2018 Ferrari 488: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker 488 years.
3 owner complaints, most about service brakes. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2018 488?The 2018 Ferrari 488 has 3 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes.
Safety record for the 2018 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Ferrari 488 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other 488 years only. How we score it
Is 2018 a good year for the 488?
Across the 4 488 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2019) to 4 (2017). With 3 complaints, the 2018 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 2018 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.
fuel system, gasoline
Campaign 19V090000Ferrari 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 allow fuel to leak.
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 2018 ranks against the rest.
Compare the 488 against its rivals
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