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Ferrari F430 I faults

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

Buy with care
Reliability
3.0/5

5 known faults

F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 manuelle

  1. Cracked exhaust manifolds

    Severity 3/3 · Serious

    Evo cites manifold cracking as the only engine problem encountered by a Ferrari dealer, with cases where a broken manifold caused engine failure by sucking in weld debris; a new manifold costs more than 4,000 pounds fitted, and some specialists repair them by welding. Petrolicious notes that late models received a modified system, but that no F430 is immune. Foreign Automotive describes cracks that show up as a tick or hiss on cold start, then an engine warning light, and puts replacement at 3,000 to 6,500 dollars.

    Versions
    F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 manuelle, F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 F1, F430 Spider V8 4.3 F1, 430 Scuderia V8 4.3 F1, Scuderia Spider 16M
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Worn suspension ball joints and links

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    Evo considers the suspension ball joints the weak point: knocking over bumps and, in advanced cases, steering that no longer centres; a dealer can now replace the ball joints alone for about 600 pounds. Petrolicious says bearings, bushes and dampers wear regularly, with very expensive original parts, and Foreign Automotive cites bushes, ball joints and tie rods wearing, with knocking and vague steering.

    Versions
    F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 manuelle, F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 F1, F430 Spider V8 4.3 F1, 430 Scuderia V8 4.3 F1, Scuderia Spider 16M
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 F1

  1. Cracked exhaust manifolds

    Severity 3/3 · Serious

    Evo cites manifold cracking as the only engine problem encountered by a Ferrari dealer, with cases where a broken manifold caused engine failure by sucking in weld debris; a new manifold costs more than 4,000 pounds fitted, and some specialists repair them by welding. Petrolicious notes that late models received a modified system, but that no F430 is immune. Foreign Automotive describes cracks that show up as a tick or hiss on cold start, then an engine warning light, and puts replacement at 3,000 to 6,500 dollars.

    Versions
    F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 manuelle, F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 F1, F430 Spider V8 4.3 F1, 430 Scuderia V8 4.3 F1, Scuderia Spider 16M
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Wear of the F1 gearbox clutch

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    On the F1 gearbox, the clutch wears like a manual's and depends heavily on driving style. Evo estimates the average life at 25,000-30,000 miles and replacement at about 2,500 pounds, closer to 4,500 pounds with the thrust bearing and flywheel; Petrolicious suggests about 15,000 miles; Foreign Automotive sees clutches worn out between 15,000 and 30,000 km and puts the job at 4,500 to 7,000 dollars.

    Versions
    F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 F1, F430 Spider V8 4.3 F1, 430 Scuderia V8 4.3 F1, Scuderia Spider 16M
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  3. F1 gearbox hydraulic pump and actuator

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    Petrolicious asks for the F1 gearbox oil to be changed every three years, failing which the pump and actuator can be damaged, and notes that a modified pump has been fitted to all cars from late 2006. Foreign Automotive describes the pump and accumulator ageing (slow or jerky shifts, gearbox warning light, pump running almost continuously) and a car sometimes immobilised. Evo advises looking for seepage from the actuator and indicates replacement around 5,000 pounds.

    Versions
    F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 F1, F430 Spider V8 4.3 F1, 430 Scuderia V8 4.3 F1, Scuderia Spider 16M
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  4. Worn suspension ball joints and links

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    Evo considers the suspension ball joints the weak point: knocking over bumps and, in advanced cases, steering that no longer centres; a dealer can now replace the ball joints alone for about 600 pounds. Petrolicious says bearings, bushes and dampers wear regularly, with very expensive original parts, and Foreign Automotive cites bushes, ball joints and tie rods wearing, with knocking and vague steering.

    Versions
    F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 manuelle, F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 F1, F430 Spider V8 4.3 F1, 430 Scuderia V8 4.3 F1, Scuderia Spider 16M
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

F430 Spider V8 4.3 F1

  1. Cracked exhaust manifolds

    Severity 3/3 · Serious

    Evo cites manifold cracking as the only engine problem encountered by a Ferrari dealer, with cases where a broken manifold caused engine failure by sucking in weld debris; a new manifold costs more than 4,000 pounds fitted, and some specialists repair them by welding. Petrolicious notes that late models received a modified system, but that no F430 is immune. Foreign Automotive describes cracks that show up as a tick or hiss on cold start, then an engine warning light, and puts replacement at 3,000 to 6,500 dollars.

    Versions
    F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 manuelle, F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 F1, F430 Spider V8 4.3 F1, 430 Scuderia V8 4.3 F1, Scuderia Spider 16M
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Wear of the F1 gearbox clutch

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    On the F1 gearbox, the clutch wears like a manual's and depends heavily on driving style. Evo estimates the average life at 25,000-30,000 miles and replacement at about 2,500 pounds, closer to 4,500 pounds with the thrust bearing and flywheel; Petrolicious suggests about 15,000 miles; Foreign Automotive sees clutches worn out between 15,000 and 30,000 km and puts the job at 4,500 to 7,000 dollars.

    Versions
    F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 F1, F430 Spider V8 4.3 F1, 430 Scuderia V8 4.3 F1, Scuderia Spider 16M
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  3. F1 gearbox hydraulic pump and actuator

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    Petrolicious asks for the F1 gearbox oil to be changed every three years, failing which the pump and actuator can be damaged, and notes that a modified pump has been fitted to all cars from late 2006. Foreign Automotive describes the pump and accumulator ageing (slow or jerky shifts, gearbox warning light, pump running almost continuously) and a car sometimes immobilised. Evo advises looking for seepage from the actuator and indicates replacement around 5,000 pounds.

    Versions
    F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 F1, F430 Spider V8 4.3 F1, 430 Scuderia V8 4.3 F1, Scuderia Spider 16M
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  4. Spider: convertible hydraulic hoses and fire risk

    Manufacturer recall

    NHTSA recall 09V-048 covers about 1,950 F430 Spiders of model years 2005 to 2007: engine heat can crack the convertible hydraulic hoses, and the leak can, if not repaired, reach the engine bay and cause smoke and fire. The remedy is free fitting of heat shields. Petrolicious reports the same recall for Spiders built up to 2007 and notes that it did not cover all countries.

    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
    F430 Spider V8 4.3 F1
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  5. Worn suspension ball joints and links

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    Evo considers the suspension ball joints the weak point: knocking over bumps and, in advanced cases, steering that no longer centres; a dealer can now replace the ball joints alone for about 600 pounds. Petrolicious says bearings, bushes and dampers wear regularly, with very expensive original parts, and Foreign Automotive cites bushes, ball joints and tie rods wearing, with knocking and vague steering.

    Versions
    F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 manuelle, F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 F1, F430 Spider V8 4.3 F1, 430 Scuderia V8 4.3 F1, Scuderia Spider 16M
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

430 Scuderia V8 4.3 F1

  1. Cracked exhaust manifolds

    Severity 3/3 · Serious

    Evo cites manifold cracking as the only engine problem encountered by a Ferrari dealer, with cases where a broken manifold caused engine failure by sucking in weld debris; a new manifold costs more than 4,000 pounds fitted, and some specialists repair them by welding. Petrolicious notes that late models received a modified system, but that no F430 is immune. Foreign Automotive describes cracks that show up as a tick or hiss on cold start, then an engine warning light, and puts replacement at 3,000 to 6,500 dollars.

    Versions
    F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 manuelle, F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 F1, F430 Spider V8 4.3 F1, 430 Scuderia V8 4.3 F1, Scuderia Spider 16M
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Wear of the F1 gearbox clutch

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    On the F1 gearbox, the clutch wears like a manual's and depends heavily on driving style. Evo estimates the average life at 25,000-30,000 miles and replacement at about 2,500 pounds, closer to 4,500 pounds with the thrust bearing and flywheel; Petrolicious suggests about 15,000 miles; Foreign Automotive sees clutches worn out between 15,000 and 30,000 km and puts the job at 4,500 to 7,000 dollars.

    Versions
    F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 F1, F430 Spider V8 4.3 F1, 430 Scuderia V8 4.3 F1, Scuderia Spider 16M
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  3. F1 gearbox hydraulic pump and actuator

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    Petrolicious asks for the F1 gearbox oil to be changed every three years, failing which the pump and actuator can be damaged, and notes that a modified pump has been fitted to all cars from late 2006. Foreign Automotive describes the pump and accumulator ageing (slow or jerky shifts, gearbox warning light, pump running almost continuously) and a car sometimes immobilised. Evo advises looking for seepage from the actuator and indicates replacement around 5,000 pounds.

    Versions
    F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 F1, F430 Spider V8 4.3 F1, 430 Scuderia V8 4.3 F1, Scuderia Spider 16M
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  4. Worn suspension ball joints and links

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    Evo considers the suspension ball joints the weak point: knocking over bumps and, in advanced cases, steering that no longer centres; a dealer can now replace the ball joints alone for about 600 pounds. Petrolicious says bearings, bushes and dampers wear regularly, with very expensive original parts, and Foreign Automotive cites bushes, ball joints and tie rods wearing, with knocking and vague steering.

    Versions
    F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 manuelle, F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 F1, F430 Spider V8 4.3 F1, 430 Scuderia V8 4.3 F1, Scuderia Spider 16M
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

Scuderia Spider 16M

  1. Cracked exhaust manifolds

    Severity 3/3 · Serious

    Evo cites manifold cracking as the only engine problem encountered by a Ferrari dealer, with cases where a broken manifold caused engine failure by sucking in weld debris; a new manifold costs more than 4,000 pounds fitted, and some specialists repair them by welding. Petrolicious notes that late models received a modified system, but that no F430 is immune. Foreign Automotive describes cracks that show up as a tick or hiss on cold start, then an engine warning light, and puts replacement at 3,000 to 6,500 dollars.

    Versions
    F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 manuelle, F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 F1, F430 Spider V8 4.3 F1, 430 Scuderia V8 4.3 F1, Scuderia Spider 16M
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Wear of the F1 gearbox clutch

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    On the F1 gearbox, the clutch wears like a manual's and depends heavily on driving style. Evo estimates the average life at 25,000-30,000 miles and replacement at about 2,500 pounds, closer to 4,500 pounds with the thrust bearing and flywheel; Petrolicious suggests about 15,000 miles; Foreign Automotive sees clutches worn out between 15,000 and 30,000 km and puts the job at 4,500 to 7,000 dollars.

    Versions
    F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 F1, F430 Spider V8 4.3 F1, 430 Scuderia V8 4.3 F1, Scuderia Spider 16M
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  3. F1 gearbox hydraulic pump and actuator

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    Petrolicious asks for the F1 gearbox oil to be changed every three years, failing which the pump and actuator can be damaged, and notes that a modified pump has been fitted to all cars from late 2006. Foreign Automotive describes the pump and accumulator ageing (slow or jerky shifts, gearbox warning light, pump running almost continuously) and a car sometimes immobilised. Evo advises looking for seepage from the actuator and indicates replacement around 5,000 pounds.

    Versions
    F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 F1, F430 Spider V8 4.3 F1, 430 Scuderia V8 4.3 F1, Scuderia Spider 16M
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  4. Worn suspension ball joints and links

    Severity 1/3 · Annoying

    Evo considers the suspension ball joints the weak point: knocking over bumps and, in advanced cases, steering that no longer centres; a dealer can now replace the ball joints alone for about 600 pounds. Petrolicious says bearings, bushes and dampers wear regularly, with very expensive original parts, and Foreign Automotive cites bushes, ball joints and tie rods wearing, with knocking and vague steering.

    Versions
    F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 manuelle, F430 Berlinetta V8 4.3 F1, F430 Spider V8 4.3 F1, 430 Scuderia V8 4.3 F1, Scuderia Spider 16M
    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 F430 I (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.

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