2016 Ferrari 488: common problems and reliability
An average 488 year.
2 owner complaints, most about air bags. 5 recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 488?The 2016 Ferrari 488 has 2 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags.
Safety record for the 2016 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Ferrari 488 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other 488 years only. How we score it
Is 2016 a good year for the 488?
Across the 4 488 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2019) to 4 (2017). With 2 complaints, the 2016 488 sits about the same as the model's median of 3.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2016 488
air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
Campaign 19V006000Ferrari North America (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2014 Ferrari California, 2014-2015 Ferrari 458 Italia, 458 Spider, 2014-2016 Ferrari FF, 2014-2017 Ferrari F12, 2015-2018 Ferrari California T, 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale A, 2016 Ferrari F60 America, 2016-2017 Ferrari F12 tdf, 2016-2018 Ferrari 488 GTB, 488 Spider, 2017-2018 Ferrari GTC4Lusso and 2018 GTC4Lusso T vehicles nationwide. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
service brakes, hydraulic
Campaign 21V833000Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2010-2015 458 Italia, 2012-2015 458 Spider, 2014-2015 458 Speciale, 2015 458 Speciale Aperta, 2016-2019 488 GTB, and 488 Spider vehicles. The brake system may leak brake fluid, resulting in a loss of braking ability.
air bags: air bag/restraint control module
Campaign 19V411000Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2018 488 Spider, 488 Pista, 2015 458 Speciale A, 2016-2018 488 GTB, 2015-2017 F12 Berlinetta, 2016 F12 tdf, and 2016-2018 Carlifornia T vehicles. The air bag Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly causing the non-deployment or improper deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc
Campaign 18V164000Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2016 488 GTB and 488 Spider vehicles. Due to a software error, the driver may not be warned that the brake discs are critically worn.
Show 1 more recall
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 15V881000Ferrari North America (FNA) is recalling certain model year 2016 488 GTB vehicles manufactured September 9, 2015, to November 6, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with a low pressure fuel line connection that was not properly coated during manufacturing. This may cause a fuel vapor leak during engine start.
What owners say across generations
The sentiment among owners is predominantly positive, with the 488 praised for its high performance, distinctive Ferrari V8 growl, and overall reliability, especially when compared to key competitors like McLaren.
Owner insights cover all generations of the 488. See the full 488 owner picture and every model year.
Other 488 model years
Compare every 488 year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.
Compare the 488 against its rivals
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