Ferrari Vehicle Incident Report: Analysis of Owner Complaints
1.0 Introduction
This report provides a consolidated analysis of owner-submitted complaints concerning a range of Ferrari vehicle models. The purpose of this document is to synthesize and categorize this dataset to identify recurring issues, potential systemic flaws, and notable safety risks as described by vehicle owners. The scope of this analysis is strictly limited to the provided dataset of owner-submitted complaints, and all findings are derived exclusively from this source. This introduction provides a foundation for a high-level summary of the most critical incident categories identified across the dataset.
Get complete access to this detailed incident analysis
Get complete access to this detailed incident analysis
Get complete access to this detailed incident analysis
This report provides a consolidated analysis of owner-submitted complaints concerning a range of Ferrari vehicle models. The purpose of this document is to synthesize and categorize this dataset to identify recurring issues, potential systemic flaws, and notable safety risks as described by vehicle owners. The scope of this analysis is strictly limited to the provided dataset of owner-submitted complaints, and all findings are derived exclusively from this source. This introduction provides a foundation for a high-level summary of the most critical incident categories identified across the dataset.
2.0 Summary of Key Incident Categories and Cross-Model Trends
Categorizing individual incidents by the affected vehicle system is a crucial analytical step. This approach allows for the differentiation between isolated component failures and potential systemic weaknesses that may impact multiple models or platforms. By grouping complaints, we can more effectively identify cross-model trends and prioritize areas that present the most significant safety implications. The analysis of the source data reveals several critical categories where complaints are either widespread across numerous models or describe events with severe safety consequences.
System Category Number of Unique Models Affected Primary Safety Implication
Air Bag System 11 Safety System Failure / Risk of Injury
Service Brake System 7 Sudden Loss of Vehicle Control
Structural & Interior 4 Driver Distraction / Impaired Visibility
Fire-Related Systems 4 Fire Risk
Powertrain & Vehicle Control 3 Sudden Loss of Vehicle Control
The following sections provide a more detailed examination of the complaints within these major categories.
3.0 Detailed Analysis by System Category
This section presents a deeper investigation into the most critical incident categories identified in the summary. The analysis evaluates the specific nature of the complaints, the models involved, and the severity of the potential safety hazards described by owners, offering a more granular view of the reported issues.
3.1 Air Bag System Incidents
Complaints related to the air bag system are the most widespread, affecting eleven distinct models in the dataset. These reports highlight several recurring themes, from spontaneous deployment to significant challenges with recall fulfillment.
3.2 Service Brake System Incidents
An "Emerging" trend of critical service brake failures is documented for the Ferrari 488 GTB, representing a severe safety risk. Owners describe sudden and total loss of braking capability. One owner [1768948] experienced "complete brake failure" after a "BRAKE FLUID LOW" warning, resulting in a total loss of the vehicle. Another report [1838256] from a track day event describes how "the brake pedal failing completely to the floor...caus[ed the] driver to loose all braking capability and slamming into a wall."
The table below documents the most severe brake-related incidents reported.
Model Complaint ID Synopsis of Brake Failure
488 GTB 1768948 "Brake fluid low" warning followed by the brake pedal going "completely to the floor," leading to a total vehicle loss.
488 GTB 1838256 Sudden and complete failure of the brake pedal, which went "completely to the floor," resulting in a collision with a wall.
488 GTB 1484663 Braking system locked the brakes by itself three times without user input, twice while the car was moving.
These critical failures are contrasted by other serious brake issues, including a reported loss of power assist during a panic stop in a 430 Scuderia [1786391] and an unresponsive "hard brake feel" where the car fails to slow down in a 458 Italia [1556752].
3.3 Fire-Related Incidents (Electrical, Fuel, and Engine Systems)
The dataset contains multiple direct reports of vehicle fires or conditions presenting a significant fire risk, originating from electrical, fuel, and engine systems.
1. Electrical Fire: The owner of a Ferrari 360 [1629007] reported a fire originating from a battery wiring harness in the passenger footwell, which "overheated and created a fire" that involved the harness, fuse block, and carpet.
2. Engine Compartment Fire: Multiple complaints [1414725, 1414726, 1414724] for the Ferrari 360 describe fires originating in the engine compartment, with flames being noted by the driver while exiting a highway.
3. Fuel System Fire: An owner of an F355 [643182] reported that the vehicle "CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT," with a subsequent investigation verifying the cause was "A RUPTURE OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE." This is categorized as an "Emerging" issue.
4. Spontaneous Vehicle Fire: A report for a Ferrari 458 [1524606] states that while the vehicle was being parked, "SUDDENLY OUT OF NOTHING THE VEHICLE CAUGHT UP ON FIRE."
3.4 Powertrain and Vehicle Control Incidents
Several complaints describe sudden and unintended vehicle behaviors that could directly lead to a loss of control, posing a significant hazard to the driver and other road users.
3.5 Structural and Interior Component Incidents
This category includes failures of non-mechanical components that create direct or indirect safety risks by obstructing the driver's view, interfering with vehicle operation, or failing structurally.
The following section serves as a comprehensive log, providing a transparent and unabridged record of every individual complaint used in this analysis.
4.0 Comprehensive Incident Log by Model
This section serves as a complete data appendix. It provides an unabridged log of every complaint from the source context, organized by vehicle model, to ensure full transparency and traceability of the data used in the preceding analysis.
Ferrari 149
System Category Widespread Level Complaint ID Complaint Summary
Structural & Interior Unique 1483297 DASH BOARD TRUNK LIGHT ON THAT SHOWS TRUNK IS OPEN BUT IT'S CLOSED. NOT RESPONDING THAT TRUNK IS CLOSED OR OPEN.
Ferrari 348 TB
System Category Widespread Level Complaint ID Complaint Summary
Structural & Interior Unique 1226965 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FERRARI 348 TB. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE PASSIVE SEAT BELT RESTRAINT BECAME INOPERABLE.
Ferrari 360
System Category Widespread Level Complaint ID Complaint Summary
Fire-Related Systems Unique 1629007 IT APPEARS THAT A BATTERY WIRING HARNESS LEADING TO A FUSE BLOCK OVERHEATED AND CREATED A FIRE IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FOOTWELL...
Powertrain & Vehicle Control Unique 947145 ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON, I WAS GOING FOR A DRIVE ON THE 605 FREEWAY. ABOUT 15 MINUTES LATER ON THE FREEWAY, I GOT OFF THE FREEWAY TO HEAD TOWARDS THE BEACH.
Powertrain & Vehicle Control Unique 1194105 WHILE PASSING A TRUCK ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY APPARENTLY THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR FALSELY EXECUTED A "SLOW DOWN" MODE THAT REDUCED 8 CYLINDERS TO 4...
Fire-Related Systems Unique 1414725 WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY FLAMES WERE NOTED IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. FIRE STARTED BEHIND DRIVER SIDE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. (Note: This single fire event was reported under three separate system categories in the source data).
Fire-Related Systems Unique 1414726 WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY FLAMES WERE NOTED IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. FIRE STARTED BEHIND DRIVER SIDE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Fire-Related Systems Unique 1414724 WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY FLAMES WERE NOTED IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. FIRE STARTED BEHIND DRIVER SIDE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Ferrari 360 MODENA
System Category Widespread Level Complaint ID Complaint Summary
Powertrain & Vehicle Control Unique 535934 SINCE NEW, THE CAR VIOLENTLY AND SUDDENLY BUCK AND LURCHED IN FIRST GEAR. SINCE THIS IS A HIGH PERFORMANCE CAR IT MAKES IT VERY DANGEROUS AND UNCONTROLLABLE.
Powertrain & Vehicle Control Unique 535933 SINCE NEW, THE CAR VIOLENTLY AND SUDDENLY BUCK AND LURCHED IN FIRST GEAR. SINCE THIS IS A HIGH PERFORMANCE CAR IT MAKES IT VERY DANGEROUS AND UNCONTROLLABLE.
Ferrari 430 SCUDERIA
System Category Widespread Level Complaint ID Complaint Summary
Service Brake System Unique 1786391 During panic stop, I applied brakes, and car slowed, but not in a rapid fashion. It appeared I had lost power assist to the brakes.
Ferrari 458
System Category Widespread Level Complaint ID Complaint Summary
Air Bag System Unique 1574374 TAKATA RECALL WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH ON A PERFECTLY FLAT AND SAFE HIGHWAY, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG ON MY 2012 FERRARI 458 SUDDENLY AND FOR NO VALID REASON EXPLODED AND DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO COLLISION, THERE WAS NO POTHOLE OR ANY OTHER DAMAGE THAT WOULD HAVE NECESSITATED THIS AIRBAG TO GO OFF.
Fire-Related Systems Emerging 1524606 ON 3/15/18 A 2012 FERRARI 458 ITALIA SPYDER...WAS BEING PARKED IN MIAMI BEACH SUDDENLY OUT OF NOTHING THE VEHICLE CAUGHT UP ON FIRE.
Ferrari 458 ITALIA
System Category Widespread Level Complaint ID Complaint Summary
Air Bag System Unique 1410043 TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FERRARI 458 ITALIA.
Air Bag System Unique 1531761 CAR IN MOTION AT 40 MPH. PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG SELF-DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON.
Air Bag System Unique 1630893 FERRARI DOES NOT RESPOND TO THE URGENT SAFETY RECALL REGARDING THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG. I AM WORRIED FOR MY SAFETY...
Fire-Related Systems Unique 1712618 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FERRARI 458 ITALIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STAND STILL AT A GAS STATION, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO ADD FUEL TO THE VEHICLE.
Fire-Related Systems Unique 1732849 I HAVE A 2012 FERRARI 458 ITALIA AND THE "FLAPPER" ON THE FUEL FILLER DOES NOT CLOSE...I WILL HAVE FUEL ON THE SIDE OF THE CAR.
Service Brake System Unique 1556752 A FEW OCCURRENCES OF APPLYING THE BRAKE, BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BARELY MOVES FURTHER (HARD BRAKE FEEL) BUT THE CAR DOES NOT SLOW DOWN.
Ferrari 458 SPECIALE
System Category Widespread Level Complaint ID Complaint Summary
Structural & Interior Unique 1902093 All the plastic in the dashboard, including all the buttons that are essential for operating the car, starts melting...it coats the fingertips and hands with melted sticky plastic which renders the driving experience not safe...
Ferrari 458 SPIDER
System Category Widespread Level Complaint ID Complaint Summary
Air Bag System Unique 1643735 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FERRARI 458 SPIDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V006000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE.
Ferrari 488 GTB
System Category Widespread Level Complaint ID Complaint Summary
Air Bag System Unique 1597552 TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FERRARI 488 GTB.
Air Bag System Unique 1620920 IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR WE RECEIVED NOTICE OF AN AIRBAG RECALL. THE NOTICED MENTIONS PARTS ARE AVAILABLE.
Service Brake System Emerging 1484663 THE BRAKING SYSTEM HAS LOCKED THE BRAKES BY ITSELF WITHOUT ANY USER INPUT OR PRESSING OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS HAS OCCURRED 3X...
Service Brake System Emerging 1768948 ON 6/4/21, MY 2018 FERRARI 488 GTB DISPLAYED A MESSAGE...PRIOR TO COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE IN MY DRIVEWAY THAT READ "BRAKE FLUID LOW-DRIVE TO DEALER SLOWLY"...
Service Brake System Emerging 1838256 On Sunday Sept 4th...2 laps were completed prior to the brake pedal failing completely to the floor and causing my driver to loose all braking capability and slamming into a wall.
Service Brake System Unique 1788878 The contact owns a 2019 Ferrari 488 GTB. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V833000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable.
Structural & Interior Unique 1553810 THE TWO HORN "BUTTONS" ARE LOCATED IN THE STEERING RIM AT 9 AND 3. IT IS NOT A NORMAL LOCATION FOR THE HORN BUTTON...
Structural & Interior Unique 1848343 Headliner is sagging and this is causing sun visor to come down thus affecting visibility of the driver. this problem is very common on this model and causing a safety issue.
Ferrari 488 SPIDER
System Category Widespread Level Complaint ID Complaint Summary
Service Brake System Unique 1771539 On 07 September 2021, I had been driving my 2018 Ferrari 488 Spider for 8 to 10 miles when the car suddenly displayed the following message "Brake Fluid Low, Go to Dealer Slowly".
Ferrari 550
System Category Widespread Level Complaint ID Complaint Summary
Air Bag System Unique 1341641 THE AIRBAG ECU HAS FAILED ON A LOW BATTERY AND PART IS NOT AVAILABLE FROM FERRARI OR TRW ALTHOUGH THE CAR WAS CERTIFIED WITH AIRBAGS.
Air Bag System Unique 1341640 THE AIRBAG ECU HAS FAILED ON A LOW BATTERY AND PART IS NOT AVAILABLE FROM FERRARI OR TRW ALTHOUGH THE CAR WAS CERTIFIED WITH AIRBAGS.
Ferrari 550 MARANELLO
System Category Widespread Level Complaint ID Complaint Summary
Fire-Related Systems Unique 1549333 THE CHARCOAL CANISTER VAPOR TRAP CAN MALFUNCTION AND FILL WITH GASOLINE. THIS HAPPENED ONCE WITH THE PRIOR OWNER (02/06/2008) AND TWICE WITH US (10/31/2016).
Ferrari 612
System Category Widespread Level Complaint ID Complaint Summary
Powertrain & Vehicle Control Unique 729183 PEASE BEGIN CONTINUAL INSPECTIONS OF ALL PARTS FOR SAFETY, HAZARDS, DEFECTS, AND RECALLS ON THE FOLLOWING AUTOMOTIVE MAKES...FERRARI...
Structural & Interior Unique 729180 PEASE BEGIN CONTINUAL INSPECTIONS OF ALL PARTS FOR SAFETY, HAZARDS, DEFECTS, AND RECALLS ON THE FOLLOWING AUTOMOTIVE MAKES...FERRARI...
Structural & Interior Unique 729189 PEASE BEGIN CONTINUAL INSPECTIONS OF ALL PARTS FOR SAFETY, HAZARDS, DEFECTS, AND RECALLS ON THE FOLLOWING AUTOMOTIVE MAKES...FERRARI...
Service Brake System Unique 729184 PEASE BEGIN CONTINUAL INSPECTIONS OF ALL PARTS FOR SAFETY, HAZARDS, DEFECTS, AND RECALLS ON THE FOLLOWING AUTOMOTIVE MAKES...FERRARI...
Powertrain & Vehicle Control Unique 729182 PEASE BEGIN CONTINUAL INSPECTIONS OF ALL PARTS FOR SAFETY, HAZARDS, DEFECTS, AND RECALLS ON THE FOLLOWING AUTOMOTIVE MAKES...FERRARI...
Structural & Interior Unique 729185 PEASE BEGIN CONTINUAL INSPECTIONS OF ALL PARTS FOR SAFETY, HAZARDS, DEFECTS, AND RECALLS ON THE FOLLOWING AUTOMOTIVE MAKES...FERRARI...
Ferrari 812 SUPERFAST
System Category Widespread Level Complaint ID Complaint Summary
Structural & Interior Unique 1767459 ...the side view mirrors especially dim to a very dark level where it is unsafe and I can not properly see making it unsafe to drive the vehicle.
Ferrari CALIFORNIA
System Category Widespread Level Complaint ID Complaint Summary
Air Bag System Unique 1585227 TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FERRARI CALIFORNIA.
Air Bag System Unique 1625024 TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FERRARI CALIFORNIA.
Air Bag System Unique 1625726 LONG ISLAND FERRARI DEALER KEEPS TELLING ME THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE.
Powertrain & Vehicle Control Unique 1349697 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FERRARI CALIFORNIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEELS WERE NOT OPERATING PROPERLY AND THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED TO FUNCTION.
Powertrain & Vehicle Control Unique 949613 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FERRARI CALIFORNIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V211000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING).
Service Brake System Unique 1453565 I WAS IN MY FERRARI CALIFORNIA COMING TO PICK UP MY FRIEND (A DATE). I PULLED THE LITTLE LEVER ON THE LEFT OF THE STEERING WHEEL TO PUT THE CAR INTO PARK.
Powertrain & Vehicle Control Unique 1349698 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FERRARI CALIFORNIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEELS WERE NOT OPERATING PROPERLY AND THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED TO FUNCTION.
Powertrain & Vehicle Control Unique 1349699 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FERRARI CALIFORNIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEELS WERE NOT OPERATING PROPERLY AND THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED TO FUNCTION.
Ferrari CALIFORNIA T
System Category Widespread Level Complaint ID Complaint Summary
Air Bag System Unique 1579796 TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FERRARI CALIFORNIA T.
Ferrari F355
System Category Widespread Level Complaint ID Complaint Summary
Air Bag System Unique 765522 AIRBAG ECU FAILURE IN 1995 FERRARI F355GTS. AIRBAG ECU FAILED DURING A NORMAL START CYCLE.
Fire-Related Systems Emerging 643182 1996 FERRARI SPYDER F355 CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CONSUMER STATES THAT AFTER THE INVESTIGATION IT WAS VERIFIED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A RUPTURE OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE.
Fire-Related Systems Emerging 835192 1998 FERRARI 355. CONSUMER STATES THAT HE RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THE FUEL DIVIDER BLOCK.
Fire-Related Systems Unique 749516 TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FERRARI F355 GTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION LETTER UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V447000...
Structural & Interior Unique 1484927 THIS PARTICULAR CAR...UTILIZES A SEAT POSITION SWITCH (POTENTIOMETER #64978300) THAT MAKES SURE THAT THE SEAT IS CLEAR OF THE FOLDING CONVERTIBLE TOP FRAME...
Ferrari F430
System Category Widespread Level Complaint ID Complaint Summary
Air Bag System Unique 1057860 REF VIN# [XXX], YOU WILL NOT FIND IT IN THE U. S DATABASE (THAT 8TH CHARACTER "L" STANDS FOR LATIN AMERICA).
Structural & Interior Unique 1449963 POWER WINDOWS AND ALL BUTTONS IN THE FERRARI BECOMES STICKY AND ALL CONTROLS BECOME STUCK IN PLACE. MAKING IT DANGEROUS TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE.
Powertrain & Vehicle Control Unique 1152277 THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD HAS CRACKED, FERRARI IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE DEFECT THAT CAN CAUSE CAT INDUCTION, THEN ENGINE FAILURE (AND SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN).
Structural & Interior Unique 1227365 COMMON PROBLEM ON THESE CARS, THE OUTER TAIL LIGHT DESIGN IS FLAWED AND THE MOUNTING POINTS CRACK AND FAIL. CAUSING THE TAIL LAMP TO FALL OFF ITS MOUNT...
Powertrain & Vehicle Control Unique 714709 TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FERRARI F430. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WILL DOWNSHIFT WITHOUT WARNING.
Structural & Interior Unique 1057859 REF VIN# [XXX], YOU WILL NOT FIND IT IN THE U. S DATABASE (THAT 8TH CHARACTER "L" STANDS FOR LATIN AMERICA).
Structural & Interior Unique 1057861 REF VIN# [XXX], YOU WILL NOT FIND IT IN THE U. S DATABASE (THAT 8TH CHARACTER "L" STANDS FOR LATIN AMERICA).
Ferrari GTC4LUSSO
System Category Widespread Level Complaint ID Complaint Summary
Air Bag System Unique 1709638 SINCE THE FIRST RECALL IN JUNE 2019, I TRY TO GET AN APPOINTMENT AT MY LOCAL FERRARI DEALERSHIP AND HE IS NOT ABLE TO REPAIR THE CAR FOR SOME REASONS.
Ferrari GTC4LUSSO T
System Category Widespread Level Complaint ID Complaint Summary
Air Bag System Unique 1620308 2018 FERRARI GTC 4 LUSSO T. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TAKATA AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL.
Ferrari TESTAROSSA
System Category Widespread Level Complaint ID Complaint Summary
Structural & Interior Unique 1569588 THE PASSIVE SEAT BELT ON PASSENGER SIDE BROKE DOWN CAME APART ON IT'S OWN, LIKE DANGLING SNAKE JUST HANGING LOOSELY.
Structural & Interior Unique 1785457 The contact's son owns a 1988 Ferrari Testarossa. The contact stated that vehicle was manufactured with an electrical seat belt that would recline once an occupant was seated...
Service Brake System Unique 1085363 ABSOLUTELY FREAKING RIDICULOUS THAT I CAN'T BUY ATE SUPER BLUE BRAKE FLUID. BECAUSE IT'S BLUE.
5.0 Conclusion
The analysis of owner-submitted complaints reveals distinct patterns of potential safety and quality issues across the Ferrari model range. The systems with the most widespread or highest-risk complaints are clearly the Air Bag System, with issues ranging from spontaneous deployment to widespread recall fulfillment challenges, and the Service Brake System, which includes multiple reports of complete and sudden failure. The analysis also highlights "Emerging" issues documented for the Ferrari 488 GTB (Service Brakes) and F355 (Fuel System), identifying them as specific areas that may warrant further investigation. This report provides an objective, data-driven overview of owner-reported incidents intended to support ongoing automotive safety and quality assurance efforts.