Procedure
Maserati has developed a comprehensive repair protocol for affected vehicles:
- Inspection Process: Certified technicians will verify proper torque specifications on the rear differential pinion nut using calibrated equipment
- Component Replacement: Any differential unit showing signs of improper torque or damage will be completely replaced with a new assembly
- Quality Verification: All repairs undergo rigorous testing to ensure proper operation before returning the vehicle to the owner
Cost Coverage: As with all safety recalls, this repair will be performed at no cost to vehicle owners, regardless of warranty status.
Recommended Actions for Owners
Immediate Steps
If you own one of the affected vehicles, Maserati recommends:
- Checking for recall notification letters (being mailed to registered owners)
- Scheduling a service appointment with an authorized Maserati service center
- Avoiding aggressive acceleration until the inspection is complete
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Contact Information
Owners can obtain additional recall information through these channels:
- Maserati Customer Service: 201-510-2369
- NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 888-327-4236
- Online Resources: Visit the official NHTSA recall database at safercar.gov
Finding Authorized Service Centers
Proper repair of this critical safety issue requires specialized tools and training only available at certified Maserati service facilities. Owners can:
- Use the MotorVero Service Center Locator to find their nearest authorized dealership
- Verify technician certification for recall repairs
- Request a loaner vehicle if extensive repairs are needed
Understanding Your Rights
Vehicle owners should be aware of several important consumer protection measures:
- Lemon Law Provisions: Many states provide additional protections if multiple repair attempts are required
- Rental Reimbursement: Some insurance policies cover alternate transportation during recall repairs
- Documentation: Always obtain detailed service records for all recall-related work
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Additional Safety Considerations
While waiting for recall service, owners should:
- Monitor for unusual drivetrain noises (whining, grinding from rear axle)
- Be alert for changes in vehicle handling characteristics
- Park the vehicle if any symptoms of differential failure appear
Maserati has confirmed there have been no reported accidents or injuries related to this condition, but urges prompt attention to eliminate any potential risks.