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Ferrari California Problems & Known Issues

The most common Ferrari California problems ranked by severity — what to watch for, what it costs to fix, and what happens if you ignore it.

Generations

California — California (Original)
2009–2014
4.3L V8
California T — California T (Turbo)
2014–2018
3.9L Twin-Turbo V8

Top issues to watch for

The most serious Ferrari California problems ranked by severity. We track 5 known issues — here are the ones you need to know about first.

Major
F1 Gearbox Clutch Wear
California, California TF136, F1542009–201815k–40k miles
The Ferrari F1 dual-clutch transmission uses two clutch packs that engage alternately for seamless gear changes. These clutches wear prematurely under normal driving conditions, particularly in stop-start traffic where the clutches slip frequently at low speeds. Unlike a manual clutch that engages fully, the F1 system modulates clutch engagement electronically, causing continuous wear. This is the most expensive maintenance item on the California.
What happens if ignoredComplete clutch replacement requires gearbox removal and costs £5,000-£10,000 at a Ferrari specialist. The car remains driveable with worn clutches but performance degrades and complete failure will leave the car immobile. Continued driving with severely worn clutches can damage the gearbox internals, increasing repair costs substantially.
Specialist
£5,000–£8,000
Main dealer
£8,000–£12,000
Parts only
£3,000–£5,000
Major
Roof Mechanism Failure
California, California TF136, F1542009–201820k–60k miles
The California's retractable hardtop uses a complex hydraulic system with multiple sensors, pumps, and mechanical linkages to fold the roof into the boot. The system is sensitive to low hydraulic fluid, dirty fluid, or sensor misalignment. Common failure points include hydraulic pump wear, fluid leaks from seals, and position sensor drift causing the roof to stop mid-cycle. The system has multiple safety interlocks and will halt operation if any component reports an error, often leaving owners with a partially-folded roof that cannot be completed manually.
What happens if ignoredRoof mechanism failure can leave the car stuck with the roof partially open, making it unusable in poor weather and creating security concerns. Repair typically requires specialist hydraulic system knowledge and costs £3,000-£8,000 depending on whether pumps, sensors, or mechanical components need replacement. The car remains mechanically driveable but weather protection is compromised.
Independent garage
£2,500–£5,000
Specialist
£3,000–£6,000
Main dealer
£5,000–£10,000
Parts only
£1,500–£4,000
Minor
Sticky Dashboard
CaliforniaF1362009–2014
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. This affects the upper dashboard surface and door tops particularly on cars parked in direct sunlight. The leather shrinks and bubbles, creating an unsightly and unpleasant tactile experience. Ferrari later changed the leather treatment process to address this issue, making it primarily a problem for 2009-2012 production cars.
What happens if ignoredThe condition is cosmetic but affects the premium feel of the interior significantly. Complete dashboard replacement costs £2,000-£5,000 at a Ferrari specialist. Re-covering by a specialist trimmer is possible for £1,000-£2,500 but may not match the original texture exactly. The issue does not affect vehicle safety or mechanical operation.
Independent garage
£1,000–£2,000
Specialist
£1,500–£3,000
Main dealer
£3,000–£6,000
Parts only
£1,200–£2,500
Minor
Front suspension bush wear (California)
CaliforniaF1362009–201420k–40k miles
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. MOT data shows this model fails suspension component tests at 17.5 times the national fleet average in the 20,000-40,000 mile range. The bushes are rubber-mounted and deteriorate faster than expected, likely due to the car's weight distribution and the loads generated during spirited driving on the front suspension.
What happens if ignoredWorn suspension bushes compromise handling precision and ride quality but do not create immediate safety concerns. However, they will cause MOT failure and should be replaced promptly. Left unaddressed, worn bushes increase stress on other suspension components and can lead to premature tyre wear. Replacement costs £400-£800 for a full front bush set.
Independent garage
£300–£600
Specialist
£400–£800
Main dealer
£600–£1,200
Parts only
£200–£400

1 more known issues tracked

Including wear items, electrical niggles, and generation-specific problems. Check a specific car to see which issues apply to its age and mileage.

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MOT failure hotspots

Based on DVSA MOT test data. These are the items where the Ferrari California fails at a significantly higher rate than the average car.

ABS fault
Suspension · 40-60k miles
MOT failure rate: 8.7x the fleet average
Sample: 149 tests
Suspension pin, bush or joint worn
Suspension · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 7.3x the fleet average
Sample: 817 tests

Buying a Ferrari California?

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Related

Ferrari California reliability FAQs

What are the most common problems with the Ferrari California?

The Ferrari California has 5 known issues across 2 severity levels. The most common problems relate to F1 Gearbox Clutch Wear and Roof Mechanism Failure.

Is the Ferrari California reliable?

The Ferrari California has 0 dangerous and 2 major known issues. No dangerous issues are tracked, which is a positive sign.

How much does it cost to fix Ferrari California problems?

Costs vary by issue. Independent garages are typically 30-50% cheaper than main dealers for most repairs.

Which Ferrari California generation is most reliable?

The California (2009–2014) has the fewest dangerous issues (0). However, condition and service history matter more than generation — a well-maintained earlier car can be more reliable than a neglected newer one.