2018 Ferrari 488: common problems and reliability

The 2018 Ferrari 488 has 3 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes. Owners most often flag attention and public scrutiny — every drive attracts significant public and media attention, requiring owner diplomacy. frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 2018 model year

3
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
1
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Ferrari 488 vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

service brakes
2

Recalls affecting the 2018 488

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 19V006000

Ferrari 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 Specia…

service brakes, hydraulic

Campaign 21V833000

Ferrari 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 le…

air bags: air bag/restraint control module

Campaign 19V411000

Ferrari 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 Ele…

fuel system, gasoline

Campaign 19V090000

Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2017 LaFerrari Aperta, 2018-2019 488 GTB, GTC4Lusso T, GTC4Lusso, 488 Spider, 812 Superfast, and 2019 488 Pista vehicles. The fuel vapor separator may crack and …

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. It is described as a "full package" offering p

  • Attention and public scrutiny — Every drive attracts significant public and media attention, requiring owner diplomacy. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Turbocharged engine character — Isolated preference for the naturally aspirated character of the predecessor 458, with some finding the turbo engine less emotional. Frequency: isolated.
  • Reported Issues (continued)
  • Potential for high maintenance costs — Major services at dealerships can cost approximately $3,900, though independents offer significant savings. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the 488.

Other 488 model years

2016 488
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