2014 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.

2014 Ferrari California

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Common 2014 Ferrari California problems

The Ferrari California, produced from 2008 to 2014, is known for its NA 4.3L V8 engine and retractable hard top convertible design. While it is often criticized by enthusiasts for being the "worst" car in Ferrari's lineup, it offers a unique blend of performance and comfort at a significantly lower price point in the used car market compared to other Ferrari models.

One common issue with the Ferrari California is the need for replacement of all four shock absorbers, which can cost around £5,000 to £6,000 just for parts, not including labor

. This is due to the expensive nature of Ferrari parts.

Another problem is related to the front bumper, which may require repair and repainting if it has been damaged, as seen in one owner's case where a golf cart allegedly hit the car

The car may also display various warning lights on the dashboard, including a check engine light, parking sensor failure, suspension control system failure, airbag system failure, and hand brake or parking brake failure

. These issues may require professional diagnosis and repair.

The California's engine, while powerful and thrilling, may also face spark plug wear due to being a direct injection vehicle, leading to the need for more frequent replacement.

Additionally, as a convertible, the California is prone to leaks due to worn lining in the roof, requiring regular inspection of the seals to avoid interior damage.

The car's convertible stowage mechanism may also experience issues, particularly in earlier models, where some owners have reported missing gears and the gearbox failure light indicating the need for replacement.

Lastly, the California's engine cooling system, specifically the recall related to faulty crankshafts in certain 2012 models, can lead to engine seizure and sudden shutdown.

While these issues may seem daunting, they are common challenges faced by owners of high-performance vehicles like the Ferrari California. Regular maintenance, inspections, and addressing problems promptly can help ensure a satisfying ownership experience.

2014 Ferrari California engine

Is the Ferrari California T reliable?

Being a niche car, the California and California T was absent from our latest What Car? Reliability Survey. As a brand, Ferrari didn't make an appearance either. That said, owners have yet to report any major issues regarding the model.

What are the challenges faced by Ferrari?

Here are some of the notable challenges: Financial Struggles: Ferrari encountered financial difficulties several times, especially in the early years of the company. Balancing the cost of racing, developing new cars, and maintaining a high level of engineering excellence was a constant challenge.

How much is a 2014 Ferrari California?

Prices for a used 2014 Ferrari California currently range from $99,998 to $134,900, with vehicle mileage ranging from 4,442 to 23,658. Find used 2014 Ferrari California inventory at a TrueCar Certified Dealership near you by entering your zip code and seeing the best matches in your area.

How fast is the 2014 Ferrari California?

194 mph

2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 Ferrari California

Pricing
Base priceCA$239,900
0-100 km/h3.8 s
80-120 km/hN/A
Top speed312 km/h (194 mph)

2014 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

The graph below shows statistics for all 2014 Ferrari California vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2014 Ferrari California complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2014 Ferrari California.

2019-12-02

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-01-01
  • VIN: ZFF65TJA9E0
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FERRARI CALIFORNIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V006000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. FERRARI OF WASHINGTON (45235 TOWLERN PL, STERLING, VA 20166, (703) 478-3606) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

2014 Ferrari California recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2014 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.
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.

Positive 2014 Ferrari California car reviews

  1. Floy Abbott 2024-04-16

    It's easy to get distracted by all the thumbs-up you receive on the road - but just enjoy it!

  2. Chance Cruickshank 2024-04-10

    Fast and fun to drive

Leave your review of 2014 Ferrari California

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2014 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- ...

What are some of the problems with owning a Ferrari California T ...
What are some of the problems with owning a Ferrari California T ...
https://www.quora.com/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
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 ...

Q&A: 1985 Ferrari Mondial - Common Problems & Solutions
Q&A: 1985 Ferrari Mondial - Common Problems & Solutions
https://www.justanswer.com/car/40ysk-1985-ferrari-mondial-qv-car-cranks.html

Sep 23, 2010 ... What causes intermittent failure in my 1985 Ferrari ... I purchased a 2014 ferrari California last week and changed my key battery last night.

My Experience with a California T | FerrariChat
My Experience with a California T | FerrariChat
https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/my-experience-with-a-california-t.584975/

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

ferrari california 2010 photo
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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ferrari california 2014 photo
California 2014
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