Ferrari Testarossa problems
The Ferrari Testarossa (Type F110) is a 12-cylinder mid-engine sports car manufactured by Ferrari, which went into production in 1984 as the successor to the Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer. The Pininfarina-designed car was originally produced from 1984 until 1991, with two model revisions following the end of Testarossa production called the 512 TR and F512 M, which were produced from 1992 until 1996. Including revised variations, almost 10,000 cars in total were produced, making it at the time one of the most mass-produced Ferrari models.
The Testarossa is a two-door coupé that premiered at the 1984 Paris Auto Show. All versions of the Testarossa were available with a rear-mounted, five-speed manual transmission. The rear mid-engine design (engine between the axles but behind the cabin) keeps the centre of gravity in the middle of the car, which increases stability and improves the car's cornering ability, and thus results in a standing weight distribution of 40% front: 60% rear.
The original Testarossa was re-engineered for the 1992 model year and was introduced as the 512 TR (TR meaning TestaRossa), at the Los Angeles Auto Show, effectively as a completely new car, and an improved weight distribution of 41% front, 59% rear. Another new variant called the F512 M was introduced at the 1994 Paris Auto Show. The car dropped the TR initials and added the M which in Italian stood for modificata, or translated to modified, and was the final version of the Testarossa, which continued its predecessor's weight distribution improvement of 42% front, 58% rear. The F512 M was Ferrari's last vehicle that featured the flat-12 engine.
The Testarossa is a recognized cultural icon of the 1980s, and was popularized by media including the 1984 television series Miami Vice (from the 1986 season onward) and Sega's 1986 video game Out Run.
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Ferrari Testarossa model years
Common Ferrari Testarossa problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Ferrari Testarossa, several common problems have been identified:
- Fuel Metering Units Issues:
- Lack of use can cause fuel to go stale and gum up inside the metering units, leading to problems.
- Repairing these units can be costly, but reconditioning them internally is a cost-effective solution.
- Lack of use can result in the need for rebalancing and changing parts inside the metering units.
- Tachometric Relay Problems:
- The tachometric relay is responsible for injecting fuel into the car during ignition.
- Symptoms include difficulty starting the car, similar to a dead battery, which can be resolved by repairing or replacing the relay.
- Repairing the internals of the tachometric relay is a cost-effective solution for this issue.
- Body Corrosion Concerns:
- Body corrosion, especially around the seals and along the length of the car, is a common problem in Testarossas.
- It is crucial to thoroughly inspect the seals before purchasing a Testarossa to address potential corrosion issues.
- Once corrosion starts, it can be challenging to manage, emphasizing the importance of proactive inspection and maintenance.
- Plug Lead Extensions Troubles:
- Plug lead extensions, running from the end of the lead to the spark plug, can degrade over time, leading to misfires and spark plug issues.
- These extensions are relatively inexpensive to purchase and easy to fit, making them a manageable problem for Testarossa owners.
- Addressing misfires caused by faulty plug lead extensions is essential to ensure proper engine performance and prevent potential damage.
These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance, proactive inspections, and addressing issues promptly to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of Ferrari Testarossa cars.
Is the Ferrari Testarossa reliable?
According to the Ferrari Doctor, it's very reliable, too - if (and this is an "if" as big as the Testarossa's rear end) you have the money to spend on preventive maintenance. The engine needs to be removed every 30,000 miles (or five years) to change the timing belts and adjust the valves.
What is the problem with the Testarossa?
The problems that the Testarossa was conceived to fix included a cabin that got increasingly hot from the indoor plumbing that ran between the front-mounted radiator and the midships-mounted engine and a lack of luggage space.
Is a Testarossa a good investment?
Is The Ferrari Testarossa A Good Investment Car? Owning a Ferrari Testarossa isn't just about driving a cool car - it's an investment that can grow over time. Ever since the last Testarossa rolled off the production line in 1996, the value of these cars has seen quite the journey.
What problems is Ferrari facing?
Poor reliability and sluggish speed
But what the Scuderia didn't foresee were the reliability issues that blighted Charles Leclerc's Bahrain Grand Prix and which will have a knock-on effect for the remaining 22 races.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Ferrari Testarossa years
We have researched Ferrari problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Ferrari Testarossa cars and compiled the top 4 most problematic Ferrari Testarossa model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Ferrari Testarossa model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Ferrari Testarossa years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Ferrari Testarossa car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Ferrari Testarossa , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Seat belts problems
- Service brakes problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Ferrari Testarossa vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Testarossa 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 Testarossa 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 Testarossa model years
There were a total of 2 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 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ferrari Testarossa . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Ferrari Testarossa vehicles.
List of Ferrari Testarossa complaints
Ferrari Testarossa 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-01
- Date Complaint: 2021-12-30
- VIN: zffsg17a8j0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: The contact's son owns a 1988 Ferrari Testarossa. The contact stated that vehicle was manufactured with an electrical seat belt that would recline once an occupant was seated in either the driver’s or passenger’s side seat. The contact stated that the track for the passenger side seat belt was defective and would not recline with an occupant seated in the passenger’s seat. The seat belt warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 03V142000 (Seat Belts) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and informed him that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
Ferrari Testarossa 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-16
- Date Complaint: 2019-05-27
- VIN: ZFFSG17A8L0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE PASSIVE SEAT BELT ON PASSENGER SIDE BROKE DOWN CAME APART ON IT'S OWN, LIKE DANGLING SNAKE JUST HANGING LOOSELY. THIS WAS FIRST FIXED BY FERRARI RECALL ON JUN 9, 2003. IT FAILED AGAIN. FERRARI REFUSES TO WARRANTY/PAY FOR THIS. THIS HAPPENED WHEN CAR WAS STATIONARY AT THE FERRARI DEALER/SHOP IN LAS VEGAS NV
Ferrari Testarossa 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-11
- Date Complaint: 2014-07-11
- Crash: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: ABSOLUTELY FREAKING RIDICULOUS THAT I CAN'T BUY ATE SUPER BLUE BRAKE FLUID. BECAUSE IT'S BLUE? WELL, WHODA THUNK??? FIGURE OUT SOMETHING MORE IMPORTANT TO LEGISLATE INTO OBLIVION, LIKE IDIOT DRIVERS THAT MAKE ME USE MY SUPER BLUE BRAKE FLUID THAT I NOW HAVE TO HAVE SOMEONE BUY IN THE EU AND REPACKAGE IT TO SEND IT TO ME HERE IN THE US - THE LAND OF THE FREE (YEAH RIGHT) AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE (UNLESS IT COMES TO THE COLOR OF BRAKE FLUID!!!) FIND SOMETHING MORE WORTHWHILE TO DO, PLEASE!!! *TR
Ferrari Testarossa 1990
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-08
- Date Complaint: 2003-03-10
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY WAS INOPERATIVE. AT TIMES IT BECAME EXTREMELY TIGHT AND DID NOT RELEASE AT OTHER TIMES IT DID NOT FULLY ENGAGE. BOTH SITUATIONS WERE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. *TT *JB
Ferrari Testarossa 1987
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-17
- Date Complaint: 2002-06-17
- VIN: 2FFSG17A1H0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DEALERSHIP WANTS TO CHARGE CONSUMER RECALL REPAIR WORK. HOWEVER, PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE.*AK. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT DEALER WOULD FURNISH THE PARTS, HOWEVER CONSUMER WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LABOR.*JB
Ferrari Testarossa 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1998-05-15
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: ZFFSG17A5J0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: SPONTANEOUS ENGINE FIRE OCCURRED WHILE CRUISING AT HIGHWAY SPEED.
Ferrari Testarossa 1987
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1997-09-08
- VIN: ZFFSG17A2H0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: MOTORIZED SEAT BELTS FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL, CONSUMER NOT NOTIFIED OF RECALL (88V-186). *AK
Latest 5 recalls Ferrari Testarossa
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the Ferrari Testarossa.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Ferrari Testarossa 1987
- Report Received Date: 2003-04-07
- Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. INCONSISTENT ELECTRICAL OPERATION OF THE AUTOMATIC TRACK ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN EXPERIENCED.
- Consequence: IF THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM EXPERIENCES AN ELECTRICAL OR MECHANICAL FAILURE, THE SEAT OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE FULLY PROTECTED.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL THE MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE PASSIVE SEAT BELT SYSTEM. THIS INCLUDES THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNITS, THE RETRACTOR MECHANISM, AND BOTH THE RIGHT AND LEFT MOTOR DRIVEN TRACK ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FERRARI AT 1-201-816-2651.
- Model: Ferrari Testarossa 1988
- Report Received Date: 2003-04-07
- Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. INCONSISTENT ELECTRICAL OPERATION OF THE AUTOMATIC TRACK ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN EXPERIENCED.
- Consequence: IF THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM EXPERIENCES AN ELECTRICAL OR MECHANICAL FAILURE, THE SEAT OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE FULLY PROTECTED.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL THE MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE PASSIVE SEAT BELT SYSTEM. THIS INCLUDES THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNITS, THE RETRACTOR MECHANISM, AND BOTH THE RIGHT AND LEFT MOTOR DRIVEN TRACK ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FERRARI AT 1-201-816-2651.
- Model: Ferrari Testarossa 1991
- Report Received Date: 2003-04-07
- Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. INCONSISTENT ELECTRICAL OPERATION OF THE AUTOMATIC TRACK ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN EXPERIENCED.
- Consequence: IF THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM EXPERIENCES AN ELECTRICAL OR MECHANICAL FAILURE, THE SEAT OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE FULLY PROTECTED.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL THE MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE PASSIVE SEAT BELT SYSTEM. THIS INCLUDES THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNITS, THE RETRACTOR MECHANISM, AND BOTH THE RIGHT AND LEFT MOTOR DRIVEN TRACK ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FERRARI AT 1-201-816-2651.
- Model: Ferrari Testarossa 1990
- Report Received Date: 2003-04-07
- Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. INCONSISTENT ELECTRICAL OPERATION OF THE AUTOMATIC TRACK ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN EXPERIENCED.
- Consequence: IF THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM EXPERIENCES AN ELECTRICAL OR MECHANICAL FAILURE, THE SEAT OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE FULLY PROTECTED.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL THE MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE PASSIVE SEAT BELT SYSTEM. THIS INCLUDES THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNITS, THE RETRACTOR MECHANISM, AND BOTH THE RIGHT AND LEFT MOTOR DRIVEN TRACK ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FERRARI AT 1-201-816-2651.
- Model: Ferrari Testarossa 1991
- Report Received Date: 1992-05-18
- Manufacturer: FERRARI NORTH AMERICA
- Components: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
- Summary: THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN LOCKNUT WAS MANUFACTURED WITH INFERIOR MATERIALS AND INFERIOR SELF-LOCKING PROPERTIES.
- Consequence: THE LOCKNUT CAN LOOSEN, CAUSING EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THESTEERING SYSTEM AND IMPAIRED HANDLING. THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLECONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE LOCKNUT WITH AN IMPROVED LOCKNUT.
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