If your 2021 Maserati Levante keeps heading back to the service bay for the same or similar issues, you’re not alone. California’s lemon law may offer relief when a vehicle under warranty has defects that substantially affect use, value, or safety and the manufacturer can’t fix them after a reasonable number of attempts. Below, we explain what generally qualifies under California’s lemon law and how to organize your records before you file—so you can move forward with confidence.
2021 Maserati Levante: What Counts Under CA Lemon Law
California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (often called the “lemon law”) generally applies to new and certain used vehicles sold or leased with a manufacturer’s warranty. For a 2021 Maserati Levante, that typically means defects covered by Maserati’s new-vehicle warranty or a certified pre-owned warranty that persist despite multiple repair attempts. The defect must substantially impair the car’s use, value, or safety—not just be a minor annoyance—and it must occur within the warranty period.
Common issues owners report on performance SUVs like the Levante include persistent check-engine lights, rough shifting from the ZF 8-speed transmission, stalling, electrical problems, malfunctioning infotainment or backup camera, air suspension faults, brake squeal or vibration, steering pull, battery drain, and water leaks from the panoramic roof. Safety-related defects—like stalling at highway speeds, brake or steering failures, or airbag and ADAS sensor malfunctions—can be especially serious. While every case is fact-specific, recurring, warranty-covered defects that the dealer can’t fix may meet the “nonconformity” standard.
California also has a “presumption” that can help some consumers within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles: for example, four or more repair attempts for the same issue, two or more attempts for a defect likely to cause serious injury or death, or a total of 30 or more days out of service for warranty repairs. Even if you’re outside those benchmarks, you may still have rights under the law. Exclusions can apply—for instance, damage from misuse or unauthorized modifications—and deadlines may affect your options. Because every situation is different, consider speaking with a professional about your specific facts.
Organize Records and Repairs Before You File
Good documentation is the backbone of a strong lemon claim. Start by building a complete file: sales or lease agreement, warranty booklet, all repair orders and invoices, recall notices, and any extended or CPO warranty documents. For each service visit, keep the repair order that shows your complaint in your own words, the dealer’s diagnosis, parts replaced, mileage in/out, and dates your Levante was out of service. If you received a loaner or rental, save those records too.
Create a timeline listing each defect, when it appeared, and what the dealer attempted to fix. Note patterns—like recurring check-engine lights after software updates, intermittent infotainment freezes, or suspension warnings that return after sensor replacement. Keep copies or screenshots of communications with the dealer or Maserati (texts, emails, app messages), and track phone calls with simple notes on dates, who you spoke to, and what was discussed. If you hear about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or recalls for your model, add them to your file. In California, remember that recording calls generally requires consent from all parties.
Before taking next steps, review your warranty to confirm coverage and any steps the manufacturer asks you to follow. Consider requesting a complete service history printout from the dealership and make sure future repair orders accurately describe your concerns—ask service advisors to include specific symptoms (for example, “vehicle stalls at idle after warm restart” or “transmission hesitates 2–3 shift under light throttle”). When you’re ready to escalate, having an organized package of records can make discussions with the manufacturer—or with a consumer attorney—more efficient and productive.
This article is for general informational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Attorney Advertising. If you believe your 2021 Maserati Levante may qualify as a lemon, contact ZapLemon at (310) 489-3017 or https://zaplemon.com to request a consultation about your situation. Each case is different, and a consultation can help you understand your options under California law.