Ferrari 488 gtb problems

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The Ferrari 488 (Type F142M) is a mid-engine sports car produced by the Italian automobile manufacturer Ferrari. The car replaced the 458, being the first mid-engine Ferrari to use a turbocharged V8 since the F40. It was succeeded by the Ferrari F8.

The car is powered by a 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, smaller in displacement but generating a higher power output than the 458's naturally aspirated engine. The 488 GTB was named "The Supercar of the Year 2015" by car magazine Top Gear, as well as becoming Motor Trend's 2017 "Best Driver's Car". Jeremy Clarkson announced the 488 Pista as his 2019 Supercar of the Year.

Specifications

Engine

The 488 GTB is powered by a 3,902 cc (3.9 L; 238.1 cu in) (488 cc per cylinder, thus the name) all-aluminium dry sump unit of the Ferrari F154 V8 engine family. Turbocharged with two parallel ball-bearing twin-scroll turbochargers supplied by IHI/Honeywell and two air-to-air intercoolers, the turbine wheels are made of low-density TiAl alloy often used in jet engines to reduce inertia and resist high temperatures within the turbocharger. The engine generates a power output of 670 PS (493 kW; 661 hp) at 8,000 rpm and 760 N⋅m (561 lb⋅ft) of torque at 3,000 rpm. This results in a specific power output of 126.3 kW (171.7 PS; 169.4 hp) per litre and specific torque output of 194.8 N⋅m (144 lb⋅ft) per litre, both records for a Ferrari automobile.

photo of Ferrari 488 gtb car production

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Ferrari 488 gtb model years

ferrari 488 gtb 2019 photo
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Common Ferrari 488 gtb problems

Based on complaints from owners of the Ferrari 488 GTB, common problems with this car include issues related to the transmission, engine, suspension system, interior trim, upholstery, fuel system, and electrical systems.

  1. Transmission Issues:
    • Some drivers have reported delayed or rough shifts, possibly due to low transmission fluid levels or a malfunctioning solenoid. Transmission fluid leaks have also been reported, which can lead to more severe problems if not addressed promptly.
  2. Engine Problems:
    • Owners have experienced power loss, misfires, and low oil pressure warnings while driving. These issues can be caused by faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel injectors, leaks, or malfunctioning oil pumps.
  3. Suspension System Concerns:
    • Problems with the suspension system have manifested as knocking or clunking noises when driving over bumps. This issue can be attributed to worn components or improper alignment.
  4. Interior Trim and Upholstery Issues:
    • Complaints have included issues with the interior trim and upholstery, affecting the overall aesthetics and comfort of the vehicle.
  5. Fuel System Challenges:
    • Some drivers have reported issues with the fuel pump, leading to poor engine performance, reduced fuel economy, and stalling. These problems can stem from a faulty fuel pump or a clogged fuel filter.
  6. Electrical System Malfunctions:
    • Electrical system malfunctions have been noted, impacting various components within the vehicle and potentially affecting its overall performance and safety.

It is essential for Ferrari 488 GTB owners to address these issues promptly through regular maintenance and adherence to manufacturer-recommended service intervals. Proper care and attention to these common problems can help prevent more significant issues and ensure the longevity and performance of the vehicle.

Ferrari 488 gtb

How reliable is the Ferrari 488 GTB?

The Ferrari 488, in this regard, stands out positively. It is known for its relatively reliable engine and drivetrain. However, potential owners should be mindful of the high maintenance costs. Regular services, which are crucial to maintain the car's performance and reliability, can be expensive.

How much is a Ferrari 488 GTB worth?

TrueCar has 71 used Ferrari 488 models for sale nationwide, including a Ferrari 488 GTB and a Ferrari 488 Spider. Prices for a used Ferrari 488 currently range from $174,988 to $479,995, with vehicle mileage ranging from 274 to 37,208.

Is the Ferrari 488 GTB a supercar?

The 488 GTB was named "The Supercar of the Year 2015" by car magazine Top Gear, as well as becoming Motor Trend's 2017 "Best Driver's Car".

What is the top speed of the 488 GTB?

The performance figures are equally impressive, and 488 GTB can sprint to 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds flat and top 224 mph.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Ferrari 488 gtb years

We have researched Ferrari problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Ferrari 488 gtb cars and compiled the top 4 most problematic Ferrari 488 gtb model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Ferrari 488 gtb model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Ferrari 488 gtb years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Ferrari 488 gtb car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Ferrari 488 gtb , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Service brakes problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Visibility/wiper problems
  • Unknown or other problems
  • Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Ferrari 488 gtb vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by 488 gtb model years

A total of 2 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by 488 gtb model years

There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ferrari 488 gtb . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Ferrari 488 gtb vehicles.

List of Ferrari 488 gtb complaints

Ferrari 488 gtb 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2022-10-19
  • Date Complaint: 2022-10-19
  • VIN: ZFF79ALA1H0
  • Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
  • Summary: 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 gtb 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2022-09-04
  • Date Complaint: 2022-09-05
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: ZFF79ALA0H0
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: On Sunday Sept 4th, while attending an Edge Addicts track day event at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, My 2017 488 Was parts of the run group, 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. We have in car video from Go Pro footage, footage from another vehicle from behind my 488 and also footage from the control room of the track. This vehicle was purchased 3 months ago, the brake fluid is at the correct level and the new "Recalled" Brake fluid cap is installed. There is some sort of serious manufacturing defect with this system, this is a car designed for this type of use. This needs a serious investigation before others are hurt or killed.
Ferrari 488 gtb 2019
  • Date Of Incident: 2021-11-01
  • Date Complaint: 2022-01-19
  • VIN: ZFF79ALAXK0
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: 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. The contact called the local dealer and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that he was concerned about driving the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Ferrari 488 gtb 2018
  • Date Of Incident: 2021-06-04
  • Date Complaint: 2021-09-19
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: ZFF79ALA2J0
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: ON 6/4/21, MY 2018 FERRARI 488 GTB DISPLAYED A MESSAGE IN MY LEFT DASH INSTRUMENT PANEL PRIOR TO COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE IN MY DRIVEWAY THAT READ "BRAKE FLUID LOW-DRIVE TO DEALER SLOWLY", THAT RESULTED IN MY FERRARI BEING TOTALED BY STATE FARM AFTER I JUMPED OUT OF THE RUNNING AND MOVING FERRARI ONTO MY REAR LAWN BETWEEN 10 TO 15 MILES PER HOUR BEFORE IT WENT INTO A POND BEHIND MY RESIDENCE. THEN, 6-WEEKS LATER THE REPLACEMENT 2018 FERRARI GTB VIN#[XXX] I PURCHASED FROM FERRARI OF ATLANTA DISPLAYED THE SAME MESSAGE IN MY LEFT DASH INSTRUMENT PANEL THAT READ "BRAKE FLIUID LOW-DRIVE TO DEALER SLOWLY BEFORE THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR AS I WAS PULLING INTO MY GARAGE. AFTER HAVING THE REPLACMENT FERRARI TOWED INTO CONTINENTAL FERRARI IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE FLUID HAD LEAKED INSIDE THE BRAKE BOOSTER THAT CAUSED THE BRAKE FAILURE ON THE REPLACEMENT FERRARI. THE FIRST FERRARI WAS TAKEN TO A COMPANY AND SOLD AS SALVAGE. THE COMPANY NAME IS COPART AND THEIR TELEPHONE NUMBER IS (314) 291-8400. NONE OF THE FERRARI SERVICE DEPARTMENTS OR SALES DEPARTMENTS THAT I CONTACTED HAD ANY RECORD OR KNOWLEDGE OF THE BRAKE FAILURE PROBLEMS THAT I EXPERIENCED WITHIN A 6-WEEK PERIOD ON 2 SEPARATE FERRAI 488 GTB'S. I COULD HAVE BEEN TRAPPED INSIDE MY FERRARI THAT WENT INTO THE POND BEHIND MY RESIDENCE AND POSSIBLY KILLED. I COULD ALSO HAVE BEEN INJURED OR KILLED ALONG WITH OTHER MOTORISTS IN MY REPLACMENT FERRARI THAT HAD THE SAME BRAKE FAILURE ISSUE JUST 6-WEEKS LATER IF I WAS UNABLE TO GET THE REPLACEMENT FERRARI HOME AND SAFELY INSIDE NY GARAGE BEFORE THE BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED A SECOND TIME. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY FERRARI HAS THE MESSAGE "BRAKE FLUID LOW-DRIVE TO DEALER SLOWLY" DISPLAY" THAT GIVES DRIVERS A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY THAT THE BRAKES WILL CONTINUE TO WORK PROPERLY UNTIL YOU DRIVE TO THE DEALER. THAT'S A DEADLY WARNING AND MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN TO ME. MY CELL NUMBER IS [XXX] AND I LIVE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA. PLEASE CALL ME! INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Ferrari 488 gtb 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2019-04-08
  • Date Complaint: 2019-11-15
  • VIN: ZFF79ALA8H0
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR WE RECEIVED NOTICE OF AN AIRBAG RECALL. THE NOTICED MENTIONS PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. WE TRIED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH OUR DEALER BUT THEY MENTIONED THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. WE HAVE FOLLOWED UP WITH THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES TO NO AVAIL. WE CONTACT FERRARI USA CUSTOMER SERVICE AN THEY ONLY MENTIONED THEY WOULD LOOK INTO THE SITUATION BUT NO FURTHER INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE. I BELIEVE THIS IS VERY POOR AS IT A SAFETY CONCERN THAT IS NOT BEING GIVEN ANY REAL PRIORITY. THE MANUFACTURE CONTINUES TO LAUNCH CARS THIS YEAR YET OUR PASSENGERS ARE NOT SAFE. THIS DEPARTMENT IS OUR LAST CHANCE AT TRYING TO KEEP OUR PASSENGERS SAFE IN A MOTOR VEHICLE THAT HAS A KNOWN DEFECT.
Ferrari 488 gtb 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2019-08-26
  • Date Complaint: 2019-08-26
  • VIN: ZFF79ALA6G0
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FERRARI 488 GTB. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V006000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. FERRARI BEVERLY HILLS (9372 WILSHIRE BLVD, BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90212) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED AND WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER TO CALL BACK IN SIX MONTHS FOR PART AVAILABILITY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Ferrari 488 gtb 2018
  • Date Of Incident: 2019-03-31
  • Date Complaint: 2019-04-01
  • VIN: ZFF79ALA5J0
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: THE TWO HORN "BUTTONS" ARE LOCATED IN THE STEERING RIM AT 9 AND 3. IT IS NOT A NORMAL LOCATION FOR THE HORN BUTTON WHICH IN ALL OTHER CARS IS IN THE CENTER OF THE STEERING WHEEL. TWO TIMES IN THE LAST 3 WEEKS I HAVE NEARLY HAD SOMEONE TURN INTO ME WHEN I CANNOT WARN THEM WITH MY HORN, DUE TO THE ILLOGICAL LOCATION OF THE "BUTTONS".
Ferrari 488 gtb 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2017-05-25
  • Date Complaint: 2018-07-22
  • VIN: ZFF79ALA8H0
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: THE BRAKING SYSTEM HAS LOCKED THE BRAKES BY ITSELF WITHOUT ANY USER INPUT OR PRESSING OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS HAS OCCURRED 3X, THE FIRST 2 WHILE THE CAR WAS MOVING, THE LAST WHILE IT WAS PARKED IN A GARAGE, THE 1ST AND 3RD TIMES RENDERED THE CAR IMMOVABLE, THE 2ND WAS MOVABLE AFTER A RESTART. TWICE THE CAR NEEDED TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM THUS UNABLE TO FIX IT. THE 3X HAVE OCCURRED IN ~3K MILES, THE 1ST AT ~1850 MILES. THE FIRST REPAIR ATTEMPT INVOLVED REPLACING THE BRAKING SYSTEM ECU AND A BRAKE PEDAL SWITCH, PERFORMED AS A "SHOTGUN" APPROACH SINCE NO CAUSE COULD BE DETERMINED. THE 2ND AND 3RD ATTEMPTS INVOLVED FERRARI WASHING THEIR HANDS OF THE PROBLEM. I FILED TO LEMON LAW THE CAR, AND FERRARI MAINTAINS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT AFTER THE FIRST "FIX", WHICH IS CLEARLY ABSURD DUE TO THE 2ND AND 3RD OCCURRENCES. ASKING ONLINE IN A FERRARI FORUM PRODUCED ONLY ONE PERSON SAYING THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED IN THEIR CLOSE-TO-IDENTICAL FERRARI CAR , WHICH PRESUMABLY SHARES A VERY SIMILAR IF NOT IDENTICAL BRAKING SYSTEM. THE CAR HAS AN UNUSUAL "HILL-HOLDER" FEATURE WHICH ENGAGES EVEN WHILE ON FLAT GROUND, AND IT IS THIS WHICH I BELIEVE TO BE MALFUNCTIONING. THE INABILITY TO MOVE A CAR THAT HAS SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING LOCKED ITS BRAKES AND BROUGHT THE CAR TO A STOP IS NOT ONLY FRIGHTENING, BUT IS POTENTIALLY LETHAL.

Latest 5 recalls Ferrari 488 gtb

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 14 recalls for different components of the Ferrari 488 gtb.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Ferrari 488 gtb 2018
  • Report Received Date: 2021-10-23
  • Manufacturer: Ferrari North America, Inc.
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2010-2015 458 Italia, 2012-2015 458 Spider, 2014-2015 458 Speciale, 2015 458 Speciale Aperta, 2016-2019 488 GTB, and 488 Spider vehicles. The brake system may leak brake fluid, resulting in a loss of braking ability.
  • Consequence: Loss of braking ability increases the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap and update the software, at no charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2022. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is 78.
  • Model: Ferrari 488 gtb 2016
  • Report Received Date: 2021-10-23
  • Manufacturer: Ferrari North America, Inc.
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2010-2015 458 Italia, 2012-2015 458 Spider, 2014-2015 458 Speciale, 2015 458 Speciale Aperta, 2016-2019 488 GTB, and 488 Spider vehicles. The brake system may leak brake fluid, resulting in a loss of braking ability.
  • Consequence: Loss of braking ability increases the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap and update the software, at no charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2022. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is 78.
  • Model: Ferrari 488 gtb 2017
  • Report Received Date: 2021-10-23
  • Manufacturer: Ferrari North America, Inc.
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2010-2015 458 Italia, 2012-2015 458 Spider, 2014-2015 458 Speciale, 2015 458 Speciale Aperta, 2016-2019 488 GTB, and 488 Spider vehicles. The brake system may leak brake fluid, resulting in a loss of braking ability.
  • Consequence: Loss of braking ability increases the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap and update the software, at no charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2022. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is 78.
  • Model: Ferrari 488 gtb 2019
  • Report Received Date: 2021-10-23
  • Manufacturer: Ferrari North America, Inc.
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2010-2015 458 Italia, 2012-2015 458 Spider, 2014-2015 458 Speciale, 2015 458 Speciale Aperta, 2016-2019 488 GTB, and 488 Spider vehicles. The brake system may leak brake fluid, resulting in a loss of braking ability.
  • Consequence: Loss of braking ability increases the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap and update the software, at no charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2022. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is 78.
  • Model: Ferrari 488 gtb 2016
  • Report Received Date: 2019-06-04
  • Manufacturer: Ferrari North America, Inc.
  • Components: AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
  • Summary: Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2018 488 Spider, 488 Pista, 2015 458 Speciale A, 2016-2018 488 GTB, 2015-2017 F12 Berlinetta, 2016 F12 tdf, and 2016-2018 Carlifornia T vehicles. The air bag Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly causing the non-deployment or improper deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
  • Consequence: In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury.
  • Remedy: Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag ECU, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2019. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is 70.

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