The Ferrari F355 spans 1996–1999 with 9 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1998, 1996, 1999 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1999, 1996, 1998. It delivers up to 11 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 F355 is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1996 to 1999 across multiple generations.
How to read a Ferrari F355 VIN — every digit explained
Every Ferrari F355 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. Tells you it's a Ferrari and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this F355.
- 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 F355 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 F355 have?
The Ferrari F355 has 9 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1996–1999. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1999 Ferrari F355 recalls 2
Fuel System, Other:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. Ferrari is recalling certain model year 1995 through 1999 ferrari 355 and 355 f1 vehicles. Independent automobile repair facilities may have improperly installed certain screw clamps that are located in close proximity to the fuel lines and that fasten the water sleeve to the thermostat connection. The improper installation of these screw clamps may damage the fuel supply pipes.
Risk. Fluid could leak into the engine compartment, causing smoke and, in some circumstances, a fire, rendering the vehicle inoperable and possibly resulting in a crash.
Fix. Dealers will install a new fuel divider block, which will serve to provide a greater distance between these screw clamps and the fuel lines. This will eliminate the possibility of any damage to the fuel supply pipes which could cause fluid leakage. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on december 16, 2009. Owners may contact ferrari at 1-201-816-2600.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with bosch braking system. Brake fluid reservoir hoses may not be resistant to brake fluid, which could cause failure of the hoses.
Risk. Should a hose failure occur, the brake failure light would light up, followed by loss of vehicle braking efficiency.
Fix. Dealers will inspect the hoses and, if required, install new hoses that are resistant to brake fluid.
1998 Ferrari F355 recalls 4
Fuel System, Other:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. Ferrari is recalling certain model year 1995 through 1999 ferrari 355 and 355 f1 vehicles. Independent automobile repair facilities may have improperly installed certain screw clamps that are located in close proximity to the fuel lines and that fasten the water sleeve to the thermostat connection. The improper installation of these screw clamps may damage the fuel supply pipes.
Risk. Fluid could leak into the engine compartment, causing smoke and, in some circumstances, a fire, rendering the vehicle inoperable and possibly resulting in a crash.
Fix. Dealers will install a new fuel divider block, which will serve to provide a greater distance between these screw clamps and the fuel lines. This will eliminate the possibility of any damage to the fuel supply pipes which could cause fluid leakage. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on december 16, 2009. Owners may contact ferrari at 1-201-816-2600.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The fuel injection line can wear due to interference with the water hose clamp on the coolant pipe.
Risk. If the fuel line fractures, fuel leakage can occur. If an ignition source is present, a fire could occur.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and rotate the incorrectly fitted water hose clamps.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passsenger vehicles. Fuel tank damage could have occurred during installation of the screws on the soft top mechanism covers.
Risk. This condition could cause fuel leakage from the fuel tank, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
Fix. Dealers will inspect the fuel tanks for leaks. If leaks are found, the fuel tank will be replaced. Dealers will also inspect the soft top mechanism cover screws to verify proper length. If the screws are found to be the wrong length, correct length screws will be installed.
Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The torque on the power steering column nut is insufficient.
Risk. Impairment of the vehicle handling could result.
Fix. Dwealers will inspect the proper position of the splines on the power steering column extension and tighten the bolt.
1996 Ferrari F355 recalls 3
Fuel System, Other:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. Ferrari is recalling certain model year 1995 through 1999 ferrari 355 and 355 f1 vehicles. Independent automobile repair facilities may have improperly installed certain screw clamps that are located in close proximity to the fuel lines and that fasten the water sleeve to the thermostat connection. The improper installation of these screw clamps may damage the fuel supply pipes.
Risk. Fluid could leak into the engine compartment, causing smoke and, in some circumstances, a fire, rendering the vehicle inoperable and possibly resulting in a crash.
Fix. Dealers will install a new fuel divider block, which will serve to provide a greater distance between these screw clamps and the fuel lines. This will eliminate the possibility of any damage to the fuel supply pipes which could cause fluid leakage. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on december 16, 2009. Owners may contact ferrari at 1-201-816-2600.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles fitted with single fuel pumps. The fuel injection line fitting can fracture if the aluminum nut attaching the lines is tightened excessively.
Risk. If the fuel line fractures, fuel leakage can occur. If an ignition source is present, a fire could occur.
Fix. Dealers will remove the fuel injection lines that have aluminum nuts and replace with new lines containing steel attaching nuts.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip
What's wrong. The electric motor which drives the anti-lock brake system (abs) hydraulic pump does not function after a period of operation.
Risk. Loss of brake boost will result increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the abs hydraulic pump electric motor.
Best and worst years for the Ferrari F355
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 3 tracked years, the worst years are 1998, 1996, 1999 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1999, 1996, 1998.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 F355 | Fuel System | Avoid | |
| 1998 F355 | Fuel System | Avoid | |
| 1999 F355 | — | Avoid |
What are the most common Ferrari F355 problems?
The most-reported Ferrari F355 problems are Other (1 reports), Gasoline (2 reports) and Steering (1 reports) — out of 4 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:
Fuel System 3 Read
1996 ferrari spyder f355 caught fire in the engine compartment. Consumer states that after the investigation it was verified that the fire was caused by a rupture of the high pressure fuel line. *kb the consumer stated the driver sustained burn injuries to the head, shoulder, back, and neck. The recall had been performed to prevent the problem a possible fire from occurring, however despite the recall fix, the vehicle still caught on fire. *tr
1998 ferrari 355. Consumer states that he received a recall for the fuel divider block. He stated that he took the vehicle in for repair and after the repairs the vehicle now has more issues. *kb the consumer stated upon starting the vehicle, he noticed it didn't sound the same. He drove around the parking lot and noticed it didn't have any power. The consumer asked the mechanic to take a test drive, and then the engine light illuminated. A diagnostic test revealed that the left catalytic converter was running hot. The consumer had the vehicle towed to another establishment and a diagnostics revealed the fuel lines that entered the left side of the fuel divider block were backwards. The vehicle was only working on 4 cylinders, which led to the left side catalytic converter overheating and damaging the left side ecm. The problem was a result of the work that was performed by the previous dealer. *jb
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ferrari f355 gts. The contact received a recall notification letter under nhtsa campaign id number 09v447000, fuel system, other delivery hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Unfortunately, the nearest authorized dealer location was 200 miles from his residence. The manufacturer was notified; yet, there were no resolutions. The contact had concern of the potential safety risk. The current mileage was 15,000.
Gasoline 2 Read
1996 ferrari spyder f355 caught fire in the engine compartment. Consumer states that after the investigation it was verified that the fire was caused by a rupture of the high pressure fuel line. *kb the consumer stated the driver sustained burn injuries to the head, shoulder, back, and neck. The recall had been performed to prevent the problem a possible fire from occurring, however despite the recall fix, the vehicle still caught on fire. *tr
1998 ferrari 355. Consumer states that he received a recall for the fuel divider block. He stated that he took the vehicle in for repair and after the repairs the vehicle now has more issues. *kb the consumer stated upon starting the vehicle, he noticed it didn't sound the same. He drove around the parking lot and noticed it didn't have any power. The consumer asked the mechanic to take a test drive, and then the engine light illuminated. A diagnostic test revealed that the left catalytic converter was running hot. The consumer had the vehicle towed to another establishment and a diagnostics revealed the fuel lines that entered the left side of the fuel divider block were backwards. The vehicle was only working on 4 cylinders, which led to the left side catalytic converter overheating and damaging the left side ecm. The problem was a result of the work that was performed by the previous dealer. *jb
Other 1 Read
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ferrari f355 gts. The contact received a recall notification letter under nhtsa campaign id number 09v447000, fuel system, other delivery hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Unfortunately, the nearest authorized dealer location was 200 miles from his residence. The manufacturer was notified; yet, there were no resolutions. The contact had concern of the potential safety risk. The current mileage was 15,000.
Steering 1 Read
Power steering leak.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Ferrari F355 specifications & dimensions
The 1999 Ferrari F355 measures 167″ long on a 96″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 2,976 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN.
| Wheelbase | 96″ (245 cm) |
| Body / trim | F355 Spyder 2dr Coupe Base/f1 |
| Curb weight | 2,976 lb (1350 kg) |
| Overall width | 75″ (190 cm) |
| Overall height | 46″ (117 cm) |
| Overall length | 167″ (425 cm) |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Ferrari F355 cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the F355 holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
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 F355 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 F355 get?
The Ferrari F355 returns up to 11 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine. Pick an engine to see its city / highway / combined rating by year:
| Year | City | Highway | Combined | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 F355 | 9 | 14 | 3.5L 8-cyl | |
| 1998 F355 | 9 | 13 | 3.5L 8-cyl | |
| 1999 F355 | 9 | 13 | 3.5L 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 F355 have? Power & range
The Ferrari F355 is offered with 1 powertrain — 3.5L 8-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V8 | 3.5L · 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 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 F355 cost to own?
A Ferrari F355 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% | $24,000 | −$6,000 |
| Year 2 | 70% | $21,000 | −$9,000 |
| Year 3 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 4 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 5 | 46% | $13,800 | −$16,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this F355 loses about 54% of its value over five years.
- Fuel — ≈ $35,000 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the F355 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 F355 safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the F355 yet.
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How many miles does a Ferrari F355 last?
A well-maintained Ferrari F355 typically lasts 200,000–250,000 miles. With regular oil, transmission and timing service, most examples comfortably pass the 200,000-mile mark. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Decode your Ferrari F355’s window sticker & build
Original options, specs, recalls and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Decode VIN →All Ferrari F355 model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Ferrari F355 — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 F355 | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1998 F355 | 4 recalls | — | |
| 1996 F355 | 3 recalls | — |
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 F355?
By owner-complaint volume, 1998, 1996, 1999 drew the most reports. 1999, 1996, 1998 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the F355 have?
9 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1996–1999. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
What MPG does the F355 get?
Up to 11 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a F355 last?
A well-maintained F355 typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the F355 reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the F355 is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Ferrari F355 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 F355 made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your F355'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 F355 weigh?
The F355's curb weight is around 2,976 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the F355 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.