Ferrari F355 problems
The Ferrari F355 (Type F129) is a sports car manufactured by Italian car manufacturer Ferrari produced from May 1994 until 1999. The car is a heavily revised Ferrari 348 with notable exterior and performance changes. The F355 was succeeded by the all-new Ferrari 360 in 1999.
Design emphasis for the F355 was placed on significantly improved performance, as well as drivability across a wider range of speeds and in different environments (such as low-speed city traffic).
Specifications
Apart from the displacement increase from 3.4 L (3,405 cc) to 3.5 L (3,495 cc), the major difference between the V8 engine in the 348 and F355 is the introduction of a 5-valve cylinder head. This new head design allowed for better intake permeability and resulted in an engine that was considerably more powerful, generating a maximum power output 380 PS (279 kW; 375 hp) at 8,250 rpm and 363 N⋅m (268 lb⋅ft) of at 6,000 rpm. The longitudinally mounted 90° V8 engine was stroked by 2 mm over the 348's engine (77 mm rather than 75 mm), resulting in the small increase in displacement. Engine internals are produced using lightweight materials; the connecting rods are forged in Ti6-Al-4V titanium alloy. The engine's compression ratio is 11:1 and employs the Bosch Motronic 2.7 engine control unit in the 1995 model year, later changed to the M5.2 in 1996 through end of production. The Motronic system controls the electronic fuel injection and ignition systems, with a single spark plug per cylinder. Engine lubrication is via a dry sump oiling system. The engine was designed by Paolo Martinelli.
The F355 addressed transmission issues that plagued the earlier models. A coolant heat-exchanger was installed which upon startup, warmed the gearbox oil quicker. A rod-driven actuation system, which replaces the 348's cable operated system, was also added for precise gear shifts.
The frame is a steel monocoque with tubular steel rear sub-frame with front and rear suspensions using independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs over gas-filled telescopic shock absorbers with electronic control servos and anti-roll bars. The car allows selection between two damper settings, "Comfort" and "Sport". The road-going models came with Pirelli tyres, size 225/40ZR 18 at the front and 265/40 ZR 18 at the rear. Although the F355 was equipped with power-assisted steering (intended to improve low-speed drivability relative to the outgoing 348), this could optionally be replaced with a manual steering rack setup by special order.
Aerodynamics for the car included over 1,300 hours of wind tunnel analysis. The car incorporates a nolder profile on the upper portion of the tail and a fairing on the underbody that generates downforce when the car is at speed.
The car's standard seats are upholstered with hides from Connolly leather, and are fitted asymmetrically in the car; this results in the driver being slightly closer to the car's centerline than the passenger.
At launch, the only model available was the Berlinetta. The Spider (convertible version), and the GTS (targa top model) were introduced in 1995. In 1997, the Formula One-style electrohydraulic-operated automated manual paddle-shift transmission was introduced and the cars equipped with this transmission were called 355 F1. The F355 was the last in the series of mid-engine Ferrari models with the Flying Buttress rear window, a lineage going back to the 1965 Dino 206 GT, unveiled at the Paris Auto Show.
The nomenclature does not follow the formula from the previous decades, i.e., engine capacity (in litres) followed by the number of cylinders (e.g. 246 = 2.4 litres, 6 cylinders, 308 = 3.0 litres, 8 cylinders, etc.). In naming the F355, Ferrari used engine capacity followed by the number of valves per cylinder (355 = 3.5 litre engine capacity and 5 valves per cylinder) to bring the performance advances introduced by a 5-valve per cylinder configuration into the forefront.
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Common Ferrari F355 problems
The Ferrari F355, produced from 1995 to 1999, is a highly regarded model among car enthusiasts for its beautiful design and impressive performance. However, as with any high-performance vehicle, the F355 comes with its own set of common problems that potential buyers should be aware of.
One of the most significant issues with the F355 is the engine. The 3.5-liter V8 engine, which produces 375 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque, is known to have problems with the valve guides. Ferrari used bronze valve guides in some models, which were prone to wearing out quickly, particularly in high-revving situations.
Speaking of engine-out services, the F355 requires a complete engine-out service every three to five years to change the timing belts, which can cost between $6,000 and $8,000, depending on where the service is performed.
Another common problem with the F355 is the exhaust manifolds, which are known to warp and crack over time. Replacing the exhaust manifolds can cost up to $4,000.
Tires are another area where the F355 can be costly to maintain. The rear tires typically last around 7,000 miles, while the front tires can last up to 15,000 miles. However, the cost of replacement tires can be high, with each tire costing around $700.
Other problem areas with the F355 include failed catalytic converters, which can cascade into further repairs, and the F1 transmission, which lacks the refinement of current dual-clutch gearboxes and may require expensive repairs if the F1 pump fails.
In summary, the Ferrari F355 is a high-performance vehicle with a number of common problems that potential buyers should be aware of. These issues include valve guide failure, expensive engine-out services, exhaust manifold cracking, failed actuators, high tire costs, and potential transmission problems. However, for those willing to accept the challenges and costs of owning an F355, it remains a highly regarded and desirable model among car enthusiasts.
How much is a Ferrari F355 worth?
A: The average price of a Ferrari F355 is $112,104.
Will the Ferrari F355 be a classic?
The F355 truly deserves the title of 'iconic' and in our eyes blends the modern and classic eras of Ferrari seamlessly.
Is the Ferrari F355 reliable?
A well maintained Ferrari will always be reliable and keep costs to a minimum. The 355 has been the best sounding engines and with the six speed manual makes for a great fun car to drive . The manual six speed is also less expensive to maintain .
Which Ferrari does not require engine out service?
The only cars on your list that do not need an engine-out major are 360 and 430. But an engine out major every "5" years is actually a good thing for the easy access to everything that you need to be checking and reworking anyway...
Percentage distribution of complaints by Ferrari F355 years
We have researched Ferrari problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Ferrari F355 cars and compiled the top 3 most problematic Ferrari F355 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Ferrari F355 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Ferrari F355 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Ferrari F355 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Ferrari F355 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Air bags problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Ferrari F355 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by F355 model years
A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by F355 model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by F355 model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ferrari F355 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Ferrari F355 vehicles.
List of Ferrari F355 complaints
Ferrari F355 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2014-12-01
- Date Complaint: 2018-07-23
- VIN: ZFFPR48B000
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THIS PARTICULAR CAR (APPROX. 3800 MANUFACTURED) UTILIZES A SEAT POSITION SWITCH (POTENTIOMETER #64978300) THAT MAKES SURE THAT THE SEAT IS CLEAR OF THE FOLDING CONVERTIBLE TOP FRAME WHEN IT FOLDS INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THERE IS ONE SWITCH ON EACH SEAT. WHEN LOWERING MY CONVERTIBLE TOP, THE SWITCH FAILED AND THE CONVERTIBLE TOP FOLDED ONTO A SEAT MOUNTED SEAT BELT BRACKET AS THE SEAT FAILED TO CLEAR OUT OF THE WAY. THE CONVERTIBLE ROOF FRAME BEGAN TO BUCKLE UNDER HYDRAULIC PRESSURE AS IT SCISSORED THE BRACKET. FORTUNATELY I CAUGHT IT IN TIME. THIS ACTIVITY OCCURRED INCHES FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF MY HEAD AND I CAN ONLY SPECULATE THAT EITHER THE ROOF FRAME WOULD HAVE JUMPED OFF THE BELT BRACKET OR THE PIVOT PIN ON THE FRAME COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY BROKEN POSSIBLY CAUSING A HEAD INJURY. I WILL NEVER KNOW THE EXACT OUTCOME AS LETTING THIS PROCESS CONTINUE COULD DO WELL OVER $10,000 IN DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. IN MY OPINION, THIS PART IS OVER-ENGINEERED AND UNDER-MANUFACTURED. THEY ARE PRONE TO FAIL AND THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF MY CAR HAD TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE SWITCH AT ELEVEN YEARS. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS PART IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE ANYWHERE ON THIS PLANET AND IF YOU CONSULT THE INTERNET, YOU WILL DISCOVER A COMMUNITY OF OWNERS WHO ARE ATTEMPTING "MAKE-SHIFT" REPAIRS OR DEFEATING THE SYSTEM ENTIRELY. THIS IS FAR FROM SAFE. I INITIATED CONTACT WITH FERRARI ON 9/1/2017 AND MY LAST CONTACT WAS 11/7/17. I DID NOT ASK THEM TO ACCEPT FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPAIRING THIS HAZARD, I MERELY SUGGESTED THEY FIND A WAY TO SOURCE THE PART. I BELIEVE A REPAIR COULD BE AS SIMPLE AS 3D PRINTING AN INTERNAL PART. THEIR INITIAL INTEREST HAS TURNED TO NINE MONTHS OF SILENCE. NOW I TURN TO YOU TO HOLD FERRARI RESPONSIBLE. AS IT WAS THEIR ENGINEERS THAT DECIDED TO INCORPORATE A SEAT MEMORY SWITCH INTO A SAFETY SYSTEM, LET THEM FIND A SOLUTION. A HAZARD EXISTS.
Ferrari F355 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2011-01-03
- Date Complaint: 2011-01-06
- VIN: ZFFXR48A1W0
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 1998 FERRARI 355. CONSUMER STATES THAT HE RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THE FUEL DIVIDER BLOCK. HE STATED THAT HE TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR AND AFTER THE REPAIRS THE VEHICLE NOW HAS MORE ISSUES. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED IT DIDN'T SOUND THE SAME. HE DROVE AROUND THE PARKING LOT AND NOTICED IT DIDN'T HAVE ANY POWER. THE CONSUMER ASKED THE MECHANIC TO TAKE A TEST DRIVE, AND THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. A DIAGNOSTIC TEST REVEALED THAT THE LEFT CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS RUNNING HOT. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO ANOTHER ESTABLISHMENT AND A DIAGNOSTICS REVEALED THE FUEL LINES THAT ENTERED THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FUEL DIVIDER BLOCK WERE BACKWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY WORKING ON 4 CYLINDERS, WHICH LED TO THE LEFT SIDE CATALYTIC CONVERTER OVERHEATING AND DAMAGING THE LEFT SIDE ECM. THE PROBLEM WAS A RESULT OF THE WORK THAT WAS PERFORMED BY THE PREVIOUS DEALER. *JB
Ferrari F355 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2009-10-15
- Date Complaint: 2010-02-22
- VIN: ZFFPR42A5S0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIRBAG ECU FAILURE IN 1995 FERRARI F355GTS. AIRBAG ECU FAILED DURING A NORMAL START CYCLE. CONVERSATIONS WITH OTHER F355 AND OTHER MODEL FERRARI OWNERS CONFIRM THIS IS COMMON FAILURE. SUSPICION IS THAT THE AIRBAG ECU FAILS WHEN SYSTEM VOLTAGE DROPS DURING CRANKING. AIRBAG ECU SHOULD BE ROBUST TO SURVIVE NORMAL USE AND OPERATION. *TR
Ferrari F355 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2009-12-22
- Date Complaint: 2009-12-23
- VIN: ZFFXR42A0W0
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FERRARI F355 GTS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION LETTER UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V447000, FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER DELIVERY HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. UNFORTUNATELY, THE NEAREST AUTHORIZED DEALER LOCATION WAS 200 MILES FROM HIS RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED; YET, THERE WERE NO RESOLUTIONS. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERN OF THE POTENTIAL SAFETY RISK. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
Ferrari F355 1996
- Date Of Incident: 2007-05-12
- Date Complaint: 2007-10-23
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2FPXR484270
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 1996 FERRARI SPYDER F355 CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CONSUMER STATES THAT AFTER THE INVESTIGATION IT WAS VERIFIED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A RUPTURE OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BURN INJURIES TO THE HEAD, SHOULDER, BACK, AND NECK. THE RECALL HAD BEEN PERFORMED TO PREVENT THE PROBLEM A POSSIBLE FIRE FROM OCCURRING, HOWEVER DESPITE THE RECALL FIX, THE VEHICLE STILL CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TR
Ferrari F355 1996
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-30
- Date Complaint: 1997-02-12
- VIN: ZFFXR48AXT0
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING LEAK.
Latest 5 recalls Ferrari F355
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 13 recalls for different components of the Ferrari F355.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Ferrari F355 1998
- Report Received Date: 2009-11-19
- Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA INC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: FERRARI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 1999 FERRARI 355 AND 355 F1 VEHICLES. INDEPENDENT AUTOMOBILE REPAIR FACILITIES MAY HAVE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED CERTAIN SCREW CLAMPS THAT ARE LOCATED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE FUEL LINES AND THAT FASTEN THE WATER SLEEVE TO THE THERMOSTAT CONNECTION. THE IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THESE SCREW CLAMPS MAY DAMAGE THE FUEL SUPPLY PIPES.
- Consequence: FLUID COULD LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CAUSING SMOKE AND, IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES, A FIRE, RENDERING THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE AND POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FUEL DIVIDER BLOCK, WHICH WILL SERVE TO PROVIDE A GREATER DISTANCE BETWEEN THESE SCREW CLAMPS AND THE FUEL LINES. THIS WILL ELIMINATE THE POSSIBILITY OF ANY DAMAGE TO THE FUEL SUPPLY PIPES WHICH COULD CAUSE FLUID LEAKAGE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FERRARI AT 1-201-816-2600.
- Model: Ferrari F355 1995
- Report Received Date: 2009-11-19
- Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA INC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: FERRARI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 1999 FERRARI 355 AND 355 F1 VEHICLES. INDEPENDENT AUTOMOBILE REPAIR FACILITIES MAY HAVE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED CERTAIN SCREW CLAMPS THAT ARE LOCATED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE FUEL LINES AND THAT FASTEN THE WATER SLEEVE TO THE THERMOSTAT CONNECTION. THE IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THESE SCREW CLAMPS MAY DAMAGE THE FUEL SUPPLY PIPES.
- Consequence: FLUID COULD LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CAUSING SMOKE AND, IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES, A FIRE, RENDERING THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE AND POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FUEL DIVIDER BLOCK, WHICH WILL SERVE TO PROVIDE A GREATER DISTANCE BETWEEN THESE SCREW CLAMPS AND THE FUEL LINES. THIS WILL ELIMINATE THE POSSIBILITY OF ANY DAMAGE TO THE FUEL SUPPLY PIPES WHICH COULD CAUSE FLUID LEAKAGE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FERRARI AT 1-201-816-2600.
- Model: Ferrari F355 1996
- Report Received Date: 2009-11-19
- Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA INC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: FERRARI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 1999 FERRARI 355 AND 355 F1 VEHICLES. INDEPENDENT AUTOMOBILE REPAIR FACILITIES MAY HAVE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED CERTAIN SCREW CLAMPS THAT ARE LOCATED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE FUEL LINES AND THAT FASTEN THE WATER SLEEVE TO THE THERMOSTAT CONNECTION. THE IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THESE SCREW CLAMPS MAY DAMAGE THE FUEL SUPPLY PIPES.
- Consequence: FLUID COULD LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CAUSING SMOKE AND, IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES, A FIRE, RENDERING THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE AND POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FUEL DIVIDER BLOCK, WHICH WILL SERVE TO PROVIDE A GREATER DISTANCE BETWEEN THESE SCREW CLAMPS AND THE FUEL LINES. THIS WILL ELIMINATE THE POSSIBILITY OF ANY DAMAGE TO THE FUEL SUPPLY PIPES WHICH COULD CAUSE FLUID LEAKAGE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FERRARI AT 1-201-816-2600.
- Model: Ferrari F355 1998
- Report Received Date: 1998-09-14
- Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSSENGER VEHICLES. FUEL TANK DAMAGE COULD HAVE OCCURRED DURING INSTALLATION OF THE SCREWS ON THE SOFT TOP MECHANISM COVERS.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE FUEL TANK, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANKS FOR LEAKS. IF LEAKS ARE FOUND, THE FUEL TANK WILL BE REPLACED. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE SOFT TOP MECHANISM COVER SCREWS TO VERIFY PROPER LENGTH. IF THE SCREWS ARE FOUND TO BE THE WRONG LENGTH, CORRECT LENGTH SCREWS WILL BE INSTALLED.
- Model: Ferrari F355 1998
- Report Received Date: 1998-06-15
- Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA
- Components: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TORQUE ON THE POWER STEERING COLUMN NUT IS INSUFFICIENT.
- Consequence: IMPAIRMENT OF THE VEHICLE HANDLING COULD RESULT.
- Remedy: DWEALERS WILL INSPECT THE PROPER POSITION OF THE SPLINES ON THE POWER STEERING COLUMN EXTENSION AND TIGHTEN THE BOLT.
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