1990 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 1990 Ferrari 348 problems
The Ferrari 348, produced from 1989 to 1995, was a mid-engine V8 sports car that succeeded the popular 328. Despite its sleek design and performance capabilities, the 348 faced criticism from owners and automotive journalists due to several common problems.
- Engine and Gearbox
The 3.4-liter V8 engine in the 348 was generally reliable, but early cars suffered from cam belt issues. Early cars needed a fresh cam belt every two years, while later cars had a longer interval of three years or 24,000 miles.
- Suspension
The platforms that hold the suspension springs in place can crack, causing the springs to slide down the dampers. This issue can lead to unstable handling and should be addressed promptly to avoid further damage.
- Corrosion
The 348 has an all-steel bodyshell, which is generally resistant to corrosion. However, minor rust can appear in wheelarches and door bottoms, especially if the car has been shunted or not properly maintained.
- Undertrays
The undertrays that smooth airflow underneath the car should be present and undamaged. Missing or damaged undertrays can negatively impact the car's performance and fuel efficiency.
- Electronic Climate Control
The 348 features an electronic climate control system, which can sometimes play up. The ECU at the heart of it is usually the culprit, and replacements are not readily available. Soldered joints often cause problems, but repairs are possible with specialized knowledge.
- Handling
Early 348s were criticized for unsatisfactory high-speed handling, which was addressed in later models through revised suspension settings. However, some owners still report handling issues, particularly at high speeds.
- Build Quality
Initial poor build quality was a common complaint among early 348 owners. However, Ferrari quickly addressed this issue, and later models generally have better build quality and fit and finish.
In summary, the Ferrari 348 faced several common problems, including engine and gearbox issues, suspension cracking, corrosion, undertray damage, electronic climate control failures, handling concerns, and initial poor build quality. Despite these issues, the 348 remains a desirable classic sports car, particularly in its later, updated forms.
Can you daily drive a Ferrari 348?
I use my 348 as a daily driver every day the sun shines. It runs great without any problems. However, I would NEVER suggest having one as your only car.
What is the top speed of a 1990 Ferrari 348?
The 348 is powered by a mid-engine 3.4-liter V8 engine that produces 296 horsepower. It is driven by a desirable gated 5-speed manual transmission and can hit a top speed of 166 mph.
What is the rarest Ferrari 348?
The 348 GT Competizione Is One Of The Rarest Ferrari's Ever
Ferrari only produced 50 348 GTCs in total, with only 8 (all UK-delivered cars) known to be right-hand drive.
Is the Ferrari 348 a supercar?
The 348 TS is more of a historic supercar than many may know.
1990 Ferrari 348 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ferrari 348 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Ferrari 348 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1990 Ferrari 348 complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Ferrari 348.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- 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
1990 Ferrari 348 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1990 Ferrari 348.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1990 Ferrari 348 problems:
Common 348 Problems? | Ferrari Life Forum
Jun 6, 2004 ... ... problems too....a Ferrari is a Ferrari.... ... 1990 348 TS (87284) “I build cars for young ... I think these are two of the top 3 most common ...
348 BUYER ADVICE | FerrariChat
"ferrari 348 advice site:ferrarichat.com" "ferrari 348 new owner site:ferrarichat.com" "ferrari 348 issues site:ferrarichat.com" "ferrari ...
Testarossa Seat Belt Retractors (a common ... - FerrariChat.com
... Testarossa Seat Belt Retractors (a common problem?) ... Interesting thing these Ferrari "recalls" I brought my 348 ... 1990 and 1991 Testarossa ...
Considering a 1990 348 TS | FerrariChat
These issues are well known and there are usually lots of solutions (for DIY-ers). rob58 said: ↑. Engine & drivetrain run flawlessly.
Ferrari 348: Buying guide and review (1989-1994) | Auto Express
Ferrari 348 common problems. • Corrosion: the 348 has an all-steel bodyshell and apart from signs of minor rust in the wheelarches and door bottoms, you shouldn ...
Other years of Ferrari 348
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