Ferrari 348 problems
The Ferrari 348 (Type F119) is a mid-engine V8-powered 2-seat sports car produced by Italian automaker Ferrari, replacing the 328 in 1989 and remaining in production until 1995. It was the final V8 model developed under the direction of Enzo Ferrari before his death, commissioned to production posthumously.
Variants
348 TB, TS
The 348, badged 348 TB for the coupé (Trasversale Berlinetta) and 348 TS for the targa (Trasversale Spider), featured a naturally aspirated 3.4-litre version of the quad-cam, four-valve-per-cylinder V8 engine. As with its predecessors, the model number was derived from this configuration, with the first two digits being the displacement of the engine and the third being the number of cylinders. The engine, which had a power output of 300 PS (221 kW; 296 hp), was mounted longitudinally and coupled to a transverse manual gearbox. This marked the first street Ferrari application of the transverse gearbox design, originally developed for the Ferrari 312T F1 car. The "t" in the model tb and ts designations refers to the transverse position of the gearbox, which Ferrari sought to highlight for the model range, celebrating this technical lineage. This was the also the first time Ferrari featured a mid engine longitudinal V8 in one of its standard road cars, after the 288 GTO. Overall, 2,894 examples of the 348 TB and 4,228 of the 348 TS were produced.
The 348's styling differed from previous models with straked side air intakes and rectangular taillights resembling the Testarossa, stylistic themes reminiscent of the F40, the world's fastest production car at the time, and other prestigious Ferrari models of the past. The model was also the final design overseen by chief stylist Leonardo Fioravanti, known for such designs as the F40, Daytona, 512 Berlinetta Boxer, 288 GTO P5, P6 and others. The F355 that succeeded the 348 returned to the styling cues of the 328 with round tail lights and rounded side air scoops.
The 348 was fitted with dual-computer engine management using twin Bosch Motronic ECUs, double-redundant anti-lock brakes, and self-diagnosing air conditioning and heating systems. In 1990, the Bosch Motronic engine management system was updated from the 2.5 to the 2.7 version. Later versions of the 348 (1993 and beyond) have Japanese starter motors and Nippondenso power generators to improve reliability, as well as the battery located within the front left fender for better weight distribution.
All 348s have OBD-I engine management systems, though European and general market variants do not come with the self-test push button installed, which is needed to activate this troubleshooting feature.
Similar to the Testarossa but departing from the 512 BB and 308/328, the oil and coolant radiators were relocated from the nose to the sides, widening the side of the car substantially, but making the cabin much easier to cool since hoses routing warm water no longer ran underneath the cabin as in the older front-radiator cars. This also had the side effect of making the doors very wide.
The 348 was equipped with a dry sump oil system to prevent oil starvation at high speeds and during hard cornering. The oil level could only be accurately checked on the dipstick when the engine was running due to this setup. The 348 was fitted with adjustable ride-height suspension and a removable rear sub-frame to speed up the removal of the engine for maintenance.
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Common Ferrari 348 problems
Common problems with the Ferrari 348 based on complaints from owners include:
- Engine Issues: Early 348 V8 engines may experience extensive chain tensioner wear in the lower drive system and failure of the inner support bearing for the cam-drive jack shaft. While these designs were updated, it's crucial to inspect these components, especially in early models.
- Transmission and Clutch: The manual gearbox in all 348s can have weak clutches that tend to last only 10-15,000 miles. Gear selection issues and noisy gearboxes can indicate problems, with repairs being costly. Additionally, clutches in later models are more expensive to replace.
- Suspension: The platforms holding the suspension springs can crack, allowing the springs to slide down the dampers. This issue affects the handling and stability of the car and should be checked during inspections.
- Climate Control: The 348 features an electronic climate control system that can be problematic. Issues often stem from the ECU, with soldered joints causing malfunctions. While repairs are possible, replacements for faulty components may not be readily available.
- Electronics: The 348 can have electronic faults, particularly in the heating system. These faults may require replacing components like transistors. Upgrading electronics can enhance the car's performance and reliability.
- Handling: The 348 was criticized for tricky at-the-limit handling, especially compared to contemporary exotic cars like the Acura NSX. Suspension upgrades, proper tires, and adjustments like powered steering can significantly improve the handling and driving experience of the car.
These common problems highlight areas where Ferrari 348 owners may encounter issues, emphasizing the importance of thorough inspections, regular maintenance, and potential upgrades to enhance the performance and longevity of these iconic vehicles.
Is the Ferrari 348 reliable?
Ferrari 348 common problems
Engines: early 348 V8s could suffer from extensive chain tensioner wear in the lower drive system, along with failure of the inner support bearing for the cam-drive jack shaft. Both designs were updated but if buying an early car it's worth investing in a professional inspection.
Will the Ferrari 348 go up in value?
Ferrari 348 – consistent climber. We're tracking Condition 2 examples here, and in this case, prices have risen strongly over course of the past few years, but when they do turn up at classic car auctions, really nice ones fetch all the money, while the rest can still be had for sensible money.
How fast can a Ferrari 348 go?
Performance for the 348 was roughly on par with other entry-level super-sports cars of the era; 0-60 mph took 5.6 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 171 mph.
How many Ferrari 348 are left?
There are 236 FERRARI 348 left in the UK with an MOT. 0.0007% of all UK vehicles are FERRARI 348. Vehicle data is updated in near real-time as they pass & fail MOT tests.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Ferrari 348 years
We have researched Ferrari problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Ferrari 348 cars and compiled the top 2 most problematic Ferrari 348 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Ferrari 348 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Ferrari 348 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Ferrari 348 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Ferrari 348 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Ferrari 348 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ferrari 348 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Ferrari 348 vehicles.
List of Ferrari 348 complaints
Ferrari 348 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2004-12-01
- Date Complaint: 2004-03-31
- VIN: ZFFRG35A4M0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AUTOMATIC SEATBELT ON DRIVERS SIDE DOES NOT WORK. IT WILL NOT RETRACT THE VEHICLE IS A 1991 FERRARI 348 TB. *AK
Ferrari 348 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2004-03-16
- VIN: ZFFFG36A3L0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT RESTRAINT PROBLEM. NEITHER DRIVER SIDE OR PASSENGER SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT WERE FUNCTIONING [PROPERLY. *AK
Ferrari 348 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2003-11-26
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE FRONT AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT FAILED TO MOVE FORWARD WHEN THE DOOR WAS OPENED. PER THE DEALERSHIP, THIS PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY A DEFECT IN THE MOTOR. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE MOTOR. THERE WAS A RECALL (03V142000) FOR THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM, BUT IT DID NOT APPLY TO THIS MODEL YEAR. *NLM
Latest 5 recalls Ferrari 348
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the Ferrari 348.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Ferrari 348 1990
- Report Received Date: 1992-05-18
- Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA
- Components: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
- Summary: THE STEERING BOX EXTENSION FASTENERS WERE MANUFACTURED WITH INFERIOR MATERIAL.
- Consequence: THE FASTENER CAN LOOSEN, CAUSING PLAY IN THE STEERINGSYSTEM AND IMPAIRED HANDLING.
- Remedy: REPLACE STEERING BOX EXTENSION FASTENER WITH A NEW FASTENER CONSTRUCTED WITH IMPROVED STRENGTH AND SELF-LOCKING PROPERTIES.
- Model: Ferrari 348 1990
- Report Received Date: 1992-05-18
- Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA
- Components: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
- Summary: THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN LOCKNUT WAS MANUFACTURED WITH INFERIOR MATERIALS AND INFERIOR SELF-LOCKING PROPERTIES.
- Consequence: THE LOCKNUT CAN LOOSEN, CAUSING EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THESTEERING SYSTEM AND IMPAIRED HANDLING. THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLECONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE LOCKNUT WITH AN IMPROVED LOCKNUT.
- Model: Ferrari 348 1990
- Report Received Date: 1992-05-18
- Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
- Summary: THE ALUMINUM FUEL LINE FITTINGS ON CERTAIN FUEL INJECTION LINES CORRODE, CAUSING THE FUEL LINE FITTINGS TO BREAK.
- Consequence: THE BREAKAGE OF THE FUEL LINE FITTING CAUSES FUELLEAKAGE, RESULTING IN INCREASED RISK OF FIRE IN THE PRESENCE OF A SOURCE OFIGNITION.
- Remedy: REPLACE THE FUEL LINES WITH MODIFIED LINES CONSTRUCTED WITH A CORROSION RESISTANT COATING TO PREVENT FUEL LINE SURFACE CORROSION.
- Model: Ferrari 348 1991
- Report Received Date: 1992-05-18
- Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA
- Components: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
- Summary: THE STEERING BOX EXTENSION FASTENERS WERE MANUFACTURED WITH INFERIOR MATERIAL.
- Consequence: THE FASTENER CAN LOOSEN, CAUSING PLAY IN THE STEERINGSYSTEM AND IMPAIRED HANDLING.
- Remedy: REPLACE STEERING BOX EXTENSION FASTENER WITH A NEW FASTENER CONSTRUCTED WITH IMPROVED STRENGTH AND SELF-LOCKING PROPERTIES.
- Model: Ferrari 348 1991
- Report Received Date: 1992-05-18
- Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA
- Components: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
- Summary: THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN LOCKNUT WAS MANUFACTURED WITH INFERIOR MATERIALS AND INFERIOR SELF-LOCKING PROPERTIES.
- Consequence: THE LOCKNUT CAN LOOSEN, CAUSING EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THESTEERING SYSTEM AND IMPAIRED HANDLING. THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLECONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE LOCKNUT WITH AN IMPROVED LOCKNUT.
Are you having problems with your Ferrari 348?
