Ferrari 550 maranello 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to a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout for its 2-seater 12-cylinder model, 23 years after the 365 GTB/4 Daytona had been replaced by the mid-engined Berlinetta Boxer.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Since 1973, when the traditional front-engined 365 GTB/4 Daytona had been replaced by the mid-engined Berlinetta Boxer, Ferrari's top-of-the-line 12-cylinder 2-seater model had used a mid-mounted 180° 12-cylinder flat engine.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 maranello model years
Common Ferrari 550 maranello problems
The Ferrari 550 Maranello is a highly regarded grand tourer, known for its V12 engine, comfortable driving position, and precise steering. However, like any car, it can have its share of common problems.
One issue that has been reported is related to the air conditioning system. In one instance, the air conditioning stopped working during a hot summer month, requiring a replacement of the entire system. This could be a concern for potential buyers, especially those planning to use the car in warmer climates.
Another potential problem is overheating, which can be caused by malfunctioning fans or unstable temperatures. It is recommended to check the fans' operation and ensure that the temperatures remain steady to avoid any issues.
The 550 Maranello's clutch can also present some challenges. Some owners have reported clutch issues, requiring replacement of the clutch thrust bearing and the complete mechanism.
The car's suspension system has also been noted as a potential area of concern. The 550 Maranello uses rotating actuators to change the damping rate between Normal and Sport mode, but the motor shafts tend to break, requiring replacement of the part.
Additionally, the clutch pedal hydraulic circuit can develop issues, causing the clutch pedal to gain a lot of dead travel or even vanish all the way to the floor, making gear changes problematic.
The 550 Maranello's tires are another area that requires attention. The original Bridgestone Expedia S02 tires did not perform well on track days, and it is recommended to switch to Bridgestone RE050 for better durability and performance.
Maintenance costs for the 550 Maranello have been reported as reasonable, with yearly maintenance limited to a service/oil change at less than 1000 CHF and a big service with timing belts every 4 years for 2500 CHF.
Leather upholstery in the 550 Maranello requires regular maintenance and protection from the sun to avoid damage. A tailor-designed Covercraft sun shield is recommended to protect the leather from sun damage.
In summary, while the Ferrari 550 Maranello is a highly regarded grand tourer, potential buyers should be aware of common issues such as air conditioning problems, overheating, clutch issues, suspension actuator motor shaft breakage, clutch pedal hydraulic circuit problems, tire performance, and maintenance costs. Regular maintenance and care can help prevent or mitigate these issues, ensuring a more enjoyable ownership experience.
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 Maranello get?
Fuel consumption, estimated average, city and highway, 11 mpg.
What is the top speed of the Ferrari 550 Maranello?
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 maranello years
We have researched Ferrari problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Ferrari 550 maranello cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Ferrari 550 maranello model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Ferrari 550 maranello model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Ferrari 550 maranello years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Ferrari 550 maranello car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Ferrari 550 maranello , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Ferrari 550 maranello vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ferrari 550 maranello . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Ferrari 550 maranello vehicles.
List of Ferrari 550 maranello complaints
Ferrari 550 maranello 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2016-10-31
- Date Complaint: 2019-03-18
- VIN: ZFFZS49A810
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: THE CHARCOAL CANISTER VAPOR TRAP CAN MALFUNCTION AND FILL WITH GASOLINE. THIS HAPPENED ONCE WITH THE PRIOR OWNER (02/06/2008) AND TWICE WITH US (10/31/2016). ONE OF THESE MALFUNCTIONS WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP AFTER THEY HAD REPLACED THE CHARCOAL CANISTER VAPOR TRAP, DROVE THE VEHICLE AND IT FILLED WITH GASOLINE. THEY REPLACED THE CHARCOAL CANISTER VAPOR TRAP AGAIN. THIS CAUSES TOTAL UNDRIVABILITY BECAUSE OF OVERWHELMING RAW FUEL SMELL AND THE FEAR OF FIRE.
Recalls Ferrari 550 maranello
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the Ferrari 550 maranello.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Ferrari 550 maranello 2001
- Report Received Date: 2003-05-09
- Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE TRANSMISSION OIL LINES TO THE OIL COOLER MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED PROPERLY. THE LINES COULD BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM THE METAL FITTING AND LEAK OIL. IF THE LINES LEAK OIL, INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION TO THE TRANSMISSION COULD RESULT. IF THIS CONDITION WAS TO EXIST, THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE.
- Consequence: IF THE TRANSMISSION BECAME INOPERATIVE WHILE THE CUSTOMER WAS DRIVING, IT COULD POSE A POTENTIAL SAFETY RISK TO THE DRIVER AS WELL AS OTHER VEHICLES AND POTENTIALLY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE OR PROPERTY, AND A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TWO EXISTING TRANSMISSION OIL LINES TO THE COOLER WITH NEW LINES WHICH HAVE A PROPERLY CRIMPED METAL FITTING CONNECTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FERRARI AT 1-201-816-2651.
- Model: Ferrari 550 maranello 2001
- Report Received Date: 2001-07-02
- Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE HAND BRAKE RATCHET MECHANISM DID NOT RECEIVE THE PROPER HARDNESS TREATMENT OF THE RATCHET TEETH. AS A RESULT, THE RATCHET TEETH COULD BECOME DAMAGED.
- Consequence: IF THE RATCHET MECHANISM TEETH BECOME DAMAGED, FAILURE OF THE HAND BRAKE TO OPERATE AS EXPECTED WOULD RESULT. IF THE PROBLEM EXISTED AND THE VEHICLE'S USE WAS CONTINUED, IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE THAT THE HAND BRAKE WOULD NOT FUNCTION AND COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE OR PROPERTY.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE PRODUCTION CODE OF THE RATCHET MECHANISM AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE HAND BRAKE RATCHET MECHANISM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FERRARI AT 1-201-816-2600.
Are you having problems with your Ferrari 550 maranello?
