2018 Ferrari 488 Spider: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2018 Ferrari 488 Spider: 4 recalls, 1 owner complaint and up to 18 mpg combined.

Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #19V006000 · 2019 · 11,176 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2019.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #19V090000 · 2019 · 2,150 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 allow fuel to leak.
Why it matters: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source May increase the risk of fire.
The fix: Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel vapor separator, free of charge. The recall began June 25, 2019.
Airbags, Airbags Vehicle recall #19V411000 · 2019 · 893 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 electronic control unit (ECU) May malfunction, possibly causing the non-deployment or improper deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag ECU, free of charge. The recall began August 2, 2019.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #21V833000 · 2021 · 9,985 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 leak brake fluid, resulting in a loss of braking ability.
Why it matters: Loss of braking ability increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap and update the software, at no charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2022.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2018 Ferrari 488 Spider has 1 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 4 488 Spider model years for complaints (4.0× the average 488 Spider year). Neighboring years: 2017 (0 complaints, 2 recalls), 2019 (0 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.9 L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 18 | Premium |
| 3.9 L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2018 Ferrari 488 Spider.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2018 Ferrari 488 Spider have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2018 Ferrari 488 Spider. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2018 Ferrari 488 Spider problems?
Owners have filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (1).
What gas mileage does the 2018 Ferrari 488 Spider get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (3.9 L, Automatic (AM7)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2018 Ferrari 488 Spider repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.