Recall 17V161 covers 3,291 2017 Maserati Levante vehicles for engine software allowing neutral shifts or engine shutdown. Free repair at any franchised Maserati dealer.
Maserati is recalling 3,291 2017 Levante vehicles because engine software can make the transmission shift into neutral at slow speeds or shut the engine off without warning. Either failure can raise crash risk, and Maserati dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2017 Maserati Levante uses engine control software to manage low-speed engine operation and communicate with the transmission. That software helps keep the engine running smoothly when the SUV is creeping through traffic, and it helps the transmission stay in the selected drive mode while engine speed is low.
On affected Levantes, the engine control module software has a calibration problem. At about 2 miles per hour, such as in bumper-to-bumper traffic, the transmission can shift into neutral or the engine can shut off. Either condition takes away normal drive power when the driver expects the SUV to keep moving.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is software-related, so an owner is not expected to hear a noise, see a leak, or feel a gradual mechanical change before it happens.
Who's affected?
The included Levante SUVs were built from July 1, 2016, through December 13, 2016, with electrical system software and engine components listed for the same build window.
| 2017 Maserati Levante | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2017 Maserati Levante | Engine |
| Units affected | 3,291 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the transmission shifts into neutral unexpectedly or the engine shuts down without warning, the Levante loses power delivery and crash risk increases. There is no warning sign before failure. Drive cautiously, avoid close traffic gaps, and schedule the software update promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Maserati dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 Maserati Levante is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Maserati dealer to schedule the free engine control module software update that addresses unexpected shifts into neutral or engine shutdown at slow speeds.
- Bring the recall notice if Maserati sent one, and reference recall number 17V161 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the update is complete, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Maserati technician updates the engine control module software so the vehicle uses the corrected engine and transmission control programming. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered by Maserati. Maserati has a reimbursement plan for documented prior payments tied to this repair. If you already paid for a related engine control module software repair before the recall work was done, bring repair documentation to the service desk or contact Maserati customer service to ask how the plan applies to your prior payment.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 13, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 17, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| March 17, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 31, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 31, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V161?
Recall 17V161 covers 3,291 2017 Maserati Levante vehicles with an engine software problem. At slow speeds, including stop-and-go traffic, the transmission can shift into neutral or the engine can shut off without warning. Maserati dealers will update the engine control module software for free.
What should I do if my 2017 Maserati Levante is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Levante is included in recall 17V161. If it is, contact a franchised Maserati dealer to schedule the engine control module software update. Reference recall number 17V161 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Maserati will update the engine control module software free of charge at any franchised Maserati dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unexpected loss of drive power or an unexpected shift into neutral. If the transmission shifts into neutral or the engine shuts down without warning, crash risk increases, especially in traffic. Confirm your VIN and arrange the free software update.
What if I bought my Maserati Levante used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received Maserati's owner notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Levante is included, then call a franchised Maserati dealer with recall number 17V161.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V161000 |
|---|---|
| Maserati customer service | 1-877-696-2737 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V161 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V161000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →