Ferrari 550 problems
The Ferrari 550 Maranello (tipo F133) is a front-engine V12 2-seat grand tourer built by Ferrari from 1996 to 2002. The 550 Maranello marked Ferrari's return to a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout for its 2-seater 12-cylinder model, 23 years after the 365 GTB/4 Daytona had been replaced by the mid-engined Berlinetta Boxer.
In 2000, Ferrari introduced the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina, a limited production roadster version of the 550, limited to just 448 examples. The 550 was replaced by the upgraded 575M Maranello in 2002.
History
Since 1973, when the traditional front-engined 365 GTB/4 Daytona had been replaced by the mid-engined Berlinetta Boxer, Ferrari's top-of-the-line 12-cylinder 2-seater model had used a mid-mounted 180° 12-cylinder flat engine. The Berlinetta Boxer had later been developed into the Testarossa, the final evolution of which was the 1994 F512 M. Under the presidency of Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, who took office in 1991, the F512 M replacement was developed as a traditional front-engined V12 grand tourer.
After 30 months of development, the Ferrari 550 Maranello was unveiled in July 1996 at the Nürburgring racing circuit in Germany. The model's name referred to the 5.5-litres total engine displacement in decilitres and to the town of Maranello, home to the Ferrari headquarters and factory. Pininfarina executed both the exterior and interior design. The exterior design is credited to Elvio D'Aprile under the supervision of Lorenzo Ramaciotti, and created between 1993 and 1996. Maurizio Corbi, a Pininfarina sketch artist and designer, was also involved in the design process. The interior design was penned by Goran Popović. Frame and main engine components were shared with the 2+2 Ferrari 456, although at 2,500 mm (98.4 in), the 550's wheelbase was 100 mm (3.9 in) shorter.
In 2002 the 550 was replaced by the 575M Maranello, which was an all-around improved version (modificata in Ferrari parlance) of the car, rather than an all-new construction. The 575M was fitted with a larger 5.75-litre version of the F133 engine. In total 3,083 units of the 550 Maranello were produced between 1996 and 2001.
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Ferrari 550 model years
Common Ferrari 550 problems
The Ferrari 550 Maranello, produced from 1996 to 2002, is a highly regarded Ferrari model known for its durability and reliability. However, as with any vehicle, it can experience certain issues over time. Here are some of the common problems reported by owners of the Ferrari 550 Maranello:
- Seat Runner Problems: Some 2001 cars experienced issues with the seat runners. This can affect the comfort and functionality of the vehicle, making it difficult to adjust the seat position.
- Dampers and Actuators: The 550 Maranello utilizes rotating actuators to change the damping rate between Normal and Sport mode. The motor shafts of these actuators tend to break, requiring replacement of the part. European prices for these parts can be quite high, but substantial savings can be achieved by ordering from a US distributor of original parts.
- Lambda Sensor: One of the four lambda sensors on the Ferrari 550 Maranello may start to drift, causing Check Engine Light warnings. This issue can be resolved by replacing the faulty sensor, although the time needed to isolate and replace the sensor can be significant.
- Clutch Pedal Hydraulic Circuit: The clutch pedal of the 550 Maranello can experience issues with its hydraulic circuit, leading to problems with gear changes. This issue can be resolved by replacing the master cylinder or other components of the hydraulic circuit.
- Tires: The Ferrari 550 Maranello can experience issues with tire wear and performance, particularly on track days. Choosing the right tires and replacing them regularly can help resolve these issues.
- Oil Leaks: Like many high-performance vehicles, the Ferrari 550 Maranello can experience oil leaks due to worn gaskets and seals. Regular maintenance and replacement of worn parts can help prevent oil leaks.
- Fuel Line: The reinforced rubber fuel lines of the Ferrari 550 Maranello can crack and dry with age, leading to fuel leaks and potential fire hazards. Replacing aged fuel lines can help prevent these issues.
- Exhaust Gasket: A failed exhaust gasket can lead to exhaust leaks and reduced performance. Replacing the exhaust gasket can help resolve these issues.
- Carbon Build-up: Carbon can build up in the engine over time, leading to reduced performance and other issues. Regular maintenance and cleaning can help prevent carbon build-up.
In general, regular maintenance and service can help prevent many of these issues from occurring or becoming more serious. Choosing the right parts and working with experienced technicians can also help ensure that any issues are resolved quickly and effectively.
Is the 550 Maranello reliable?
550s are one of the most reliable and problem free modern ferraris if the few major known issues (listed pretty comprehensively by toggie) are resolved.
Is a 550 Maranello a good investment?
19 April 2023. Once it got depreciation out of the way from its £143k launch price, the Ferrari 550 Maranello has increased in value since it was discontinued, with the best now nudging £100k.
How many miles per gallon does a Ferrari 550 get?
Combined with fuel consumption in the 16-18mpg range, 320 miles per tank was the norm, and I even ventured beyond 360 miles on some occasions.
What is the top speed of a Ferrari 550?
199 mph
According to Ferrari, the 550 Maranello has a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph), and can accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.4 seconds.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Ferrari 550 years
We have researched Ferrari problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Ferrari 550 cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Ferrari 550 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Ferrari 550 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Ferrari 550 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Ferrari 550 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Ferrari 550 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Ferrari 550 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ferrari 550 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Ferrari 550 vehicles.
List of Ferrari 550 complaints
Ferrari 550 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2015-07-10
- Date Complaint: 2016-12-16
- VIN: ZFFZR49A9W0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE AIRBAG ECU HAS FAILED ON A LOW BATTERY AND PART IS NOT AVAILABLE FROM FERRARI OR TRW ALTHOUGH THE CAR WAS CERTIFIED WITH AIRBAGS. AT TIME OF FAILURE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED DUE TO AN ALTERNATOR FAILURE THAT HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY. FERRARI SHOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE THIS SAFETY PART.
Recalls Ferrari 550
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the Ferrari 550.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Ferrari 550 1998
- Report Received Date: 1999-06-30
- Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA
- Components: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING MAY BECOME STIFF DUE TO OVERHEATING OF THE POWER STEERING FLUID CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE HYDRAULIC SEALS IN THE STEERING BOX AND STEERING PUMP.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE DECREASED STEERING ABILITY DURING PARKING PROCEDURES.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING COOLING COIL, OIL TANK, OIL LINES, PUMP, AND BOX.
- Model: Ferrari 550 1998
- Report Received Date: 1998-10-23
- Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FUEL SUPPLY AND RETURN LINES CAN LEAK WHERE THE FERRULE OF THE UNION MEETS THE FLEXIBLE PIPE ALLOWING FUEL LEAKAGE.
- Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL SUPPLY AND RETURN LINES WITH NEW UPDATED LINES.
Are you having problems with your Ferrari 550?
