The Lamborghini Gallardo spans 2004–2014 with 11 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2006, 2004, 2008 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2005, 2007, 2009. 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 Lamborghini Gallardo is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2004 to 2014 across multiple generations.
How to read a Lamborghini Gallardo VIN — every digit explained
Every Lamborghini Gallardo 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 Lamborghini and the country it was built in (real Lamborghini codes below).
- 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 Gallardo.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- ItalyZHW
- USAZPB
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Gallardo, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Lamborghini Gallardo have?
The Lamborghini Gallardo has 11 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2004–2014. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2014 Lamborghini Gallardo recalls 1
Electrical System:software
What's wrong. Automobili Lamborghini (Lamborghini) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Gallardo Coupe and Gallardo Spyder vehicles. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) software may erase trouble codes after the ignition is turned off, not illuminating warning lamps and preventing drivers from being warned of safety system problems the next time that they are driving.
Risk. If the warning lamps do not indicate a safety system failure such as an engine or fuel injection system malfunction, continuing to drive the vehicle with a faulty system and no warning can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix. Lamborghini will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the engine software with the appropriate procedure, free of charge. The recall began December 14, 2018. Owners may contact Lamborghini customer service at 1-866-681-6276. Lamborghini's numbers for this recall are L61XR0118/L615R0218.
2013 Lamborghini Gallardo recalls 1
Electrical System:software
What's wrong. Automobili Lamborghini (Lamborghini) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Gallardo Coupe and Gallardo Spyder vehicles. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) software may erase trouble codes after the ignition is turned off, not illuminating warning lamps and preventing drivers from being warned of safety system problems the next time that they are driving.
Risk. If the warning lamps do not indicate a safety system failure such as an engine or fuel injection system malfunction, continuing to drive the vehicle with a faulty system and no warning can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix. Lamborghini will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the engine software with the appropriate procedure, free of charge. The recall began December 14, 2018. Owners may contact Lamborghini customer service at 1-866-681-6276. Lamborghini's numbers for this recall are L61XR0118/L615R0218.
2012 Lamborghini Gallardo recalls 1
Electrical System:software
What's wrong. Automobili Lamborghini (Lamborghini) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Gallardo Coupe and Gallardo Spyder vehicles. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) software may erase trouble codes after the ignition is turned off, not illuminating warning lamps and preventing drivers from being warned of safety system problems the next time that they are driving.
Risk. If the warning lamps do not indicate a safety system failure such as an engine or fuel injection system malfunction, continuing to drive the vehicle with a faulty system and no warning can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix. Lamborghini will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the engine software with the appropriate procedure, free of charge. The recall began December 14, 2018. Owners may contact Lamborghini customer service at 1-866-681-6276. Lamborghini's numbers for this recall are L61XR0118/L615R0218.
2011 Lamborghini Gallardo recalls 1
Electrical System:software
What's wrong. Automobili Lamborghini (Lamborghini) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Gallardo Coupe and Gallardo Spyder vehicles. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) software may erase trouble codes after the ignition is turned off, not illuminating warning lamps and preventing drivers from being warned of safety system problems the next time that they are driving.
Risk. If the warning lamps do not indicate a safety system failure such as an engine or fuel injection system malfunction, continuing to drive the vehicle with a faulty system and no warning can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix. Lamborghini will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the engine software with the appropriate procedure, free of charge. The recall began December 14, 2018. Owners may contact Lamborghini customer service at 1-866-681-6276. Lamborghini's numbers for this recall are L61XR0118/L615R0218.
2009 Lamborghini Gallardo recalls 1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:rotor
What's wrong. Automobili Lamborghini America LLC (Lamborghini) is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2009 Gallardo Coupes and Spyders fitted with carbon ceramic brake discs. The stainless steel screws that secure the brake rotors may fail after being exposed to salty conditions.
Risk. Failure of the securing screws may result in a reduction of braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Lamborghini will notify owners, and dealers will replace the screws, free of charge. The safety recall began during November 2013. Owners may contact Lamborghini at 1-866-681-6276. The manufacturer's numbers for this campaign are L71X-R.01.13 (model year 2007 and 2008 Gallardo Coupe and Spyder) and L71X-R.02.13 (model year 2009 Gallardo Coupe and Spyder).
2008 Lamborghini Gallardo recalls 1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:rotor
What's wrong. Automobili Lamborghini America LLC (Lamborghini) is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2009 Gallardo Coupes and Spyders fitted with carbon ceramic brake discs. The stainless steel screws that secure the brake rotors may fail after being exposed to salty conditions.
Risk. Failure of the securing screws may result in a reduction of braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Lamborghini will notify owners, and dealers will replace the screws, free of charge. The safety recall began during November 2013. Owners may contact Lamborghini at 1-866-681-6276. The manufacturer's numbers for this campaign are L71X-R.01.13 (model year 2007 and 2008 Gallardo Coupe and Spyder) and L71X-R.02.13 (model year 2009 Gallardo Coupe and Spyder).
2007 Lamborghini Gallardo recalls 1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:rotor
What's wrong. Automobili Lamborghini America LLC (Lamborghini) is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2009 Gallardo Coupes and Spyders fitted with carbon ceramic brake discs. The stainless steel screws that secure the brake rotors may fail after being exposed to salty conditions.
Risk. Failure of the securing screws may result in a reduction of braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Lamborghini will notify owners, and dealers will replace the screws, free of charge. The safety recall began during November 2013. Owners may contact Lamborghini at 1-866-681-6276. The manufacturer's numbers for this campaign are L71X-R.01.13 (model year 2007 and 2008 Gallardo Coupe and Spyder) and L71X-R.02.13 (model year 2009 Gallardo Coupe and Spyder).
2006 Lamborghini Gallardo recalls 2
Suspension
What's wrong. ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE BOLTED CONNECTIONS ON THE SUSPENSION'S DOUBLE WISHBONES MAY COME LOOSE OVER TIME OR UNDER EXTREME LOADING.
Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO A REDUCTION IN HANDLING STABILITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR THE DOUBLE WISHBONE SUSPENSION AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 28, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUTOMOBILI LAMBORGHINI AT 1-781-788-0600.
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections
What's wrong. Lamborghini is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Gallardo Coupe and Spyder vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the high pressure steering pipes near the the steering assistance hydraulic system pump might leak.
Risk. Leaking fluid, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Fix. Lamborghini will notify owners, and dealers will update the power steering system free of charge. The safety recall began on September 26, 2012. Owners may contact Lamborghini at 1-866-681-6276.
2005 Lamborghini Gallardo recalls 1
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections
What's wrong. Lamborghini is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Gallardo Coupe and Spyder vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the high pressure steering pipes near the the steering assistance hydraulic system pump might leak.
Risk. Leaking fluid, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Fix. Lamborghini will notify owners, and dealers will update the power steering system free of charge. The safety recall began on September 26, 2012. Owners may contact Lamborghini at 1-866-681-6276.
2004 Lamborghini Gallardo recalls 1
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections
What's wrong. Lamborghini is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Gallardo Coupe and Spyder vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the high pressure steering pipes near the the steering assistance hydraulic system pump might leak.
Risk. Leaking fluid, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Fix. Lamborghini will notify owners, and dealers will update the power steering system free of charge. The safety recall began on September 26, 2012. Owners may contact Lamborghini at 1-866-681-6276.
Best and worst years for the Lamborghini Gallardo
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 11 tracked years, the worst years are 2006, 2004, 2008 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2005, 2007, 2009.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 Gallardo | Service Brakes | Avoid | |
| 2005 Gallardo | — | Best | |
| 2006 Gallardo | Engine And Engine Cooling | Avoid | |
| 2007 Gallardo | — | Best | |
| 2008 Gallardo | Electrical System | Avoid | |
| 2009 Gallardo | — | Best | |
| 2010 Gallardo | — | Average | |
| 2011 Gallardo | — | Average | |
| 2012 Gallardo | — | Average | |
| 2013 Gallardo | — | Average | |
| 2014 Gallardo | — | Average |
What are the most common Lamborghini Gallardo problems?
The most-reported Lamborghini Gallardo problems are Gasoline (1 reports), Fuel System (1 reports) and Power Train (1 reports) — out of 5 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:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Lamborghini Gallardo specifications & dimensions
The 2005–2014 Lamborghini Gallardo measures 169″ long on a 101″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 3,153 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Lamborghini Gallardo window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005–2014 | 169″ | 75″ | 46″ | 101″ | 3,153 lb |
| 2004 | 169″ | 75″ | 46″ | — | 3,153 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Lamborghini Gallardo cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Gallardo 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 — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Lamborghini Gallardo 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 Lamborghini Gallardo get?
The Lamborghini Gallardo returns up to 16 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $4,800/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2014 Lamborghini Gallardo (5.2L 10-cyl) gets 16 mpg combined and costs about $4,800/yr to fuel, emitting 562 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 3/10, smog 5/10) — about $13,000 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Gallardo | 13 | 20 | $4,800 | 562 | 5/10 | 5.2L 10-cyl | |
| 2013 Gallardo | 13 | 20 | $4,800 | 562 | 5/10 | 5.2L 10-cyl | |
| 2012 Gallardo | 13 | 20 | $4,800 | 555 | 5/10 | 5.2L 10-cyl | |
| 2011 Gallardo | 13 | 20 | $4,800 | 555 | 5/10 | 5.2L 10-cyl | |
| 2010 Gallardo | 14 | 20 | $4,800 | 555 | 5/10 | 5.2L 10-cyl | |
| 2009 Gallardo | 14 | 20 | $4,800 | 555 | — | 5.2L 10-cyl | |
| 2008 Gallardo | 11 | 17 | $5,950 | 684 | 5/10 | 5L 10-cyl | |
| 2007 Gallardo | 11 | 19 | $5,500 | 635 | 5/10 | 5L 10-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Gallardo stacks up against the most fuel-efficient two-seaters, or calculate this Gallardo's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Lamborghini Gallardo have? Power & range
The Lamborghini Gallardo is offered with 1 powertrain — 5.2L 10-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V8 | 5.2L · 10-cyl | Automatic (AM-S6) | AWD | 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 Lamborghini Gallardo cost to own?
A Lamborghini Gallardo depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Check what a used Gallardo is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. 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 Gallardo loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $24,000 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Gallardo 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 Lamborghini Gallardo safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Gallardo yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Lamborghini Gallardo last?
A well-maintained Lamborghini Gallardo 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.
Check your Lamborghini Gallardo’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Gallardo’s VIN free →All Lamborghini Gallardo model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Lamborghini Gallardo — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Gallardo | 1 recall | — | |
| 2013 Gallardo | 1 recall | — | |
| 2012 Gallardo | 1 recall | — | |
| 2011 Gallardo | 1 recall | — | |
| 2010 Gallardo | 0 | — | |
| 2009 Gallardo | 1 recall | — | |
| 2008 Gallardo | 1 recall | — | |
| 2007 Gallardo | 1 recall | — | |
| 2006 Gallardo | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2005 Gallardo | 1 recall | — | |
| 2004 Gallardo | 1 recall | — |
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 Gallardo?
By owner-complaint volume, 2006, 2004, 2008 drew the most reports. 2005, 2007, 2009 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Gallardo have?
11 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2004–2014. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Lamborghini recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the Gallardo get?
Up to 16 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Gallardo last?
A well-maintained Gallardo typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Gallardo reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Gallardo is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Lamborghini Gallardo warranty?
New Lamborghini 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 Lamborghini dealer.
Where is the Lamborghini Gallardo made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Gallardo's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Lamborghini may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a Gallardo weigh?
The Gallardo's curb weight is around 3,153 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the Gallardo 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.