MotorDeets

Ferrari California problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every California from 2009 to 2017: 7 owner complaints and 21 recalls across 9 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2012 (3), 2010 (1), 2011 (1). Best fuel economy: 18 mpg combined (2017).

Ferrari California
Photo: paPisc from Bologna · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Airbags3
Speed control / throttle2
Electrical1
Wheels1
Engine1
Transmission & drivetrain1
Brakes1

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
20094015
20104115
20114115
20122315
20132116
20142116
20151018
20161018
20171018

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 Ferrari California.

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OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Ferrari California?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2012 (3), 2010 (1), 2011 (1).

How many recalls has the Ferrari California had?

Across 2009–2017, NHTSA lists 21 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).