1991 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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Common 1991 Ferrari Testarossa problems
The Ferrari Testarossa, produced between 1984 and 1991, is a classic mid-engine sports car with a distinctive design and a powerful 4.9-liter flat-12 engine. While it is a highly desirable car, it is not without its common problems, which can be grouped into several categories: fuel system, electrical issues, body corrosion, and plug lead extensions.
- Body Corrosion: The Testarossa is prone to body corrosion, particularly around the seals and along the length of the car. This can be a difficult problem to address once it has started, so it is essential to inspect the seals thoroughly before purchasing a Testarossa and ensure that the car is well-sealed to protect it from future corrosion .
- Plug Lead Extensions: Plug lead extensions, which run from the end of the spark plug lead to the top of the spark plug, can break down over time, leading to arcing into the cylinder head and causing misfires. These components are not too expensive to replace and can be fitted at home, but they are a common issue that Testarossa owners may encounter .
In summary, the Ferrari Testarossa is a classic mid-engine sports car with a unique design and a powerful engine. However, it is not without its common problems, which include fuel system issues, electrical concerns, body corrosion, and plug lead extensions. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues and ensure that the car they are considering is in good condition and has been well-maintained.
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 is the top speed of the 1991 Testarossa?
180 mph
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.
How much is a 1991 Ferrari Testarossa?
For the most part it has decreased, especially when you consider inflation as $181,000 in 1991 translates to $373,625 in year 2022 dollars. The average price of a Ferrari Testarossa over the last five years is $126,112.
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.
1991 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:
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Ferrari Testarossa vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1991 Ferrari Testarossa complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Ferrari Testarossa.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 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
1991 Ferrari Testarossa recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1991 Ferrari Testarossa.
- 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.
- 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1991 Ferrari Testarossa problems:
Testarossa common problem? | Ferrari Life Forum
Jul 2, 2006 ... The differentials on TRs are known to split internally increasing pressure on the housing until it ruptures and dumps all of the gear oil. If ...
Testarossa Seat Belt Retractors (a common ... - FerrariChat.com
... Testarossa Seat Belt Retractors (a common problem?) ... Interesting thing these Ferrari "recalls ... Nevertheless, I did find another recall for the ...
1991 Ferrari testarossa engine power problem | Ferrari Life Forum
Aug 31, 2004 ... It sounds like you're having problems making power under load. First step is to make sure your car is in good operating order. That means a tune ...
Ferrari Testarossa 91, Slowdown Problems | FerrariChat
... being a common failure (myself included). There is no "intelligent" connection between these slowdown warning light ECUs and the TR engine ...
Would a relatively old Ferrari Testarossa require a lot of ...
Feb 8, 2017 ... ... problems. Cabin ... As below! Testarossa. Overview. Production. 1984–1991 (7,177 produced)[3] [10] ... Ferrari, it's fairly common.) Expect $5000 ...
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