Ferrari 360 problems
The Ferrari 360 (Type F131) is a two-seater, mid-engine, rear wheel drive sports car manufactured by Italian automotive manufacturer Ferrari from 1999 until 2005. It succeeded the Ferrari F355 and was replaced by the Ferrari F430 in 2004.
Development history
Ferrari partnered with Alcoa to produce an entirely new all-aluminium space-frame chassis that was 40% stiffer than its predecessor's which had utilized steel. The design was 28% lighter despite a 10% increase in overall dimensions. Along with a lightweight frame the new Pininfarina body styling deviated from traditions of the previous decade's sharp angles and flip-up headlights. The new V8 engine utilises a 3.6-litre capacity, a flat-plane crankshaft, and titanium connecting rods. The engine generates a power output of 400 PS (294 kW; 395 hp). According to Ferrari, weight was reduced by 60 kg (130 lb) and the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time improved from 4.7 to 4.5 seconds.
The first model to be produced was the 360 Modena, followed later by the 360 Spider and a special edition, the Challenge Stradale. The Challenge Stradale was the high-performance road-legal version of the 360 produced by the factory, featuring carbon ceramic brakes (from the Enzo), track-tuned suspension, aerodynamic gains, weight reduction, power improvements and revised gearbox software among its track-focused brief. There were 8,800 Modenas and 7,565 Spiders produced worldwide. There were 4,199 built for the US market—1,810 Modenas (coupes) and 2,389 Spiders (convertibles). Of those numbers, there were only 469 Modenas and 670 Spiders that were produced with a gated 6-speed manual transmission as opposed to the "F1" single-clutch automated manual transmission.
In addition to this were the low-volume factory race cars and a one-off Barchetta variant. The race cars were all derived from the 360 Modena and for the first time produced as a separate model in their own right (compared to being a retrofit kit in previous years). While the Barchetta was based on the Spider variant. The first race car was the 360 Modena Challenge, used in a one-make series; the factory-built racing cars were prepared by the official tuner, Michelotto , who also developed the 360 N-GT. The N-GT was a 360 Challenge car evolved even further to compete in the FIA N-GT racing class alongside other marques such as Porsche.
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Common Ferrari 360 problems
The Ferrari 360 is a high-performance sports car that is known for its impressive handling and braking capabilities. However, like any vehicle, it can experience a range of issues that can affect its performance and safety on the road. Here are some common problems with the Ferrari 360, based on complaints from owners of this car:
- Suspension bushing failure: The suspension bushing in mid-model years (2002-2003) of the Ferrari 360 can fail, leading to a rough ride and uneven tire wear.
- Exhaust manifold cracking: The exhaust manifold in mid-model years (2002-2003) of the Ferrari 360 can crack, causing a loss of power and decreased fuel efficiency.
- Engine timing belt tensioner failure: The engine timing belt tensioner in late-model years (2004-2005) of the Ferrari 360 can fail, leading to engine damage and costly repairs.
- Fuel pump failure: The fuel pump in late-model years (2004-2005) of the Ferrari 360 can fail, causing the car to stall or fail to start.
- Air conditioning problems: The air conditioning in late-model years (2004-2005) of the Ferrari 360 can fail, causing the car to be uncomfortable in hot weather.
- Soft top mechanism failure: The soft top mechanism in the Ferrari 360 Spider can fail, causing the top to be difficult to open or close.
- Windshield wiper failure: The windshield wipers in the Ferrari 360 Spider can fail, causing decreased visibility in rainy or snowy conditions.
- Water leaks: The Ferrari 360 Spider can experience water leaks, causing the interior to be damp or moldy.
- Carbon ceramic brake failure: The carbon ceramic brakes in the Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale can fail, causing decreased braking power and increased stopping distances.
It is important for owners of the Ferrari 360 to stay vigilant and perform regular maintenance to prevent these issues from occurring or catch them early on to prevent further damage. Despite these issues, the Ferrari 360 remains a highly desirable sports car among enthusiasts and collectors.
What is the best year for a Ferrari 360?
Best Ferrari 360 For The Money
Some enthusiasts will argue that one year is better than the other, but two years specifically stand out for us: 1999 and 2002 model years. While no two Ferrari 360 Modenas are alike, all cars from 99 to 05 have essentially the same engine and drivetrain.
Are Ferrari 360 Modena reliable?
Admittedly, this Ferrari model enjoys a reputation for reliability, but if you are a purist in its condition and/or in its operation (in the performance sense) then it is a car that requires a lot of attention.
Does the Ferrari 360 require engine out service?
Major Service History
While older Ferrari models required the engine to be taken out for this service, a skilled technician should have no problem performing a major service on the 360 with the engine in place.
How long does a Ferrari 360 clutch last?
Reportedly, the clutch in the Ferrari 360 will typically only last 20k miles if you are reasonably gentle with the car. So, don't worry - you will likely get to buy a new one if you keep the car and drive it much.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Ferrari 360 years
We have researched Ferrari problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Ferrari 360 cars and compiled the top 3 most problematic Ferrari 360 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Ferrari 360 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Ferrari 360 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Ferrari 360 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Ferrari 360 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine problems
- Structure problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Ferrari 360 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by 360 model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ferrari 360 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Ferrari 360 vehicles.
List of Ferrari 360 complaints
Ferrari 360 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2017-10-12
- Date Complaint: 2017-10-17
- Fire: 1
- VIN: ZFFYU51AXY0
- Components: STRUCTURE,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY FLAMES WERE NOTED IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. FIRE STARTED BEHIND DRIVER SIDE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 14 MILES AND HAD NO SIGNS OF IMPENDING FIRE PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. CAR HAD JUST OVER 15000 MILES WITH A 30000 MILE MAJOR SERVICE PERFORMED AT 14,094 MILES ON 6/1/2016.
Ferrari 360 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2013-11-20
- Date Complaint: 2015-06-26
- VIN: ZFFYT53A040
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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 DEPOWERING THE CAR AND NEARLY GETTING ME KILLED AS I COULD NOT COMPLETE THE PASS. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AND DEALERS IN PENNSYLVANIA AND WASHINGTON STATE HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO RESOLVE. UPON SEARCHING THE WEB THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR ALL LATE MODEL FERRARI V8 MODELS INCLUDING OUR 360 AND THE 430. HTTP://ALDOUSVOICE.COM/2012/12/27/FERRARI-360-SLOW-DOWN/ IF YOU GOOGLE "FERRARI SLOW DOWN WARNING" YOU WILL SEE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH ALL THE AUTOMOBILES. THESE CARS ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS THERE ARE MANY CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER COULD BE LIFE THREATENING. UPDATED 10/07/15*LJ UPDATED 11/01/2017*CN
Ferrari 360 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2012-10-28
- Date Complaint: 2012-10-30
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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. WHILE I WAS STUCK ON A RED LIGHT I SAW SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE REAR OF MY FERRARI. I PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG. I COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH CAR. I THOUGHT I BLEW A RADIATOR BUT THAT WASN'T IT EITHER. SO I DROVE THE CAR BACK HOME SLOWLY THROUGH THE STREETS. NEXT DAY I TOOK IT TO ONE OF MY FRIENDS MECHANIC TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON BEFORE I CALLED THE FERRARI DEALER TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER. WHEN WE CHECKED THE CAR, WE FOUND THAT THE POWER STEERING HOSE OR THE F1 TRANSMISSION HOSE WAS LEAKING AROUND THE ENGINE AND THE FLUIDS WERE GETTING IN CONTACT WITH THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM. IF ENOUGH OIL GETS ON THE EXHAUST, THERE'S SMOKE AND POSSIBLY CAUSE A FIRE BECAUSE FERRARI ENGINES CAN GET EXTREMELY HOT. *TR
Latest negative Ferrari 360 car reviews
Latest positive Ferrari 360 car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2002
This vehicle is fantastic!
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Vehicle year: 2004
The Ferrari 360 is a beautiful fusion of art and technology. It's truly a masterpiece to behold. When driving it, it feels like taming a wild predator... there's nothing quite like it!
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Vehicle year: 2002
This is my 4th Ferrari and I must say, this one is the best in terms of driving pleasure, reliability, and styling. I have previously owned a 512BB, 512 TR, and 355 Spyder, but this one takes the cake. The car is incredibly stable at high speeds (160+), even more so than at lower speeds. The only issue I have encountered is that sometimes SUV/truck drivers fail to notice me when I am too close behind them.
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Vehicle year: 2004
Overall, it's a Ferrari.
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Vehicle year: 2002
Not a bad car, but it is quite expensive and requires frequent servicing at the dealer, which can be costly. However, it is a very nice streetable race car that attracts a lot of attention. This is actually my 3rd Ferrari and I appreciate the improvements they have made.
Are you having problems with your Ferrari 360?
Tremaine Satterfield 2024-02-25
Vehicle year: 2002
Outside of my McLaren and Lamborghini Diablo (both are silver), this is my favorite weekend car. My 360 Spyder is red. My ex-girlfriend liked the styling of this one best. For comfort, I go with my Arnage R Turbo or Phantom though - but I'll leave that review for those pages :)