VehicleVerdict

1990 Ferrari Testarossa problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1990 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

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Testarossa years?

Testarossa NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 highlighted2 complaints1987: 2 complaints1988: 2 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 2 complaints1991: 1 complaints
Testarossa NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Testarossa years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Ferrari Testarossa problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts2100%

Does the 1990 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.

92V072000SteeringMay 18, 1992 · 645 units

Defect

THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN LOCKNUT WAS MANUFACTURED WITH INFERIOR MATERIALS AND INFERIOR SELF-LOCKING PROPERTIES.

Consequence

THE LOCKNUT CAN LOOSEN, CAUSING EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THESTEERING SYSTEM AND IMPAIRED HANDLING. THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLECONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

REPLACE LOCKNUT WITH AN IMPROVED LOCKNUT.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE PASSIVE SEAT BELT ON PASSENGER SIDE BROKE DOWN CAME APART ON IT'S OWN, LIKE DANGLING SNAKE JUST HANGING LOOSELY. THIS WAS FIRST FIXED BY FERRARI RECALL ON JUN 9, 2003. IT FAILED AGAIN. FERRARI REFUSES TO WARRANTY/PAY FOR THIS. THIS HAPPENED WHEN CAR WAS STATIONARY AT THE FERRARI DEALER/SHOP IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · May 16, 2019

1990 Ferrari Testarossa — common questions

Is the 1990 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 1990 Ferrari Testarossa have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 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.