The swift evolution of the industrial landscape has seen an expedited transformation, compelling manufacturers to embrace the latest developments. While Industry 4.0 introduced new technologies and revolutionized maintenance strategies, a notable gap persisted in addressing the human aspects. This paper presents a comprehensive systematic literature review that delves into the current state of maintenance 4.0 and its intersection with sustainability, aiming to discern the evolving landscape toward maintenance 5.0. The primary objective is to scrutinize the existing paradigm and shed light on the challenges associated with the transition to maintenance 5.0. Findings indicate a prevalent oversight in existing maintenance strategies, with a notable absence of consideration for the social dimension of sustainability—precisely the catalyst for the emergence of maintenance 5.0. This creates an incomplete view of holistic sustainability. Furthermore, the research outlines its limitations, providing a foundation for future studies within this domain. The paper concludes by discussing prospective study guidelines and offering insights into the theoretical and managerial implications of this evolving approach to industrial maintenance. This research contributes to the discourse on the nexus between technological advancements, sustainability, and the human element in the ever-evolving industrial landscape. It also provides a road map for future research on the ongoing evolution of maintenance practices in the digital age.