Ferrari 348 1991 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 1991 problems
The Ferrari 348, produced from 1989 to 1995, is a mid-engine V8 sports car that replaced the successful 308/328 series. While the 348 was initially met with excitement, it quickly faced criticism due to handling issues, poor build quality, and tricky at-the-limit handling. The following are the common problems associated with the Ferrari 348, based on complaints from owners and reviews from experts.
- Handling and build quality: The 348 was criticized for its handling and build quality, with some reviewers comparing it unfavorably to the Acura NSX.
- Excessive chain tensioner wear: Early 348s could suffer from excessive chain tensioner wear in the lower drive system, which required inspection whenever the engine was removed.
- Inner support bearing failure: The inner support bearing for the cam-drive jack shaft was also problematic in early 348s, leading to a redesign of the bearing and later a revised engine block to improve the arrangement.
- Leaking engine seals and gaskets: Leaking engine seals and gaskets were sometimes an issue in early 348s, but these should have been replaced with updated factory parts long ago.
- Alternators and starter motors: Leaking alternators and starter motors were also concerns in early 348s, and these should be inspected and replaced with updated parts if necessary.
- Clutches and gearbox: The 348's clutches tend to last only 10-15,000 miles, with later cars having a multi-plate item that costs twice as much to replace as the single-plate clutch found in earlier models.
- Suspension: The platforms that hold the suspension springs in place can crack, allowing the springs to slide down the dampers, which requires inspection and repair.
- Electronic climate control: The 348 features an electronic climate control system that can play up, with the ECU at the heart of the system often being the culprit. Replacements for the ECU are not available, but repairs to the soldered joints are possible.
In summary, the Ferrari 348 faced significant criticism for its handling, build quality, and various mechanical issues, particularly in early models. However, Ferrari made substantial efforts to address these problems in later cars, and the 348 remains an important model in the company's history as the first all-new model revealed after Enzo Ferrari's death and the replacement for the long-running 308/328 series.
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 1991 Ferrari 348?
The design helped centralize mass between the wheels (it also explains the “t” designation; the coupe was the 348 tb, and the Targa-topped version was the 348 ts). The 3.4 liter four-cam V-8 made 300 hp and propelled the car to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds on the way to a top speed of 171 mph.
Is the Ferrari 348 a supercar?
The 348 TS is more of a historic supercar than many may know.
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.
Ferrari 348 1991 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 Ferrari 348 1991 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Ferrari 348 1991 complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ferrari 348 1991.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-12-01
- 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
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- 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
Ferrari 348 1991 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the Ferrari 348 1991.
- 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about Ferrari 348 1991 problems:
Common 348 Problems? | Ferrari Life Forum
Jun 6, 2004 ... There are plenty of 348 owners - myself included - who are perfectly happy - and that's not wishful thinking on my part. 1991 Ferrari 348ts 2004 ...
348 Issues | FerrariChat
... common issues, problems and maintenance with these together in one thread. ... They do have common problems ... My Ferrari 348 is prob the first ...
Testarossa Seat Belt Retractors (a common ... - FerrariChat.com
Interesting thing these Ferrari "recalls" I brought my 348 into a authorized dealer (not the seller) about a very important NHTSA safety ...
1992 348 ts-Common issues with this model | FerrariChat
1992 348 ts-Common issues with this model ... I've had my 91 348 for 4 yrs now and been a ... FerrariChat.com has no association with Ferrari S.p.A..
348 LOOSING HALF THE ENGINE AT TIMES | Ferrari Forums
Aug 3, 2004 ... 348 LOOSING HALF THE ENGINE AT TIMES. Jump ... a very common problem on 348's that cause ... Ferrari manual with the listed codes for a 348 1991 ?
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