Are Ferraris reliable? Follow one brake fault across the range

We found no public source that measures how often Ferraris break down. What the records do show is two linked brake fluid campaigns, 21V833 and 22V536. Together they name certain cars in most Ferrari model lines from 2005 to 2022. A buyer can verify them on one car.

So ask a narrower question than "are Ferraris reliable." Confirm the model, model year, and vehicle identification number, or VIN. Then ask which campaigns that VIN needs and what Ferrari's own programs recorded for it. The brand reputation answers neither.

Which Ferrari are you looking at?

Pin the car down first. NHTSA's recalls page says the 17-character VIN sits on the lower left of the windshield and on the registration card. Match the two before anything else.

Our supercar reliability note compares recall and complaint counts across brands, including the 488 and F8. The 458 vs 488 note covers the model choice.

Here, the focus is the paper trail across the range, from a naturally aspirated 458 to a plug-in hybrid SF90. Ferrari's 458 Italia page lists a 4,497 cc V8 making 570 CV at 9,000 rpm. That engine is a lovely thing. Its NHTSA campaigns sit in the brakes and the passenger air bag.

One brake fault, two NHTSA numbers

In October 2021, Ferrari filed campaign 21V833. NHTSA's 2012 458 Italia records describe the fault. The brake system may leak fluid, with a loss of braking ability. It names certain 2010 to 2015 458 Italia and 2012 to 2015 458 Spider cars. It also names the 2014 to 2015 458 Speciale, 2015 Speciale Aperta, 2016 to 2019 488 GTB, and 488 Spider.

In July 2022, campaign 22V536 expanded it. NHTSA's 2021 Roma records list certain models from 2005 to 2022. They include the 430, California and California T, F12, FF, GTC4Lusso, 812, 488 Pista, F8, Roma, and Portofino. The cause is a reservoir cap that may not vent properly. That can create a vacuum, a fluid leak, and partial or total loss of braking.

The remedy for both is a new reservoir cap and a software update. The 22V536 record says its update adds a warning message for low brake fluid. The 21V833 record does not describe what its update does. Either way, ask the inspector to confirm the fluid level and look for leaks.

Search every model name

NHTSA files these cars under several names, and the results differ. On October 31, 2026, our 2019 query under "812" returned 22V536 only. The same year under "812 Superfast" returned two other campaigns but not 22V536. Those were 19V090, a fuel vapor separator, and 20V614, a rear window that may detach. "812 GTS" returned nothing for 2019 or 2021.

Variants split by campaign too. 21V833 names the 488 Spider, while 22V536 names the 488 Pista. Search every name the car might carry. Then let the full VIN and a Ferrari dealer's campaign record settle it.

Older cars add air bag campaigns

The early 458 Italia and California carry passenger air bag campaigns. NHTSA's 2010 458 Italia records list the first three below, plus 21V833. The 2012 cars add a fourth.

• 16V341 covers certain 2009 to 2011 California and 2010 to 2011 458 Italia cars. The inflator may rupture after long exposure to humidity and temperature cycling.
• 18V188 supersedes it for cars not yet repaired, with an alternate inflator.
• 20V007 covers cars that got non-desiccated inflators as interim parts in earlier Takata recalls. Those can also explode. Dealers fit an alternate air bag with a new inflator.
• 18V381 covers certain 2012 California, 458 Italia, 458 Spider, and FF cars whose passenger air bag was never replaced. Our 2012 "458 Italia" query did not return it. The 2012 California query did.

So "air bag recall done" can mean the interim part. Ask which campaign number the invoice closes, and which inflator went in.

Later cars have their own entries, as NHTSA's 2018 488 GTB records show. 19V006 covers passenger air bag inflators on certain 2014 to 2018 cars, including the 458, California T, and 488 GTB. 19V090 covers a fuel vapor separator that may crack and leak on certain 2017 to 2019 cars, including the 488.

Two turbo oil campaigns say do not drive

Two recent campaigns tell owners to park the car until it is fixed. NHTSA's 2023 SF90 Stradale records list 23V698 for certain 2022 to 2024 SF90 Stradale and Spider cars. A turbocharger oil delivery pipe may leak, which raises the fire risk. Owners are advised not to drive until dealers replace the pipes.

The 2025 296 GTB records list 25V716 for certain 2025 296 GTB and GTS cars. A nut at the turbocharger oil feed was tightened incorrectly. That record also advises owners not to drive until it is repaired.

Before any test drive, get the dealer's current VIN-specific campaign status and any interim safety instructions. Follow them. A car with an open brake, air bag, fuel, or oil campaign stays at Check until the repair is on paper.

What Ferrari's programs prove at each age

Ferrari's warranty and maintenance page sets out an age ladder. Each step leaves a record you can ask for.

• Years 1 to 3. Every new Ferrari gets a three-year, unlimited-mileage factory warranty.
• Years 1 to 7. Genuine Maintenance covers scheduled service on a 12,500-mile plan or a once-a-year plan with no mileage limit. Ferrari updates its database after each service, and a printed copy can be requested.
• Years 9 to 16. The Power Contract covers main parts, including the engine and transmission. It renews yearly. The car must pass a dealer inspection, be under 75,000 miles, and have no serious accident, tampering, competition, or track use.
• Plug-in hybrids. The Service Contract Hybrid renews yearly. Ferrari ties a high-voltage battery replacement after year 8 to continuous coverage and to battery health below a set level. Ask for proof of every renewal.

Ferrari's US page lists no other program for years 4 to 8. Ask the dealer whether an extension was sold with this VIN.

Ferrari Approved, called Ferrari Certified Pre-Owned in the US, is the certified program. It takes cars registered within the last 14 years and gives at least 24 months of cover, with no mileage limit. Wear parts such as tires, brake pads, and discs are excluded.

Ask the seller for Ferrari's printed service record. If the seller cites a program, ask for that contract with the VIN on it.

A 2011 458 Italia on the grid

Take a hypothetical 2011 458 Italia. The seller shows a stack of service stamps and an NHTSA lookup reading "0 unrepaired recalls."

That zero is weaker than it looks. The NHTSA VIN lookup leaves out recalls already repaired, so it cannot show what was done. It omits recalls over 15 years old unless a maker offers more coverage. It also excludes international vehicles and some small makers, including some ultra-luxury brands.

By NHTSA's year ranges, this car may be named in 21V833 and in one air bag path. If the passenger air bag was never replaced, that is 18V188. If 16V341 fitted an interim inflator, 20V007 applies. Only the VIN and Ferrari's campaign record decide which. Ask a Ferrari dealer for that record and any interim safety instructions before a test drive.

Its seven Genuine Maintenance years have passed. It was registered more than 14 years ago, so Ferrari Approved is off the table. At most a year or so of Power Contract eligibility can remain. Treat a missing annual service as not done. Have the inspector quote the missing work, and take it off your walk price.

Then book an independent pre-purchase inspection, or PPI: a paid check by a shop you choose. The FTC says an inspection by an independent mechanic is a good idea even on a certified car.

Deal, Check, or Walk on a used Ferrari

You can love a 458 and still walk. The Market lists the model groups we cover. If the exact model is supported, Run a free Value Check before you send a deposit.