VehicleVerdict

1988 Ferrari Testarossa problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1988 Ferrari Testarossa — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1988 compare to other Testarossa years?

Testarossa NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 highlighted2 complaints1987: 2 complaints1988: 2 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 2 complaints1991: 1 complaints
Testarossa NHTSA complaints by model year, 1988 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Testarossa years to avoid →

What are the most common 1988 Ferrari Testarossa problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine150%
Seat Belts150%

Does the 1988 Ferrari Testarossa have recalls?

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

03V142000Seat BeltsApril 7, 2003 · 2,008 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. INCONSISTENT ELECTRICAL OPERATION OF THE AUTOMATIC TRACK ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN EXPERIENCED.

Consequence

IF THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM EXPERIENCES AN ELECTRICAL OR MECHANICAL FAILURE, THE SEAT OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE FULLY PROTECTED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL THE MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE PASSIVE SEAT BELT SYSTEM. THIS INCLUDES THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNITS, THE RETRACTOR MECHANISM, AND BOTH THE RIGHT AND LEFT MOTOR DRIVEN TRACK ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FERRARI AT 1-201-816-2651.

88V186000Seat BeltsDecember 1, 1988 · 468 units

Defect

AUTOMATIC PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT OPERATE DUE TO A PAYOUT MOTOR DEFECT IN THE SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY.

Consequence

AUTOMATIC OPERATION OF PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM WOULDBECOME INTERMITTENT OR COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE.

Remedy

REPLACE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The contact's son owns a 1988 Ferrari Testarossa. The contact stated that vehicle was manufactured with an electrical seat belt that would recline once an occupant was seated in either the driver’s or passenger’s side seat. The contact stated that the track for the passenger side seat belt was…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · June 1, 2021

1988 Ferrari Testarossa — common questions

Is the 1988 Ferrari Testarossa reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1988 Ferrari Testarossa have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1988 Ferrari Testarossa. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.