2018 Ferrari 488 spider problems

General information about Ferrari-488 spider
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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.

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Common 2018 Ferrari 488 spider problems

The Ferrari 488 Spider 2018 is a high-performance vehicle that has been praised for its engineering and luxury. However, like any vehicle, it is not immune to issues and complaints from owners. Here are some common problems with the Ferrari 488 Spider 2018 based on complaints from owners:

Airbag Non-Deployment: The passenger's front airbag inflator might rupture during deployment, causing metal fragments to pass through the airbag and into the vehicle interior at high speed. This recall affected a total of 24,798 examples and was issued in 2016.

Dash Warning Light Failure: The software algorithm that calculates the percentage value of wear on the carbon-ceramic brake discs might not function properly due to a software bug. This could cause a reset of the wear value estimated by the software, leading to the risk of damage to the brake discs and an increased risk of an accident.

Turbo Failure: Some owners have reported issues with the turbocharger, with one owner experiencing a "limited engine performance" message and power loss under full acceleration. The owner also noted a rough idle, a faint rattle from the passenger side rear, and the car shooting out splatters of black/dark gray fluid from both exhaust pipes.

Routine Maintenance Costs: While not a specific problem with the 488 Spider 2018, it is worth noting that high-performance vehicles like the 488 Spider can have high maintenance costs. Regular services, which are crucial to maintain the car's performance and reliability, can be expensive due to the cost of parts and specialized labor for a Ferrari.

While these issues are concerning, it is important to note that the Ferrari 488 Spider 2018 is still a high-performance vehicle with a reputation for reliability. Proper maintenance and regular checks can help prevent many of these issues. Additionally, Ferrari has issued recalls for some of these problems, and owners are encouraged to contact their local dealership or manufacturer to address any concerns.

Is the Ferrari 488 engine reliable?

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.

Is A Ferrari 488 a good investment?

The market for thoroughbred sports and supercars is currently in rude health, so in the short term you can expect your 488 to maintain its value, or even go up a little. Our experts haven't yet calculated residuals for the 488, but you can expect extremely strong returns over three years.

How much is a 2018 Ferrari 488 Spider?

Prices for a used 2018 Ferrari 488 currently range from $234,500 to $428,900, with vehicle mileage ranging from 274 to 36,775.

Is the Ferrari 488 Spider a supercar?

Jeremy Clarkson announced the 488 Pista as his 2019 Supercar of the Year.

2018 Ferrari 488 spider car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ferrari 488 spider problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Service brakes problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Ferrari 488 spider vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2018 Ferrari 488 spider complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Ferrari 488 spider.

2021-10-04

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2021-09-07
VIN: ZFF80AMA0J0
Components: SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: On 07 September 2021, I had been driving my 2018 Ferrari 488 Spider for 8 to 10 miles when the car suddenly displayed the following message "Brake Fluid Low, Go to Dealer Slowly". (note: Dealer is 2 hours away at 60 mph). As I slowed the car from approximately 45 mph, the brakes felt minimal but with down-shifting and minimal brakes I was able to slow the car. I attempted to limp home at 5 to 10 mph however within 3 miles or so the brakes failed completely. With the pedal to the floor there was absolutely no effect on the vehicle. It was fortunate that I was able to slow the car prior to complete failure and did not hit anything or anyone. Once the brakes failed completely, I did end up running through a stop sign before I could pull off the road into a parking lot and only stopped the car by rolling into an uphill parking spot and hitting the concrete parking barrier with the tires. I found it was necessary to turn the car off in order to keep it from rolling backwards. The car does not have a classic emergency brake but rather an electronic hold function. When trying to activate this function to keep the car from rolling backwards the car displayed the following message (as best I can remember) "Depress Brake Pedal to Activate Hold". However, with the brake pedal fully depressed, the function would not activate even though it worked fine prior to the brake failure (and subsequent to repair). The car was towed to the dealer and repaired under warranty. The service manager reported that the Master Cylinder leaked into the vacuum booster. I had requested that the failed parts be returned to me however the service manager advised me that failed parts replaced under warranty are returned to Ferrari.

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2018 Ferrari 488 spider recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2018 Ferrari 488 spider.

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.

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.

2019-02-14

Manufacturer: Ferrari North America, Inc.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2017 LaFerrari Aperta, 2018-2019 488 GTB, GTC4Lusso T, GTC4Lusso, 488 Spider, 812 Superfast, and 2019 488 Pista vehicles. The fuel vapor separator may crack and allow fuel to leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy: Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel vapor separator, free of charge. The recall began June 25, 2019. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is 69.

2019-01-09

Manufacturer: Ferrari North America, Inc.
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: Ferrari North America (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2014 Ferrari California, 2014-2015 Ferrari 458 Italia, 458 Spider, 2014-2016 Ferrari FF, 2014-2017 Ferrari F12, 2015-2018 Ferrari California T, 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale A, 2016 Ferrari F60 America, 2016-2017 Ferrari F12 tdf, 2016-2018 Ferrari 488 GTB, 488 Spider, 2017-2018 Ferrari GTC4Lusso and 2018 GTC4Lusso T vehicles nationwide. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2019. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-866-551-2828. Ferrari's number for this recall is 65.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2018 Ferrari 488 spider problems:

Considering a 488 Spider. Any common problems to look out for ...

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/considering-a-488-spider-any-common-problems-to-look-out-for.687344/

Any common problems to look ... My friend has a 2018 488 Spyder is 14k miles zero issues. ... FerrariChat.com has no association with Ferrari S.p.A..

High mileage 2018 488 GTB : r/Ferrari

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ferrari/comments/16wkz5r/high_mileage_2018_488_gtb/

Sep 30, 2023 ... With my ok googling skills I can't seem to find any major issues with this model year so I'm feeling confident with this purchase, but any and ...

488 - 488 Possible failed turbo (2nd time) 2500 miles | FerrariChat

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/488-possible-failed-turbo-2nd-time-2500-miles.657731/

Hello all, I've done plenty of searches before deciding to make this post. I have a 2018 488 GTB ... Sorry to hear about the other problems though ...

Does the 488gtb have any reliability issues ? : r/Ferrari

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ferrari/comments/shsbkl/does_the_488gtb_have_any_reliability_issues/

Feb 1, 2022 ... No. Very little issues. The engine is shared with many other models and has proven reliable. So does the gearbox. In the past there were some ...