Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Handelsgeselschaft, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: OWS Photography, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Verdict
Mid-engine supercar with a 3.9 twin-turbo V8 producing 670 hp and a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, generally considered reliable by evo as well as Exotic Car Hacks. Several safety recalls concern it (braking, fuel, airbags) and should have been carried out, and the turbos can fail. A pre-purchase inspection is essential. The more radical 488 Pista joined the range later (evo).
- Reliability
- 4.5/5
- Indicative prices
- €215,845 – €265,445
- Monthly cost
- €3,083
- Euro NCAP
- Rating not found
Which version to choose
Versions to favour: 488 GTB 3.9 V8 670 F1 DCT, 488 Spider 3.9 V8 670 F1 DCT.
488 GTB 3.9 V8 670 F1 DCT
✓ RecommendedPetrol · Automatic · 670 hp · 11.4 L/100 km · 260 g CO₂/km · Crit'Air 1
Two-seat coupé, 3.9 twin-turbo V8 with 670 hp and 760 Nm, 7-speed F1 dual-clutch gearbox, rear-wheel drive (L'argus). 230-litre boot.
488 Spider 3.9 V8 670 F1 DCT
✓ RecommendedPetrol · Automatic · 670 hp · 11.4 L/100 km · 260 g CO₂/km · Crit'Air 1
Same 670 hp V8 in two-seat convertible form, 1,495 kg unladen according to L'argus. 230-litre boot.
Market prices
€215,845 – €265,445
Indicative range: 2015 to 2019, yearly medians of 79 online listings collected by AutoUncle (years with at least 3 listings).
Collected on 20 October 2026 from the sources below. Our own survey of listings, by year and mileage, will refine it.
Known faults
Turbocharger failures
Severity 2/3 · CostlyExotic Car Hacks reports turbo failures, particularly after impacts such as potholes, with a limited-performance message and costly repairs, and difficulty getting them covered under warranty. The tuner The Boost Lab describes the turbine shaft (play, fatigue, breakage) as the most common failure point of VU21/VU22 turbos, along with wear of the bearings and sealing plates (blue smoke, burnt oil).
- Versions
- 488 GTB 3.9 V8 670 F1 DCT, 488 Spider 3.9 V8 670 F1 DCT
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Recall: brake fluid leak (reservoir cap)
Manufacturer recallFerrari determined that some 2016-2019 488 GTB and Spider cars have a brake circuit that can leak fluid, which may cause partial or total loss of braking (NHTSA, recall 21V-833). CarComplaints notes that the reservoir cap does not vent properly and that the recall was extended in 2022 (including the 2019-2020 488 Pista); dealers replace the cap and update the warning software, free of charge.
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
- 488 GTB 3.9 V8 670 F1 DCT, 488 Spider 3.9 V8 670 F1 DCT
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Recall: cracked fuel vapour separator
Manufacturer recallThe fuel vapour separator can crack and leak fuel, increasing the risk of fire in the presence of an ignition source (NHTSA, recall 19V-090, 2018-2019 488 GTB and Spider, 2019 488 Pista). MotorSafety attributes the defect to a faulty plastic weld at the supplier; the engine warning light comes on if there is a leak. Dealers replace the separator free of charge.
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
- 488 GTB 3.9 V8 670 F1 DCT, 488 Spider 3.9 V8 670 F1 DCT
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Recall: faulty airbag control unit
Manufacturer recallThe airbag control unit (ECU) may malfunction and prevent the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners from deploying correctly (NHTSA, recall 19V-411, 2016-2018 488 GTB and 2018 488 Spider, 893 units concerned across all part numbers). The control unit is replaced free of charge (Justia, citing the NHTSA entry).
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
- 488 GTB 3.9 V8 670 F1 DCT, 488 Spider 3.9 V8 670 F1 DCT
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Manufacturer recalls
See the official list on RappelConso (new tab) (French government recall site: category “Automobiles et moyens de déplacement”, search “Ferrari 488 GTB / Spider”). A dealer for the brand can also check, using the vehicle identification number (VIN), that recalls have been carried out.
Real monthly cost
Fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation, excluding finance. Move the slider to match your mileage. How it is calculated
| Fuel or electricity | €281 |
|---|---|
| Insurance | €308 |
| Maintenance | €94 |
| Depreciation | €2,400 |
| Total per month | €3,083 |
⚠ Estimates to treat with caution
- Maintenance: published servicing price plus an estimated allowance for tyres and brakes.
- Maintenance: budget of a closely related model.
- Depreciation estimated at 12% of the median price a year, as no year-by-year valuation is usable.
Calculation details (12,000 km a year)
- Fuel (petrol)€281
488 GTB 3.9 V8 670 F1 DCT version: combined consumption of 11.4 L/100 km, increased by 15% for real-world driving, at 2.14 €/L, for 1,000 km a month.
11.4 × 1.15 × 2.14 € × 10 = €281
Petrol price (SP95-E10): French national average on 7 October 2026.
- Insurance€308
Average monthly premium published for this model by insurance comparison sites (comprehensive cover when stated). Your premium depends on your profile.
- Maintenance€94
Servicing and wear parts (tyres, brakes) for 12,000 km a year, per month.
- Depreciation€2,400
Value lost in a year by a typical example, from the valuation gap between two years, per month.
Inspection checklist
Ferrari 488 GTB / Spider F142M — inspection checklist
Things to check
- Check with the VIN at a Ferrari dealer that the braking (21V-833), fuel vapour separator (19V-090) and airbag control unit (19V-411) recalls have been carried out (NHTSA).
- Require a complete and up-to-date service history (evo, Exotic Car Hacks).
- Check the condition of the tyres and carbon-ceramic brakes, which are very expensive to replace (evo).
- Carry out an extended test drive to detect any limited-performance message or loss of power, possible signs of a failing turbo (Exotic Car Hacks).
- Have a pre-purchase inspection carried out by an approved Ferrari dealer or an experienced independent mechanic (Exotic Car Hacks).
Questions to ask the seller
- Have all the safety recalls been carried out? Can you provide the proof?
- Have the turbos been replaced, reconditioned or covered under warranty?
- Does the car have a complete service history with the Ferrari dealer network?
Test-drive tip: read the fault codes
A warning light that is off proves nothing: a fault may have been cleared just before the viewing. A Bluetooth OBD2 scanner, plugged in under the steering wheel and read on your phone, shows stored codes and whether all emissions readiness tests have run since the last reset.
Electric or hybrid equivalent
No direct electric or hybrid equivalent in our guides. Simulate combustion vs electric cost
Alternatives
Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0
Chevrolet Corvette
C8 · since 2020
- Price
- €46,900 – €100,600
- Reliability
- 3/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Hybrid
Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0
Jaguar F-Type
I · 2013–2024
- Price
- €38,000 – €70,400
- Reliability
- 4.5/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol
Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0
Chevrolet Corvette
C7 · 2014–2019
- Price
- €65,900 – €87,900
- Reliability
- 3.5/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol
Before you buy: check and equip
Check the history
Before paying, check the administrative status (lien, objection, declared claims) and the mileage recorded at the roadworthiness test.
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 488 GTB / Spider F142M (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.
Insure the car
Insurance prices vary widely from one model to another: get a quote before signing.
Frequently asked questions
Has the Ferrari 488 been tested by Euro NCAP?
I found no Euro NCAP rating for the 488, nor any source stating that it has not been tested.
What is the boot volume of the Ferrari 488?
230 litres, in both the GTB coupé and the Spider, according to L'argus technical data sheets. It is a two-seater.
Is the Ferrari 488 reliable?
evo considers it a generally reliable and dependable supercar, provided all recalls have been carried out and the service history is impeccable.
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