2012 Ferrari California problems
The Ferrari California (Type F149) is a grand touring, high performance sports car created by the Italian automobile manufacturer Ferrari. It is a two-door 2+2 hard top convertible. When originally unveiled in 2008, the California was powered by a front-mid mounted, rear wheel drive, naturally aspirated 4.3-litre V8. In 2012 a lighter, slightly more powerful variant, the California 30 was introduced. In 2014, Ferrari announced the second generation of the model, named California T powered by a new twin-turbo 3.9-litre V8.
The car revives the name used on the late-1950s Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder and the 1960s 365 California. The modern California (2008) was originally introduced as an entry level model, however, it included many new design innovations from Ferrari. The original base price of the California was similar to the base price of the F430, the company's V8 flagship sports car at the time of its introduction. In 2018, the California was succeeded by the Portofino.
Ferrari California (2008–2014)
The California was launched at the October 2008 Paris Motor Show. When introduced, the California represented a new fourth model range for Ferrari. The new model range (front-engine, eight cylinder grand touring sports car) joined the then current models: the mid-engine eight cylinder sports car, the mid-engine twelve cylinder sports car, and the front-engine twelve cylinder grand touring car.
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Common 2012 Ferrari California problems
Common problems with the Ferrari California 2012, based on complaints from owners, include:
- Faulty Crankshaft: Some 2012 California models experienced a faulty crankshaft due to incorrect machining, leading to engine seizure and sudden shutdown of the vehicle.
- Airbag Inflator Defect: Certain 2009-2011 California models were equipped with airbag inflators that were assembled improperly. In the event of a crash, these inflators could rupture, posing a safety risk.
- Gearbox Issues: Some owners have reported gearbox problems in earlier California models, including missing gears and gearbox failure lights indicating a need for replacement.
- Spark Plug Wear: Due to the nature of direct injection engines, spark plugs in the Ferrari California 2012 may wear down more quickly, accumulating oil and grease from combustion, requiring regular maintenance.
- Convertible Leakage: Convertible owners may face leaks due to worn linings in the roof, necessitating careful inspection and maintenance to prevent interior damage.
- Convertible Stowage Mechanism: Reports indicate that the mechanism for retracting and deploying the hard top in the Ferrari California 2012 may short out, leading to failures in opening or closing the top, potentially causing abrupt movements that could damage the vehicle.
These issues highlight the importance of thorough maintenance and inspection when owning a Ferrari California 2012 to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the vehicle.
Are older Ferraris reliable?
Ferrari has evolved over the years, with many technological advancements being made. Thus, older models may be less reliable than newer ones due to outdated technology. However, this is not always the case, as many older Ferrari models were built with exceptional quality and durability.
What is the top speed of the Ferrari California 2012?
Ferrari California Performance
Sitting next to the flagship 612 Scaglietti in Ferrari's prestigious sporty Grand Tourer segment, the California features a naturally aspirated 4.3L V8 engine that produces up to 453 hp at 7,750 rpm and 357 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. Its top speed comes in a 193 mph.
How much horsepower does a 2012 Ferrari California T have?
453-horsepower
Driving the Used 2012 Ferrari California
A 453-horsepower V8 engine and F1-style dual-clutch 7-speed automatic transmission are nothing to thumb one's nose at, but we're sure some supercar enthusiasts will do so anyway.
Is a Ferrari California fast?
Ferrari reports that the California has a top speed of 193 mph and can blast from 0 to 62 mph in less than four seconds.
2012 Ferrari California car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ferrari California problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Ferrari California vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2012 Ferrari California complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Ferrari California.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-06
- VIN: ZFF65LJA6C0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: LONG ISLAND FERRARI DEALER KEEPS TELLING ME THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-10-16
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FERRARI CALIFORNIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V211000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE NOT READILY AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT WITH THE DEALER FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH AND HAD NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED DUE TO THE PARTS NOT BEING AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 2,500. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
2012 Ferrari California recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2012 Ferrari California.
- Manufacturer: Ferrari North America, Inc.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2005-2009 430, 2019-2020 488 Pista, 2016 F60 America, 2005-2011 612 Scaglietti, 2010-2011 612, 2018-2022 812, 2020-2022 F8 Spider, 2020-2022 F8 Tributo, 2021-2022 Roma, 2009-2017 California, 2015-2017 California T, 2013-2017 F12 Berlinetta, 2017 F12 TDF, 2012-2016 FF, 2017-2020 GTC4 Lusso, 2018-2020 GTC4 Lusso T, 2013-2015 LaFerrari, 2017 LaFerrari Aperta, and 2019-2022 Portofino vehicles. The brake fluid reservoir cap may not vent properly, creating a vacuum inside the brake fluid reservoir, and resulting in a brake fluid leak that may lead to a partial or total loss of brake function.
- Consequence: A loss of brake function can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap and update the software to provide a new warning message for low brake fluid, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 22, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2022. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is RC 80. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-833.
- Manufacturer: Ferrari North America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2012 Ferrari California, 458 Italia, 458 Spider, and FF vehicles that have not already had their passenger frontal air bag replaced. These passenger frontal air bag modules have air bag inflators that may explode in the event of a crash due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag assembly with one that uses an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 19, 2018. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is 61. Note: This recall supersedes recall 17V-018.
Positive 2012 Ferrari California car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2012 Ferrari California problems:
So I got rid of my 2010 Ferrari California....... | FerrariChat
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What are some of the problems with owning a Ferrari California T ...
Sep 8, 2023 ... 1. Insurance was high. · 2. If you use it as a daily driver, you may need to fill it every 2–3 days. · 3. Parts were never really available. · 4.
California reliability? | FerrariChat
Roof and transmission are the two faults that seem to crop up most here on F chat. In both cases, sensors more than mechanical issues. Dealer ...
Ferrari california what to know : r/Ferrari
Nov 26, 2023 ... It needs the engine mounts replaced (slight vibration at idle) and that's a common problem. Mine has not had this issue but I know There is also ...
My Experience with a California T | FerrariChat
It seems the most frequent issues I've observed on FerrariChat relate to the DCT, retractable roof, and battery/electronic problems. I've ...
Other years of Ferrari California
Are you having problems with your 2012 Ferrari California?
Vladimir Hudson 2024-07-09
Fast and fun to drive