6 Typical Massimo UTV Problems (Specs & Solutions)  

Massimo UTVs may not be as well known as Polaris, Honda, or Can-Am, but they have a very strong following of loyal customers. Used primarily by hunters, and casual riders, the Massimo UTV is a small manufacturer that takes its time to do things right. Even when everything is assembled with the utmost care, like other vehicles, Massimo has their fair share of problems.

Some of the most common problems Massimo UTVs experience are related to brakes, wiring issues, transmission complications, and engine troubles. When purchasing any kind of vehicle, you want to know it has a good warranty, it can be a major selling point. Unfortunately, Massimo has a rather short and limited warranty. 

Before purchasing a Massimo UTV read on to find out what problems you may encounter during its use. Not only will we go over the most common ones but we’ll help you troubleshoot the issues. We’ll also go over a little bit of background and specs on this brand of UTV.

What is a Massimo UTV?

Massimo was founded in the Fort Worth/Dallas, Texas area in 2009. Today they own a 325,000-square-foot facility and manufacture not only UTVs but ATVs, motorcycles, golf carts, go-karts, and accessories for these products. 

Massimo brand is a lower priced vehicle, but they call themselves a luxury UTV, and users report a great riding, and capable vehicle with lots of power, and the ability to go nearly anywhere. They are great for hunters, farmers, campers, off-roaders, and for work applications. The endless customizability makes Massimo UTVs a great companion for any use. 

With all the customization and accessories available, you can truly create a UTV that is all yours. 

Who Makes Massimo UTVs?

Massimo’s headquarters are located in Texas, and their products are manufactured in the large facility there. Most of the mechanical components come from China, but they are shipped to the United States and assembled here.

Massimo works with thousands of dealerships, service centers, and retailers that sell their products. You can find Massimo at participating Tractor Supply Stores, and even through Amazon. 

Massimo UTV Specifications

Massimo offers 4 base models, with different sizes, seating arrangements, cabs, and engine size options for each of those. Below is a list of common models and specs for them.  

	Massimo MSU 500	Massimo T-Boss 550	Warrior 1000 MXD	Buck 450X Golf
Starter	Electric Ignition	Electric Ignition	Electric Ignition	Electric Ignition
Engine Type	4-stroke SOHC, single cylinder	4-stroke SOHC, single cylinder	4 Stroke 2 Cylinder V-twin	4-stroke SOHC, single cylinder
Horsepower	22.5 HP	33 HP	85 HP	25
Displacement	471 CC	493 CC	1000 CC	325
Top Speed	45 to 50 MPH	80 MPH	63 MPH	35-40
Transmission	Automatic V-belt transmission	Automatic V-belt transmission	Automatic CVT	Automatic CVT
Wheel Base	74 Inches	72 Inches	81 Inches	74 Inches
Width	57 Inches	54 Inches	74 Inches	59 Inches
Weight	1880 Lbs	1157 Lbs	1892 Lbs	1113 Lbs
Overall Length	118.5 Inches	103.5 Inches	120 Inches	119 Inches

While Massimo is a high-quality, well produced UTV brand, they still have common issues associated with them. Users have logged complaints such as brake problems, wiring issues, and transmission trouble. Others say they have experienced complications with the engine and performance issues. 

What Are Some of the Common Massimo UTV Issues?

1. Engine Problems

Single cylinder and V-twin 4-cycle engines are used in Massimo UTVs. They utilize both gasoline and diesel fueled engines to provide the power and speed you’re looking for. 

Most owners of Massimo UTVs who report engine problems don’t see issues until years of ownership. Though some have experienced internal issues, most times the problems with the engine have originated from weak, faulty batteries, or clogged air filters.

Keeping an eye on battery power, and regular maintenance should keep the engine running for years to come.

2. Common Transmission Troubles

Massimo and many other UTV brands (unlike the Talon UTV by Honda) use what is called a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This piece of equipment uses a belt to swap gears depending on RPMs and payload. 

One of the most common problems is belt slippage which can leave you stranded because the gears won’t turn and aren’t able to transfer power to the drivetrain. 

Other problems include loud noises when shifting, hard shifting, or not being able to shift at all. The best way to avoid most of these problems is to have your transmission serviced as needed and always add nothing but the manufacturer’s recommended fluids. Going cheap here could shorten the life of the transmission.

3. Wiring Issues On Massimo UTVs

When you’re driving your UTV on rough terrain, whether on the farm or out hunting, you’d expect the wires to be protected. Especially wires that are vital to keeping the vehicle running. Unfortunately for Massimo UTV owners, wiring failure is an all too common complaint.

Headlights going out while driving is the most common complaint. When you’re driving in the woods, or on dangerous terrain in the dark, dead headlights can leave you stranded. 

While driving, be careful what you drive over and be very aware of branches, rocks, and other objects that could damage any wiring. 

Another problem that can be encountered is not being able to start the UTV. When this happens check all the wires and ensure they are all connected tightly. Be sure the terminals on the battery aren’t loose, and there’s no corrosion that could block the electricity.

4. Brake Troubles

The biggest safety component of a vehicle is the braking system. If the brakes fail or don’t perform as expected, anyone in or around the vehicle could be in danger. 

Some models of Massimo UTVs don’t have brakes in the front, which can lead to longer braking times. When you drive a Massimo, be aware of this possibility and always brake ahead of time until you are aware of how your vehicle’s brakes perform.

Another issue can happen when the brakes lock up. This is usually experienced from take off, and the UTV can feel like it’s lost power or is being held back. Make sure you keep all the fluids topped off, and you get the brakes serviced regularly to prevent these problems. 

5. Performance Problems

Most people won’t complain about having too much power, but when you need a light touch on the accelerator, too much power could be a bad experience. Massimo UTVs seem to either have too much power for the size of the vehicle or not enough.

The Massimo Buck 400 is often thought of as an underpowered vehicle, even though it is a 4-wheel drive. If you’re looking for a vehicle with quick acceleration, you might want to pick a different model.

Regular maintenance can sometimes fix performance issues. Be sure to keep all the filters clean and replace them as necessary. When they get clogged, they will rob your power and acceleration. 

Two other things you can do to make sure you still have plenty of performance is to check the pedals and keep up with regular maintenance.  

6. Lack of Warranty 

When you’re purchasing a brand new vehicle, you expect a decent warranty. Massimo has a warranty on its products, but it is incredibly lacking. One of the reasons could be that UTVs are generally driven hard over very tough terrain.

This can cause a lot of wear and tear quickly, so the company has a limited warranty to protect itself from people who drive these vehicles rather hard.

Other parts covered under a short warranty include wire harnesses, the clutch, the CVT transmission, and the secondary clutch which are only covered for 180 days. The battery, when bought with the vehicle, is only covered for 30 days.

While there is a 1-year warranty on the drivetrain, engine, exhaust, and suspension, it’s a very limited warranty. The parts NOT included in the warranty include:

• Spark plugs and wires
• Filters
• Throttle bodies
• Injectors
• Shift, throttle, idle, brake cables
• Clutch belts
• Drive chains
• Front and rear brake pads
• Front and rear calipers, rotors, axles, and spindles
• Swing arms
• Sway bars
• Bushings
• Tires and wheels
• Fuses
• Light housings and bulbs
• Seats
• Seat boards
• Floor boards
• Mirrors
• Winches
• Windshields
• Rubber and plastic components
• Hardware

Conclusion

Massimo is an American manufactured UTV brand that is growing quickly and is known for quality, dependability, and affordability. They are often thousands less than their competitors, but they still have their list of common problems.

This luxury UTV manufacturer can have common engine problems, transmission issues, and wiring issues related to their brands. Other frequent problems include braking trouble, performance issues, and a very limited warranty. 

Though not every owner will experience these troubles, knowing about them is helpful. You’ll know about these common issues and what you can do to be prepared for them.