Ferrari California MOT Failures
An analysis of 966 real DVSA MOT tests on the Ferrari California — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: California (2009–2014), California T (2014–2018).
Where the Ferrari California fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Ferrari California is abs fault — this model is 8.7 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it worth watching for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 966 MOT tests, 21.32% of all Ferrari California tests recorded this as a failure.
Suspension failures typically mean worn bushes, drop links, or dampers. These affect handling and tyre wear. Budget £150–£400 per corner at an independent garage for full suspension overhaul.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Ferrari California specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
F1 Gearbox Clutch Wear Major
The Ferrari F1 dual-clutch transmission uses two clutch packs that engage alternately for seamless gear changes. Affects California, California T.
Roof Mechanism Failure Major
The California's retractable hardtop uses a complex hydraulic system with multiple sensors, pumps, and mechanical linkages to fold the roof into the boot. Affects California, California T; typical independent garage repair cost is £2,500–£5,000.
Sticky Dashboard
Early California models suffer from dashboard leather degradation where the surface coating breaks down in heat, becoming sticky to touch and developing a tacky residue. Affects California; typical independent garage repair cost is £1,000–£2,000.
Front suspension bush wear (California)
The original California with the naturally aspirated 4.3L V8 shows accelerated wear of front suspension bushes, particularly the lower wishbone bushes and anti-roll bar bushes. Affects California; typical independent garage repair cost is £300–£600.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Ferrari California common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Ferrari California
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Ferrari California:
Suspension — check for abs fault, suspension pin, bush or joint worn.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about f1 gearbox clutch wear and roof mechanism failure. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Ferrari California?
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Ferrari California MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Ferrari California?
Based on 966 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is abs fault — at 9x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include suspension pin, bush or joint worn.
Is the Ferrari California reliable based on MOT data?
The Ferrari California has 2 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag f1 gearbox clutch wear as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
The most common high-mileage failures include abs fault, suspension pin, bush or joint worn.
How do I check a Ferrari California's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.