2017-2022 Maserati Levante Console Trim: Fixing Sticky Buttons, Matching Finishes, and Replacement

Symptoms of Console Trim Panel Failure

Failure of the Levante's console trim is almost always cosmetic or related to the controls it houses. Because these panels are a focal point of the interior, even minor flaws can be very noticeable.

Most Common Symptom: Sticky or Gummy Surfaces

By far the most common issue is the soft-touch coating on the plastic trim and buttons becoming sticky, tacky, or gummy. This is not caused by dirt or a spill. It is a chemical breakdown of the rubberized coating itself, a problem common to many Italian cars of this era. The process is accelerated by heat and UV exposure. The sticky surface attracts dust, fingerprints, and lint, quickly making the console look dirty and feel unpleasant to touch.

Other Symptoms of Failure

• Peeling or Bubbling Finish: The clear coat over wood or carbon fiber trim can begin to peel, bubble, or delaminate. On models with leather-wrapped console sections, the leather can shrink and pull away at the seams.
• Scratches and Scuffs: Normal wear and tear from keys, phones, or rings can cause deep scratches or scuffs in the panel's finish.
• Malfunctioning Dials or Buttons: The main rotary dial for volume and climate can sometimes stop responding, even if the controls on the steering wheel still work. This may be a failure in the dial mechanism itself, a loose connection, or a blown fuse.
• Cracked Plastic or Broken Tabs: The underlying plastic structure can crack from impact, and the mounting tabs on the back can break during removal, causing the panel to fit loosely or rattle.

Buying a Used Maserati Levante Console Trim Panel

Given the high cost of a new OEM panel, a used part in excellent condition offers significant savings. However, careful inspection is critical to getting a part that is a true upgrade.

1. Match the Finish and Options EXACTLY

Maserati offered several console finishes for the Levante. The most important step is to ensure the part you're buying matches your vehicle's original trim package.

• Wood Finishes: Available in several grains and shades. Compare photos in bright, direct light.
• Carbon Fiber: Ensure the weave pattern and gloss level match your other interior pieces.
• Piano Black / Gloss Black: This finish is prone to fine scratches; look for a part with minimal surface wear.

Verify that the button layout matches your car's options (e.g., with or without specific features). It is often easier to swap your existing switches into the new trim panel than to find a panel with the exact same switches in perfect condition.

2. Physical Inspection Checklist

• Check for Stickiness: Ask the seller directly if any part of the trim or the surrounding buttons feels sticky or tacky. If buying online, look for a dusty or lint-covered appearance in photos, which is a tell-tale sign of a sticky surface.
• Inspect for Scratches and Peeling: Look closely at high-contact areas. For wood or carbon fiber, check the edges for any signs of the clear coat lifting or peeling.
• Examine the Back: This is crucial. Ask for clear photos of the back of the panel. Look for any broken, cracked, or repaired mounting tabs. A panel with broken tabs will not sit flush and may cause rattles.
• Confirm Part Numbers (If Possible): Part numbers can vary by finish and model year. Some known part numbers for console components include 670043373 (cup holder trim). The number 670049101 is for the rear console air vent, not the main front trim.

3. Why Used OEM is the Best Choice

For a vehicle like the Maserati Levante, there are virtually no aftermarket console trim panels available. A used OEM panel is the only practical alternative to a new one. A high-quality used part that has been properly inspected offers the same fit, finish, and quality as a new part for a fraction of the price.

Replacement Overview & Difficulty

• Difficulty Rating: 2 out of 5 (Requires patience and care, but no special tools)
• Estimated Time: 0.5 - 1.0 hours
• DIY Feasible: Yes

Replacing the center console trim panel is a straightforward job that most DIYers can handle. The main steps involve:

1. Prying the Panel Up: Using plastic trim removal tools to avoid scratching surrounding surfaces, carefully pry the console panel upwards. It is held in by several clips. Forum users note clips are located at the rear and near the center USB port door.
2. Disconnecting Electronics: Once the panel is loose, you will see several electrical connectors for the switches and control modules attached to the underside. Carefully disconnect each one. They all have small release tabs that must be pressed.
3. Transferring Components: The switches and control modules are typically screwed onto the back of the trim panel. You will need to unscrew them from your old panel and transfer them to the new one.
4. Installation: Connect all electrical plugs to the new panel, position it correctly, and press down firmly to engage all the mounting clips.

Vehicle-Specific Issues: Recalls & TSBs

There are no recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) directly related to the physical console trim panel. However, several recalls exist for the 2017 model year Levante that owners should be aware of:

• NHTSA 17V161000: An engine software issue could cause the transmission to shift to neutral or the engine to shut off at very low speeds (approx. 2 mph). The fix is a software update.
• NHTSA 17V046000: The front seat wiring harness could rub during seat adjustment, potentially causing an electrical short and increasing fire risk. The fix involves inspecting and replacing the harness if needed.
• Recall 327/B: A software bug in the entertainment-telematics module (ETM) could disable the backup camera in temperatures below freezing. The fix is a software update.

Cost Comparison

The cost of a new OEM console trim panel from a Maserati dealer can be extremely high, making used parts a very attractive option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)