The Ferrari California spans 2010–2014 with 14 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2012, 2014, 2013 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2010, 2011, 2013. It delivers up to 16 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Ferrari California is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2010 to 2014 across multiple generations.
Decode or check a Ferrari California by VIN
Enter a 17-digit VIN to decode this Ferrari California — trim, engine, plant and full specs — and instantly pull its open recalls, safety ratings and original window sticker.
How to read a Ferrari California VIN — every digit explained
Every Ferrari California carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. 4T1 = Toyota, built in the USA.
- VDS (4–8) — model line, body style, engine & restraint system.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built. H = 2017.
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this California.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Model-year code (10th digit)
The 10th character is the model year. It cycles through letters and numbers, skipping I, O, Q, U, Z and 0 to avoid confusion:
Where to find your California VIN
- Dashboard — driver's side, visible through the windshield from outside.
- Driver's door jamb — on the manufacturer sticker when you open the door.
- Paperwork — vehicle registration, title and insurance card.
- Engine bay & frame — stamped on the firewall or chassis on many models.
How many recalls does the Ferrari California have?
The Ferrari California has 14 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2010–2014. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2014 Ferrari California recalls 2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
What's wrong. Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2005-2009 430, 2019-2020 488 Pista, 2016 F60 America, 2005-2011 612 Scaglietti, 2010-2011 612, 2018-2022 812, 2020-2022 F8 Spider, 2020-2022 F8 Tributo, 2021-2022 Roma, 2009-2017 California, 2015-2017 California T, 2013-2017 F12 Berlinetta, 2017 F12 TDF, 2012-2016 FF, 2017-2020 GTC4 Lusso, 2018-2020 GTC4 Lusso T, 2013-2015 LaFerrari, 2017 LaFerrari Aperta, and 2019-2022 Portofino vehicles. The brake fluid reservoir cap may not vent properly, creating a vacuum inside the brake fluid reservoir, and resulting in a brake fluid leak that may lead to a partial or total loss of brake function.
Risk. A loss of brake function can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap and update the software to provide a new warning message for low brake fluid, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 22, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2022. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is RC 80. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-833.
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
What's wrong. Ferrari North America (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2014 Ferrari California, 2014-2015 Ferrari 458 Italia, 458 Spider, 2014-2016 Ferrari FF, 2014-2017 Ferrari F12, 2015-2018 Ferrari California T, 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale A, 2016 Ferrari F60 America, 2016-2017 Ferrari F12 tdf, 2016-2018 Ferrari 488 GTB, 488 Spider, 2017-2018 Ferrari GTC4Lusso and 2018 GTC4Lusso T vehicles nationwide. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix. Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2019. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-866-551-2828. Ferrari's number for this recall is 65.
2013 Ferrari California recalls 2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
What's wrong. Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2005-2009 430, 2019-2020 488 Pista, 2016 F60 America, 2005-2011 612 Scaglietti, 2010-2011 612, 2018-2022 812, 2020-2022 F8 Spider, 2020-2022 F8 Tributo, 2021-2022 Roma, 2009-2017 California, 2015-2017 California T, 2013-2017 F12 Berlinetta, 2017 F12 TDF, 2012-2016 FF, 2017-2020 GTC4 Lusso, 2018-2020 GTC4 Lusso T, 2013-2015 LaFerrari, 2017 LaFerrari Aperta, and 2019-2022 Portofino vehicles. The brake fluid reservoir cap may not vent properly, creating a vacuum inside the brake fluid reservoir, and resulting in a brake fluid leak that may lead to a partial or total loss of brake function.
Risk. A loss of brake function can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap and update the software to provide a new warning message for low brake fluid, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 22, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2022. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is RC 80. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-833.
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
What's wrong. On January 9, 2018 Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) recalled 1,073 model year 2013 California, 458 Italia, 458 Spider, FF, and F12 Berlinetta vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. On May 18, 2018, Ferrari expanded the recall to include an additional 826 model year 2013 California, 458 Italia, 458 Spider, FF, and F12 Berlinetta vehicles located throughout the rest of the United States. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix. Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2018 for the original population. The recall will begin in June 2018 for the expanded population. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-866-551-2828. Ferrari's number for this recall is 63.
2012 Ferrari California recalls 2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
What's wrong. Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2005-2009 430, 2019-2020 488 Pista, 2016 F60 America, 2005-2011 612 Scaglietti, 2010-2011 612, 2018-2022 812, 2020-2022 F8 Spider, 2020-2022 F8 Tributo, 2021-2022 Roma, 2009-2017 California, 2015-2017 California T, 2013-2017 F12 Berlinetta, 2017 F12 TDF, 2012-2016 FF, 2017-2020 GTC4 Lusso, 2018-2020 GTC4 Lusso T, 2013-2015 LaFerrari, 2017 LaFerrari Aperta, and 2019-2022 Portofino vehicles. The brake fluid reservoir cap may not vent properly, creating a vacuum inside the brake fluid reservoir, and resulting in a brake fluid leak that may lead to a partial or total loss of brake function.
Risk. A loss of brake function can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap and update the software to provide a new warning message for low brake fluid, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 22, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2022. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is RC 80. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-833.
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix. 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.
2011 Ferrari California recalls 4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
What's wrong. Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2005-2009 430, 2019-2020 488 Pista, 2016 F60 America, 2005-2011 612 Scaglietti, 2010-2011 612, 2018-2022 812, 2020-2022 F8 Spider, 2020-2022 F8 Tributo, 2021-2022 Roma, 2009-2017 California, 2015-2017 California T, 2013-2017 F12 Berlinetta, 2017 F12 TDF, 2012-2016 FF, 2017-2020 GTC4 Lusso, 2018-2020 GTC4 Lusso T, 2013-2015 LaFerrari, 2017 LaFerrari Aperta, and 2019-2022 Portofino vehicles. The brake fluid reservoir cap may not vent properly, creating a vacuum inside the brake fluid reservoir, and resulting in a brake fluid leak that may lead to a partial or total loss of brake function.
Risk. A loss of brake function can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap and update the software to provide a new warning message for low brake fluid, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 22, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2022. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is RC 80. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-833.
Air Bags:frontal
What's wrong. Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2009-2011 California and 2010-2011 458 Italia vehicles equipped with non-desiccated, passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix. Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag assembly with an alternate one, including a new non-ammonium nitrate inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2020. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is 60FL.
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
What's wrong. Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Ferrari California vehicles manufactured February 16, 2009, to July 8, 2011, and model year 2010-2011 458 Italia vehicles manufactured March 5, 2010, to July 29, 2011. These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix. Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2017. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is 60.
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
What's wrong. Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2009-2011 Ferrari California, and 2010-2011 Ferrari 458 Italia vehicles that have not 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.
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix. Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag assembly with one that uses an alternate inflator, free of charge. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is 60A. Note: This recall supersedes recall 16V-341.
2010 Ferrari California recalls 4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
What's wrong. Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2005-2009 430, 2019-2020 488 Pista, 2016 F60 America, 2005-2011 612 Scaglietti, 2010-2011 612, 2018-2022 812, 2020-2022 F8 Spider, 2020-2022 F8 Tributo, 2021-2022 Roma, 2009-2017 California, 2015-2017 California T, 2013-2017 F12 Berlinetta, 2017 F12 TDF, 2012-2016 FF, 2017-2020 GTC4 Lusso, 2018-2020 GTC4 Lusso T, 2013-2015 LaFerrari, 2017 LaFerrari Aperta, and 2019-2022 Portofino vehicles. The brake fluid reservoir cap may not vent properly, creating a vacuum inside the brake fluid reservoir, and resulting in a brake fluid leak that may lead to a partial or total loss of brake function.
Risk. A loss of brake function can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap and update the software to provide a new warning message for low brake fluid, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 22, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2022. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is RC 80. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-833.
Air Bags:frontal
What's wrong. Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2009-2011 California and 2010-2011 458 Italia vehicles equipped with non-desiccated, passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix. Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag assembly with an alternate one, including a new non-ammonium nitrate inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2020. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is 60FL.
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
What's wrong. Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Ferrari California vehicles manufactured February 16, 2009, to July 8, 2011, and model year 2010-2011 458 Italia vehicles manufactured March 5, 2010, to July 29, 2011. These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix. Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2017. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is 60.
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
What's wrong. Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2009-2011 Ferrari California, and 2010-2011 Ferrari 458 Italia vehicles that have not 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.
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix. Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag assembly with one that uses an alternate inflator, free of charge. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is 60A. Note: This recall supersedes recall 16V-341.
Best and worst years for the Ferrari California
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 5 tracked years, the worst years are 2012, 2014, 2013 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2010, 2011, 2013.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 California | 1 | Vehicle Speed Control | Best |
| 2011 California | 1 | Air Bags | Best |
| 2012 California | 2 | Air Bags | Avoid |
| 2013 California | 1 | Service Brakes | Avoid |
| 2014 California | 1 | Air Bags | Avoid |
What are the most common Ferrari California problems?
The most-reported Ferrari California problems are Engine (1 reports), Wheels (1 reports) and Air Bags (3 reports) — out of 6 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Air Bags 3 Read
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2014 ferrari california. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v006000 (air bags); however, the parts for the recall remedy were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to repair the vehicle. Ferrari of washington (45235 towlern pl, sterling, va 20166, (703) 478-3606) was contacted and confirmed that parts were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Long island ferrari dealer keeps telling me the part is not available
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 ferrari california. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v341000 (air bags). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called ferrari of washington (located at 45235 towlern pl, sterling, va 20166, (703) 478-3606) and was informed that the part was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Service Brakes 1 Read
I was in my ferrari california coming to pick up my friend (a date). I pulled the little lever on the left of the steering wheel to put the car into park. I pulled it twice to make sure that the car was in park...that was my mistake since the second pull took the car out of park. I did not realize that the car was now out of park. I came to exit the car to open the passenger door for my date. As i got out the car started rolling backwards down the sloped street. I had to throw myself into the car like a stuntman to slam on the breaks and prevent the car from rolling down the street and possibly killing someone. The car driver door was open as i exited the car. If i did not leap back into the car, i risked getting run over since i had nowhere to go as the car rolled backwards. I could not go forward or back or to the left. My only option to prevent the car from running me over was a heroic leap back into the car. The way this car is put into park has serious problems. Pulling that lever should always put the car in park. Pulling it multiple times should ensure the car is in park. This is not currently the case.
Engine 1 Read
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ferrari california. The contact stated that he received notification of nhtsa campaign id number: 12v211000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs however, the parts needed to complete the recall repairs were not readily available. The vehicle was left with the dealer for approximately one month and had not yet been repaired due to the parts not being available. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were approximately 2,500. The vin was not available.
Vehicle Speed Control 1 Read
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 ferrari california. The contact stated that the wheels were not operating properly and the speedometer failed to function. Two dealers were unable to replicate and diagnose the failure. A third dealer indicated that the computer needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified. The vin was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 7,500.
Wheels 1 Read
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 ferrari california. The contact stated that the wheels were not operating properly and the speedometer failed to function. Two dealers were unable to replicate and diagnose the failure. A third dealer indicated that the computer needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified. The vin was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 7,500.
Electrical System 1 Read
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 ferrari california. The contact stated that the wheels were not operating properly and the speedometer failed to function. Two dealers were unable to replicate and diagnose the failure. A third dealer indicated that the computer needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified. The vin was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 7,500.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Ferrari California specifications & dimensions
The 2014 Ferrari California measures 180″ long on a 105″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 3,825 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN.
| Wheelbase | 105″ (267 cm) |
| Rear track | 65″ |
| Body / trim | California 2dr Coupe Rwd |
| Curb weight | 3,825 lb (1735 kg) |
| Front track | 66″ |
| Overall width | 75″ (190 cm) |
| Overall height | 52″ (131 cm) |
| Overall length | 180″ (456 cm) |
| Weight distribution (front/rear) | 47/53% |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Ferrari California cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the California holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 75 cu ft of passenger volume and 7 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Ferrari California tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Ferrari California get?
The Ferrari California returns up to 16 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine. Pick an engine to see its city / highway / combined rating by year:
| Year | City | Highway | Combined | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 California | 13 | 19 | 15 | 4.3L 8-cyl |
| 2011 California | 13 | 19 | 15 | 4.3L 8-cyl |
| 2012 California | 13 | 19 | 15 | 4.3L 8-cyl |
| 2013 California | 14 | 19 | 16 | 4.3L 8-cyl |
| 2014 California | 14 | 19 | 16 | 4.3L 8-cyl |
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov — best combined rating per engine & year. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
What engines does the Ferrari California have? Power & range
The Ferrari California is offered with 1 powertrain — 4.3L 8-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V8 | 4.3L · 8-cyl | Automatic (AM7) | RWD | Premium |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Ferrari California cost to own?
A Ferrari California depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | — | — |
| Year 2 | 70% | — | — |
| Year 3 | 61% | — | — |
| Year 4 | 53% | — | — |
| Year 5 | 46% | — | — |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this California loses about 54% of its value over five years.
- Fuel — ≈ $24,000 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the California ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Ferrari California safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the California yet.
How many miles does a Ferrari California last?
A well-maintained Ferrari California typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.0/5.
Decode your Ferrari California’s window sticker & build
Original options, specs, recalls and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Decode VIN →All Ferrari California model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Ferrari California — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 California | 2 recalls | 16 mpg | — |
| 2013 California | 2 recalls | 16 mpg | — |
| 2012 California | 2 recalls | 15 mpg | — |
| 2011 California | 4 recalls | 15 mpg | — |
| 2010 California | 4 recalls | 15 mpg | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the California?
By owner-complaint volume, 2012, 2014, 2013 drew the most reports. 2010, 2011, 2013 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the California have?
14 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2010–2014. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
What MPG does the California get?
Up to 16 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a California last?
A well-maintained California typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the California reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the California is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Ferrari California warranty?
New Ferrari models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Ferrari dealer.
Where is the Ferrari California made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your California's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Ferrari may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a California weigh?
The California's curb weight is around 3,825 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the California have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.