1996 Ferrari F355 problems

General information about Ferrari-F355
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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 1996 Ferrari F355 problems

The Ferrari F355, produced from 1994 to 1999, is widely regarded as one of the best cars ever to come from Maranello. However, even this iconic vehicle has its share of common problems that potential buyers should be aware of.

Engine Issues: Despite the complexity of the F355's engine, it is surprisingly durable if serviced well. However, there is an issue with some engines where the soft valve guides wear, causing the engine to burn oil. This generally only affects earlier pre-1996 cars, although no engine is immune.

Exhaust System: The F355’s catalytic converters are very expensive to buy from Ferrari, and are often replaced with straight-through pipes. If this is the case, it won’t pass a UK MoT test, so you should make sure that the cats are included with the car. If the originals are not working properly, specialists can rebuild them, but this is still an expensive job.

Exhaust Manifolds: The exhaust manifolds can, and eventually will crack. Listen for the usual ticking or blowing sound. This is why you might find aftermarket manifolds from the likes of Tubi on a lot of cars. The original Ferrari manifolds were notoriously weak, but can be repaired by a good specialist. The repaired manifolds' longevity depends on the quality of the repair, but have been known to outlast the originals.

Suspension Actuators: Actuators at the top of each of the F355’s shock absorbers that regulate damping force occasionally fail. Replacement is cheap as far as Ferrari fixes go, about $1000 each.

Tires: Rears last 7000 miles or so, the fronts roughly 15,000, usually at around $700 per tire. Make sure to have a Ferrari pro change the tires, as the magnesium wheels can be damaged by tire-changing equipment. Also, balance and alignment jobs on F355s are trickier than most.

Other Problem Areas: Failed catalytic converters can cascade into further repairs. Also, while the 355 F1 would debut Ferrari’s race-inspired automated gearbox starting in 1997, this transmission lacks the refinement of current dual-clutch gearboxes.

In conclusion, while the Ferrari F355 is a remarkable vehicle, potential buyers should be aware of these common issues to ensure they are prepared for any necessary repairs or maintenance.

How reliable is Ferrari 355?

Ferrari F355 common problems. General: the 355 ushered in a new generation of more reliable Ferraris, but there are still many things to look out for when you are buying a used example. Engine: despite the complexity of the engine, it is actually surprisingly durable if serviced well.

Is the Ferrari F355 rare?

Ferrari F355 'Serie Fiorano'

Ferrari made more than 11,000 of its legendary F355 models between 1994 and 1999. But perhaps the most exclusive of all are its limited edition 'Serie Fiorano' examples.

How much horsepower does a 1996 Ferrari F355 have?

380 hp

Available in the U.S. from 1995 to 1999, the F355 employed a 3.5-liter, 5-valve-per-cylinder V-8 motor that gave it 380 hp and one of the best Formula-one style shrieks Ferrari ever produced in a street car.

What is the top speed of a 1996 Ferrari F355 Spider?

Ferrari quotes the Spider's acceleration and braking specs as identical to the Berlinetta's, including its top speed of 183 mph.

1996 Ferrari F355 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ferrari F355 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Fuel system problems
Gasoline problems
Steering problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Ferrari F355 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1996 Ferrari F355 complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Ferrari F355.

2007-10-23

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2007-05-12
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

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1997-02-12

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-12-30
VIN: ZFFXR48AXT0
Components: STEERING
Summary: POWER STEERING LEAK.

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1996 Ferrari F355 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1996 Ferrari F355.

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.

1998-03-16

Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES FITTED WITH SINGLE FUEL PUMPS. THE FUEL INJECTION LINE FITTING CAN FRACTURE IF THE ALUMINUM NUT ATTACHING THE LINES IS TIGHTENED EXCESSIVELY.
Consequence: IF THE FUEL LINE FRACTURES, FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE FUEL INJECTION LINES THAT HAVE ALUMINUM NUTS AND REPLACE WITH NEW LINES CONTAINING STEEL ATTACHING NUTS.

1997-02-03

Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Summary: THE ELECTRIC MOTOR WHICH DRIVES THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) HYDRAULIC PUMP DOES NOT FUNCTION AFTER A PERIOD OF OPERATION.
Consequence: LOSS OF BRAKE BOOST WILL RESULT INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ABS HYDRAULIC PUMP ELECTRIC MOTOR.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1996 Ferrari F355 problems:

Here's Why You Should Never Buy A Ferrari F355

https://jalopnik.com/here-s-why-you-should-never-buy-a-ferrari-f355-1706976075

May 26, 2015 ... Ferrari famously fitted the 355 with weak bronze valve guides that fail under high RPM, or middle RPM, or low RPM, or if they hear you talking ...

Ferrari F355 Buyer's Guide: What You Need to Know

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15356898/ferrari-f355-buyers-guide-what-you-need-to-know-about-values-problems-and-more/

Feb 17, 2015 ... Also, the exhaust manifolds are known to warp and crack—replacing them costs up to $4000. SUSPENSION Actuators at the top of each of the F355's ...

Buying F355, need a list of things to look out for, am I missing ...

https://www.ferrarilife.com/threads/buying-f355-need-a-list-of-things-to-look-out-for-am-i-missing-somthing.19963/

Jan 27, 2013 ... ... issue with the 355, if ... This will be my first Ferrari and I don't want to miss a common problem. ... buying 1996 F355 with new engine! help. Hi ...