2012 Ferrari California: common problems and reliability

One of the weaker California years.

2 owner complaints, most about air bags. 2 recalls.

Should I buy a 2012 California?

The 2012 Ferrari California has 2 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and engine.

Safety record for the 2012 model year

2
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Ferrari California vehicles (US, public record).

The Year Score compares this year with other California years only. How we score it

Is 2012 a good year for the California?

Across the 6 California model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2017) to 2 (2012). With 2 complaints, the 2012 California sits about the same as the model's median of 1.

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

air bags
1
engine
1

Recalls affecting the 2012 California

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 18V381000

Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2012 Ferrari California, 458 Italia, 458 Spider, and FF vehicles that have not already had their passenger frontal air bag replaced. These passenger frontal air bag modules have air bag inflators that may explode in the event of a crash due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

service brakes, hydraulic

Campaign 22V536000

Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2005-2009 430, 2019-2020 488 Pista, 2016 F60 America, 2005-2011 612 Scaglietti, 2010-2011 612, 2018-2022 812, 2020-2022 F8 Spider, 2020-2022 F8 Tributo, 2021-2022 Roma, 2009-2017 California, 2015-2017 California T, 2013-2017 F12 Berlinetta, 2017 F12 TDF, 2012-2016 FF, 2017-2020 GTC4 Lusso, 2018-2020 GTC4 Lusso T, 2013-2015 LaFerrari, 2017 LaFerrari Aperta, and 2019-2022 Portofino vehicles. The brake fluid reservoir cap may not vent properly, creating a vacuum inside the brake fluid reservoir, and resulting in a brake fluid leak that may lead to a partial or total loss of brake function.

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided and highly contextual.

Owner insights cover all generations of the California. See the full California owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used California listings typically run $88,695–$104,220 across 2010 to 2014 model years.

Other California model years

Compare every California year side by side to see how 2012 ranks against the rest.

Compare the California against its rivals

Looking at a specific car?

We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.

One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy