2013 Ferrari California problems

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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.

2013 Ferrari California

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Common 2013 Ferrari California problems

The Ferrari California, introduced in 2009, was designed to be a more affordable Ferrari option. While it has proven to be a comfortable and reliable vehicle, there are some common problems that owners have reported

  • Engine Failure: The 2013 Ferrari California can experience engine failure, particularly around the 50,000 km mark. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including issues with the crankshaft, engine cooling, and airbag systems.
  • Gearbox Issues: Some owners of earlier California models have reported gearbox issues, including missing gears and the gearbox failure light. These issues may indicate the need for a gearbox replacement.
  • Spark Plug Wear: As with many direct injection vehicles, the spark plugs in the California can wear down more easily due to the multiple fires during combustion. This can lead to a buildup of oil and grease, which can cause further issues.
  • Convertible Leakage: Due to the nature of convertible vehicles, the California can experience leaks in the roof lining. It is important to regularly check the seals to avoid interior damage.
  • Convertible Stowage Mechanism: The stowage mechanism for the convertible top can also cause issues, particularly in earlier models. However, there have been no recalls related to these issues for the 2013 model year.
  • Engine Mounts: Engine mounts can sag, requiring replacement. This is not unique to the California, but it is a common issue that can occur with any car.
  • Airbag Recall: Certain 2009-2011 models of the California were equipped with airbag inflators that were assembled improperly. In the event of a crash with airbag deployment, these inflators may rupture due to long-term exposure to humidity and temperature variations.
  • Airbag Orientation: Certain 2015 models of the California T may have airbags that deploy at a rotated orientation, which can be a serious safety issue.

When considering purchasing a Ferrari California, it is important to pay attention to the number of miles, detailed service records, and any recall reports. While the California has proven to be a reliable and comfortable vehicle, these common issues should be taken into consideration.

2013 Ferrari California engine

How fast is a 2013 Ferrari California?

193 mph

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 is a 2013 Ferrari California?

Prices for a used 2013 Ferrari California currently range from $97,248 to $119,500, with vehicle mileage ranging from 7,235 to 12,322. Find used 2013 Ferrari California inventory at a TrueCar Certified Dealership near you by entering your zip code and seeing the best matches in your area.

How long will a Ferrari engine last?

But driven normally (a Ferrari?), the engine should be good for 200,000-300,000 kms without major surgery.

What is the 0 100 of a 2013 Ferrari California?

3.8 s

2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 Ferrari California

Pricing
Base priceCA$249,900
Towing capacityN/A
Performance
0-100 km/h3.8 s (manufacturer)

2013 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:

  • Service brakes problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2013 Ferrari California vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2013 Ferrari California complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2013 Ferrari California.

2018-03-11

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-06-01
  • VIN: ZFF65TJA4D0
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: I WAS IN MY FERRARI CALIFORNIA COMING TO PICK UP MY FRIEND (A DATE). I PULLED THE LITTLE LEVER ON THE LEFT OF THE STEERING WHEEL TO PUT THE CAR INTO PARK. I PULLED IT TWICE TO MAKE SURE THAT THE CAR WAS IN PARK...THAT WAS MY MISTAKE SINCE THE SECOND PULL TOOK THE CAR OUT OF PARK. I DID NOT REALIZE THAT THE CAR WAS NOW OUT OF PARK. I CAME TO EXIT THE CAR TO OPEN THE PASSENGER DOOR FOR MY DATE. AS I GOT OUT THE CAR STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS DOWN THE SLOPED STREET. I HAD TO THROW MYSELF INTO THE CAR LIKE A STUNTMAN TO SLAM ON THE BREAKS AND PREVENT THE CAR FROM ROLLING DOWN THE STREET AND POSSIBLY KILLING SOMEONE. THE CAR DRIVER DOOR WAS OPEN AS I EXITED THE CAR. IF I DID NOT LEAP BACK INTO THE CAR, I RISKED GETTING RUN OVER SINCE I HAD NOWHERE TO GO AS THE CAR ROLLED BACKWARDS. I COULD NOT GO FORWARD OR BACK OR TO THE LEFT. MY ONLY OPTION TO PREVENT THE CAR FROM RUNNING ME OVER WAS A HEROIC LEAP BACK INTO THE CAR. THE WAY THIS CAR IS PUT INTO PARK HAS SERIOUS PROBLEMS. PULLING THAT LEVER SHOULD ALWAYS PUT THE CAR IN PARK. PULLING IT MULTIPLE TIMES SHOULD ENSURE THE CAR IS IN PARK. THIS IS NOT CURRENTLY THE CASE.

2013 Ferrari California recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2013 Ferrari California.

2022-07-26
  • 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.
2018-01-09
  • Manufacturer: Ferrari North America, Inc.
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
  • Summary: On January 9, 2018 Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) recalled 1,073 model year 2013 California, 458 Italia, 458 Spider, FF, and F12 Berlinetta vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. On May 18, 2018, Ferrari expanded the recall to include an additional 826 model year 2013 California, 458 Italia, 458 Spider, FF, and F12 Berlinetta vehicles located throughout the rest of the United States. 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 1, 2018 for the original population. The recall will begin in June 2018 for the expanded population. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-866-551-2828. Ferrari's number for this recall is 63.

Positive 2013 Ferrari California car reviews

  1. Alec Stehr 2024-01-24

    Fast and fun to drive

Leave your review of 2013 Ferrari California

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2013 Ferrari California problems:

So I got rid of my 2010 Ferrari California....... | FerrariChat
So I got rid of my 2010 Ferrari California....... | FerrariChat
https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/so-i-got-rid-of-my-2010-ferrari-california.534607/

These are exotic cars after all. Look back at the issues in other Fcars with expensive engine-out service, defective exhaust headers, short- ...

Common issues and fixes. | Maserati Forum
Common issues and fixes. | Maserati Forum
https://www.maseratilife.com/threads/common-issues-and-fixes.67545/

Sep 17, 2015 ... I love the lines of the Ferrari California but its price pre owned (as you know ) is twice the Maserati GT's and I do not want a convertible so ...

California reliability? | FerrariChat
California reliability? | FerrariChat
https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/california-reliability.562981/

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 ...

Advice on buying a used BMW 750i 2013-2015 - 7Post - 7 Series ...
Advice on buying a used BMW 750i 2013-2015 - 7Post - 7 Series ...
https://www.7post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1499434

May 24, 2018 ... I had a 750i and it was the best car I've ever driven. I also own a Ferrari California so that says a lot. I didn't have any mechanical problems ...

Ferrari California engine failure 50,000km ? | FerrariChat
Ferrari California engine failure 50,000km ? | FerrariChat
https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/ferrari-california-engine-failure-50-000km.388465/

Wanted to know if the Ferrari California has any engine or technical problems after 50000km which is around 31000 miles ?

Other years of Ferrari California

ferrari california 2014 photo
California 2014
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California 2010
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ferrari california 2011 photo
California 2011
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ferrari california 2012 photo
California 2012
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ferrari california 2013 photo
California 2013
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