VehicleVerdict

2012 Ferrari 458 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2012 Ferrari 458 carries two red flags at once: 2 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Fuel Loss from Filler Neck). It is one of the 458 years to avoid.

2

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other 458 years?

458 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted2 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 2 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 0 complaints
458 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 458 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Ferrari 458 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags150%
Other150%

Does the 2012 Ferrari 458 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V381000AirbagsJune 7, 2018 · 1,507 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An inflator explosion may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag assembly with one that uses an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 19, 2018. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is 61. Note: This recall supersedes recall 17V-018.

14V487000Latches & LocksAugust 7, 2014 · 3,082 units

Defect

Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 F458 Italia and F458 Spider vehicles manufactured March 5, 2010, to May 20, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the secondary latch for the front trunk storage compartment may not release when the vehicle is stationary. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 401, "Interior Trunk Release."

Consequence

In the event an individual is trapped in the trunk and the latch system does not release the trunk lid, it increases the risk of personal injury or possibly death.

Remedy

Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will modify the existing front trunk latch system with a new component that will meet requirements, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-866-551-2828. Ferrari's number for this recall is 54.

12V211000EngineMay 14, 2012 · 74 units

Defect

FERRARI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 458 ITALIA AND 2012 CALIFORNIA VEHICLES BECAUSE THE CRANKSHAFT MAY FAIL DUE TO INCORRECT MACHINING.

Consequence

IF THIS FAILURE OCCURS, THE ENGINE MAY SEIZE, SUDDENLY RENDERING THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

FERRARI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL OFFER VEHICLE OWNERS THE OPTION OF HAVING THEIR ENGINE REPAIRED OR REPLACED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FERRARI AT 201-816-2600.

Open NHTSA investigations

PE21012

Fuel Loss from Filler Neck

NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received two complaints and verified a third allegation in a public forum alleging fuel loss from the subject vehicle originating from the fuel fill location while in motion. The Model Year (MY) 2010 ? 2015 Ferrari 458 (subject vehicle) has two built-in systems that are designed to prevent fuel loss: the capless fuel filler and the anti-spit back valve. Damage to the capless fuel filler was noted in all three incidents. Failure of the capless fuel fill neck and/or the anti-spit back valve to seal the fuel system may allow fuel loss from the vehicle during left-turn maneuvers. Fuel loss amounts may vary based on the lateral load exerted during these maneuvers and the level of fuel in the system.ODI is opening this preliminary investigation to characterize the scope, severity, and circumstances of the reported conditions and to fully assess their safety impact. The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID using the following complaint identification numbers: 11383083, 11400409

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TAKATA RECALL WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH ON A PERFECTLY FLAT AND SAFE HIGHWAY, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG ON MY 2012 FERRARI 458 SUDDENLY AND FOR NO VALID REASON EXPLODED AND DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO COLLISION, THERE WAS NO POTHOLE OR ANY OTHER DAMAGE THAT WOULD HAVE NECESSITATED THIS AIRBAG TO GO OFF. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 9, 2019

“ON 3/15/18 A 2012 FERRARI 458 ITALIA SPYDER. VIN:ZFF68NHAXC0(XXX) WAS BEING PARKED IN MIAMI BEACH SUDDENLY OUT OF NOTHING THE VEHICLE CAUGHT UP ON FIRE. THE FIRE STARTED IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. FIRE IS CONSISTENT WITH THE RECALL THAT THIS CAR HAD IN 2010 (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V389000). FIRE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 15, 2018 · fire

2012 Ferrari 458 — common questions

Is the 2012 Ferrari 458 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 2 complaints put the 2012 model at #1 of 6 458 years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the 458 years to avoid.

Does the 2012 Ferrari 458 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Ferrari 458. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 Ferrari 458 under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Fuel Loss from Filler Neck). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Ferrari 458 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 458 years to avoid are 2012, 2014, 2010, 2015, 2013, 2011.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.