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Ferrari 458 Italia / Spider F142 faults

5 faults documented by at least two sources, listed by version then by mileage at onset when known.

Good choice, check first
Reliability
4.0/5

5 known faults

Italia 4.5 V8 570 ch double embrayage 7 rapports

  1. Fire risk recall (glued wheel-arch liners)

    Manufacturer recall

    In 2010, Ferrari recalled 1,248 Ferrari 458 Italias after five fires in France, the United States, Switzerland and China. The cause was the glue fixing the rear wheel-arch liners: engine heat deformed the liner and the glue could ignite. The remedy is replacing the glue with mechanical fixings (AutoGuide). To be checked with the serial number.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    Italia 4.5 V8 570 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented
  2. Defective crankshaft on some 2012 cars (recall)

    Manufacturer recall

    PistonHeads reports that cars from around 2012, sold in the United States, left the factory with a crankshaft incorrectly fitted, which could cause the engine to seize, and that the recall concerned a few hundred cars. Transport Canada describes a poorly manufactured crankshaft on some 2012 458s, which could break and block the engine; the dealer repairs or replaces the engine. Check with the serial number that the recall has been carried out.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    Italia 4.5 V8 570 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 4.5 V8 570 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented
  3. Cracked exhaust manifolds

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    The original manifolds of early cars can crack (welds of the manifolds, according to a specialist workshop). Symptoms cited: ticking when cold, white residue in the engine bay. Cartest lists them among the major financial risks at purchase, and Deckers Auto mentions engine damage if the fault is ignored. Collecting Cars notes that updated parts have often been fitted under warranty.

    Versions
    Italia 4.5 V8 570 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 4.5 V8 570 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented
  4. Dual-clutch gearbox: sensors and clutch wear

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    PistonHeads notes that gearbox failures on early 458s are not unknown, that clutch problems are often solved by a software update or recalibration of the position sensors, and that a new clutch costs close to 20,000 pounds. Collecting Cars cites internal speed sensor failures on early gearboxes, once fixed by replacing the whole gearbox. Cartest advises measuring clutch wear before buying and negotiating beyond 70%. A Canadian workshop puts a clutch replacement at 7,000 to 10,000 dollars (currency not specified).

    Versions
    Italia 4.5 V8 570 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 4.5 V8 570 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Speciale 4.5 V8 605 ch double embrayage, Speciale A (Spider) 4.5 V8 605 ch double embrayage
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented
  5. Sticky buttons and dashboard leather

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    The soft-touch coating of the controls, steering column and top of the dashboard can become sticky (PistonHeads, Collecting Cars, Deckers Auto). The leather on the top of the dashboard can ripple or lift after sun exposure (PistonHeads, Collecting Cars). Not a roadworthiness defect, repairable by a specialist.

    Versions
    Italia 4.5 V8 570 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 4.5 V8 570 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Speciale 4.5 V8 605 ch double embrayage, Speciale A (Spider) 4.5 V8 605 ch double embrayage
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

Spider 4.5 V8 570 ch double embrayage 7 rapports

  1. Defective crankshaft on some 2012 cars (recall)

    Manufacturer recall

    PistonHeads reports that cars from around 2012, sold in the United States, left the factory with a crankshaft incorrectly fitted, which could cause the engine to seize, and that the recall concerned a few hundred cars. Transport Canada describes a poorly manufactured crankshaft on some 2012 458s, which could break and block the engine; the dealer repairs or replaces the engine. Check with the serial number that the recall has been carried out.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    Italia 4.5 V8 570 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 4.5 V8 570 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented
  2. Cracked exhaust manifolds

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    The original manifolds of early cars can crack (welds of the manifolds, according to a specialist workshop). Symptoms cited: ticking when cold, white residue in the engine bay. Cartest lists them among the major financial risks at purchase, and Deckers Auto mentions engine damage if the fault is ignored. Collecting Cars notes that updated parts have often been fitted under warranty.

    Versions
    Italia 4.5 V8 570 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 4.5 V8 570 ch double embrayage 7 rapports
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented
  3. Dual-clutch gearbox: sensors and clutch wear

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    PistonHeads notes that gearbox failures on early 458s are not unknown, that clutch problems are often solved by a software update or recalibration of the position sensors, and that a new clutch costs close to 20,000 pounds. Collecting Cars cites internal speed sensor failures on early gearboxes, once fixed by replacing the whole gearbox. Cartest advises measuring clutch wear before buying and negotiating beyond 70%. A Canadian workshop puts a clutch replacement at 7,000 to 10,000 dollars (currency not specified).

    Versions
    Italia 4.5 V8 570 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 4.5 V8 570 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Speciale 4.5 V8 605 ch double embrayage, Speciale A (Spider) 4.5 V8 605 ch double embrayage
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented
  4. Sticky buttons and dashboard leather

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    The soft-touch coating of the controls, steering column and top of the dashboard can become sticky (PistonHeads, Collecting Cars, Deckers Auto). The leather on the top of the dashboard can ripple or lift after sun exposure (PistonHeads, Collecting Cars). Not a roadworthiness defect, repairable by a specialist.

    Versions
    Italia 4.5 V8 570 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 4.5 V8 570 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Speciale 4.5 V8 605 ch double embrayage, Speciale A (Spider) 4.5 V8 605 ch double embrayage
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

Speciale 4.5 V8 605 ch double embrayage

  1. Dual-clutch gearbox: sensors and clutch wear

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    PistonHeads notes that gearbox failures on early 458s are not unknown, that clutch problems are often solved by a software update or recalibration of the position sensors, and that a new clutch costs close to 20,000 pounds. Collecting Cars cites internal speed sensor failures on early gearboxes, once fixed by replacing the whole gearbox. Cartest advises measuring clutch wear before buying and negotiating beyond 70%. A Canadian workshop puts a clutch replacement at 7,000 to 10,000 dollars (currency not specified).

    Versions
    Italia 4.5 V8 570 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 4.5 V8 570 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Speciale 4.5 V8 605 ch double embrayage, Speciale A (Spider) 4.5 V8 605 ch double embrayage
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented
  2. Sticky buttons and dashboard leather

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    The soft-touch coating of the controls, steering column and top of the dashboard can become sticky (PistonHeads, Collecting Cars, Deckers Auto). The leather on the top of the dashboard can ripple or lift after sun exposure (PistonHeads, Collecting Cars). Not a roadworthiness defect, repairable by a specialist.

    Versions
    Italia 4.5 V8 570 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 4.5 V8 570 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Speciale 4.5 V8 605 ch double embrayage, Speciale A (Spider) 4.5 V8 605 ch double embrayage
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

Speciale A (Spider) 4.5 V8 605 ch double embrayage

  1. Dual-clutch gearbox: sensors and clutch wear

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    PistonHeads notes that gearbox failures on early 458s are not unknown, that clutch problems are often solved by a software update or recalibration of the position sensors, and that a new clutch costs close to 20,000 pounds. Collecting Cars cites internal speed sensor failures on early gearboxes, once fixed by replacing the whole gearbox. Cartest advises measuring clutch wear before buying and negotiating beyond 70%. A Canadian workshop puts a clutch replacement at 7,000 to 10,000 dollars (currency not specified).

    Versions
    Italia 4.5 V8 570 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 4.5 V8 570 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Speciale 4.5 V8 605 ch double embrayage, Speciale A (Spider) 4.5 V8 605 ch double embrayage
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented
  2. Sticky buttons and dashboard leather

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    The soft-touch coating of the controls, steering column and top of the dashboard can become sticky (PistonHeads, Collecting Cars, Deckers Auto). The leather on the top of the dashboard can ripple or lift after sun exposure (PistonHeads, Collecting Cars). Not a roadworthiness defect, repairable by a specialist.

    Versions
    Italia 4.5 V8 570 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Spider 4.5 V8 570 ch double embrayage 7 rapports, Speciale 4.5 V8 605 ch double embrayage, Speciale A (Spider) 4.5 V8 605 ch double embrayage
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

Price and diagnose repairs

Read fault codes

An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.

Parts and maintenance

Compare prices of parts for the Ferrari 458 Italia / Spider F142 (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.

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