1987 Ferrari Testarossa problems

Common 1987 Ferrari Testarossa problems

The Ferrari Testarossa, produced in 1987, is a mid-engine sports car with a distinctive design that has become a symbol of the 1980s. Despite its popularity and iconic status, the Testarossa has several common problems that potential buyers should be aware of.

One of the most frequently reported issues is related to the fuel injection system, which can cause cold and hot starting problems. This is due to the car's complicated fuel injection system, which can lead to difficulties when starting the car in both cold and hot conditions.

Another issue with the Testarossa is its high ownership cost. The standard insurance for a Ferrari has an average cost of $5,508 per year, and repairs and maintenance costs are also pricey.

The Testarossa's packaging also presents some challenges. Due to the radiators being located at the back of the car, the Testarossa is half a foot wider than its predecessor, which can make it difficult to fit in some garages or parking spaces

. Additionally, the gearbox is located under the engine, which raises the center of gravity and compromises the car's handling.

The Testarossa's engine is also prone to overheating, which can lead to issues with the catalytic converter and the exhaust system.

Other common issues with the Testarossa include problems with the charging system, which can be overloaded by aftermarket stereos and alarm systems.

In summary, while the Ferrari Testarossa is an iconic and desirable car, potential buyers should be aware of the common problems associated with its fuel injection system, high ownership costs, packaging challenges, overheating issues, and problems with the charging system and motherboard.

Is a 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 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.

What is so special about Ferrari Testarossa?

One of the Testarossa's most distinctive design elements was the side strakes, also known as 'cheese graters'. These strakes, running along each door, weren't just for looks. They cleverly concealed the large intakes needed to cool the car's powerful mid-mounted 12-cylinder engine.

What is the top speed of the 1987 Ferrari Testarossa?

Power for the Testarossa came from a mid-mounted, 4.9-liter, 48-valve, flat-12, which produced 380 horsepower and 361 ft-lb of torque—enough to propel the car to 60 mph in just over five seconds and on to a top speed just shy of 180 mph.

1987 Ferrari Testarossa car problems categorized by type of issue

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

• Seat belts problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Ferrari Testarossa vehicle components and the number of complaints received.