The Maserati Spyder spans 1981–2006 with 7 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. It delivers up to 19 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Maserati Spyder is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 2006 across multiple generations.
How to read a Maserati Spyder VIN — every digit explained
Every Maserati Spyder carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Maserati and the country it was built in (real Maserati codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Spyder.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- ItalyZAM · ZC2 · ZN6
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Spyder, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Maserati Spyder have?
The Maserati Spyder has 7 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2006. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2004 Maserati Spyder recalls 3
Steering
What's wrong. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, TWO OF THE FOUR SECURING BOLTS IN THE STEERING ASSEMBLY MAY NOT HAVE HAD A LOCKING COMPOUND APPLIED TO THE THREADS PRIOR TO INSTALLATION. AS A RESULT, THE BOLTS MAY BECOME LOOSE WHEN THE CARS ARE DRIVEN AGGRESSIVELY.
Risk. SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES COULD LEAD TO A REDUCTION IN VEHICLE CONTROL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TWO AFFECTED BOLTS. THE RECALL BEGAN MARCH 5, 2004. Owners may contact Maserati customer service at 1-877-696-2737.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL LINES CAN DISCONNECT AND CAUSE LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LINES AND ATTACHMENTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY OR FEBRUARY 2004. Owners may contact Maserati customer service at 1-877-696-2737.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL HOSES MAY BECOME SOFT AND POSSIBLY DISCONNECT FROM THE METAL FITTINGS, WHICH CAN CAUSE A FUEL LEAK.
Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TWO EXISTING BLACK METAL AND RUBBER FUEL LINES WITH NEW GREY NYLON FUEL LINES. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2004. Owners may contact Maserati customer service at 1-877-696-2737.
2003 Maserati Spyder recalls 2
Steering
What's wrong. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, TWO OF THE FOUR SECURING BOLTS IN THE STEERING ASSEMBLY MAY NOT HAVE HAD A LOCKING COMPOUND APPLIED TO THE THREADS PRIOR TO INSTALLATION. AS A RESULT, THE BOLTS MAY BECOME LOOSE WHEN THE CARS ARE DRIVEN AGGRESSIVELY.
Risk. SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES COULD LEAD TO A REDUCTION IN VEHICLE CONTROL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TWO AFFECTED BOLTS. THE RECALL BEGAN MARCH 5, 2004. Owners may contact Maserati customer service at 1-877-696-2737.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL LINES CAN DISCONNECT AND CAUSE LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LINES AND ATTACHMENTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY OR FEBRUARY 2004. Owners may contact Maserati customer service at 1-877-696-2737.
2002 Maserati Spyder recalls 2
Steering
What's wrong. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, TWO OF THE FOUR SECURING BOLTS IN THE STEERING ASSEMBLY MAY NOT HAVE HAD A LOCKING COMPOUND APPLIED TO THE THREADS PRIOR TO INSTALLATION. AS A RESULT, THE BOLTS MAY BECOME LOOSE WHEN THE CARS ARE DRIVEN AGGRESSIVELY.
Risk. SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES COULD LEAD TO A REDUCTION IN VEHICLE CONTROL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TWO AFFECTED BOLTS. THE RECALL BEGAN MARCH 5, 2004. Owners may contact Maserati customer service at 1-877-696-2737.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL LINES CAN DISCONNECT AND CAUSE LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LINES AND ATTACHMENTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY OR FEBRUARY 2004. Owners may contact Maserati customer service at 1-877-696-2737.
Best and worst years for the Maserati Spyder
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Maserati Spyder — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Maserati Spyder problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Maserati Spyder — the most-reported problems will appear here once that data is in.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Maserati Spyder specifications & dimensions
The 2006 Maserati Spyder measures 169″ long on a 96″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 3,792 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Maserati Spyder window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 169″ | 72″ | 51″ | 96″ | 3,792 lb |
| 2003 | 169″ | 72″ | 52″ | 96″ | 3,814 lb |
| 1991 | 159″ | 67″ | 52″ | 94″ | 2,394 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Maserati Spyder cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Spyder holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 86 cu ft of passenger volume and 7 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Maserati Spyder tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Maserati Spyder get?
The Maserati Spyder returns up to 19 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $4,050/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1991 Maserati Spyder (2.8L 6-cyl) gets 15 mpg combined and costs about $5,150/yr to fuel, emitting 592 g/mi CO₂ — about $14,750 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 Spyder | 14 | 17 | $5,150 | 592 | — | 2.8L 6-cyl | |
| 1990 Spyder | 14 | 17 | $5,150 | 592 | — | 2.8L 6-cyl | |
| 1989 Spyder | 14 | 17 | $5,150 | 592 | — | 2.8L 6-cyl | |
| 1987 Spyder | 12 | 16 | $4,450 | 635 | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 1986 Spyder | 12 | 14 | $4,800 | 684 | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 1985 Spyder | 12 | 17 | $4,450 | 635 | — | 2.5L 6-cyl | |
| 1984 Spyder | 12 | 18 | $4,450 | 635 | — | 2.5L 6-cyl |
The 2006 Maserati Spyder (4.2L 8-cyl) gets 14 mpg combined and costs about $5,500/yr to fuel, emitting 635 g/mi CO₂ (smog 1/10) — about $16,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Spyder | 12 | 17 | $5,500 | 635 | 1/10 | 4.2L 8-cyl | |
| 2004 Spyder | 10 | 16 | $6,400 | 741 | 1/10 | 4.2L 8-cyl | |
| 2003 Spyder | 10 | 16 | $6,400 | 741 | — | 4.2L 8-cyl | |
| 2002 Spyder | 10 | 16 | $6,400 | 741 | — | 4.2L 8-cyl |
The 1988 Maserati Spyder (2.2L 4-cyl) gets 19 mpg combined and costs about $4,050/yr to fuel, emitting 468 g/mi CO₂ — about $9,250 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 Spyder | 17 | 22 | $4,050 | 468 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Spyder stacks up against the most fuel-efficient two-seaters, or calculate this Spyder's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Maserati Spyder have? Power & range
The Maserati Spyder is offered with 3 powertrains — 2.8L 6-cyl, 4.2L 8-cyl, 2.2L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 2.8L · 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | RWD | Premium |
| V8 | 4.2L · 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | RWD | Premium |
| 4-cyl | 2.2L · 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | FWD | Premium |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Maserati Spyder cost to own?
A Maserati Spyder tends to depreciate faster than average. A typical example keeps roughly 37% of its value after five years — losing about 63% to depreciation. Check what a used Spyder is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 75% | $22,500 | −$7,500 |
| Year 2 | 63% | $18,900 | −$11,100 |
| Year 3 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 4 | 44% | $13,200 | −$16,800 |
| Year 5 | 37% | $11,100 | −$18,900 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Spyder loses about 63% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $20,250 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Spyder ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Maserati Spyder safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Spyder yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Maserati Spyder last?
A well-maintained Maserati Spyder typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.5/5.
Check your Maserati Spyder’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Spyder’s VIN free →All Maserati Spyder model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Maserati Spyder — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Spyder | 0 | — | |
| 2004 Spyder | 3 recalls | — | |
| 2003 Spyder | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2002 Spyder | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1991 Spyder | 0 | — | |
| 1990 Spyder | 0 | — | |
| 1989 Spyder | 0 | — | |
| 1988 Spyder | 0 | — | |
| 1987 Spyder | 0 | — | |
| 1986 Spyder | 0 | — | |
| 1985 Spyder | 0 | — | |
| 1984 Spyder | 0 | — | |
| 1983 Spyder | 0 | — | |
| 1982 Spyder | 0 | — | |
| 1981 Spyder | 0 | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Spyder?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Maserati Spyder.
How many recalls does the Spyder have?
7 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2006. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Maserati recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the Spyder get?
Up to 19 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Spyder last?
A well-maintained Spyder typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Spyder reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Spyder is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Maserati Spyder warranty?
New Maserati models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Maserati dealer.
Where is the Maserati Spyder made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Spyder's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Maserati may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a Spyder weigh?
The Spyder's curb weight is around 3,792 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the Spyder have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.