2014 Ferrari 458 Italia

The 2014 Ferrari 458 Italia is a mid-engine sports car renowned for its naturally aspirated 4.5L V8 engine. This engine, producing 562 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, delivers an exhilarating driving experience that many owners adore. The only transmission available was a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Owners often praise the car’s sharp handling, stunning design, and the intoxicating sound of its engine. However, some common complaints include the high cost of maintenance, potential for heat soak in the engine bay, and limited practicality for daily driving.

Engine

4.5L V8

• Engine Air Intake Manifold Cracks
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks develop in the engine air intake manifold. This leads to rough running, loss of power, and potentially illuminated check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the intake manifold.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Exhaust Manifold Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracking of the exhaust manifolds leading to exhaust leaks. Symptoms include an exhaust smell in the cabin, increased engine noise, and potentially a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the exhaust manifold.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission

• Transmission Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Faulty transmission position sensor. Symptoms include an inability to select gears, difficulty shifting, or error messages on the dashboard related to the transmission.
  • Solution: Replacement of the transmission position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Magnetorheological Damper Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure of the magnetorheological dampers (shocks). Symptoms include a bouncy ride, poor handling, and potentially a warning light on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty damper.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+ per damper.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery draining quickly, especially when the car is not driven regularly. Can be due to parasitic drain from various electrical components.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic drain. Battery tender recommended when not driving.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+, depending on the source of the drain.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Delamination/Fogging
  • Description/Symptoms: The plastic headlight lenses can develop a hazy or foggy appearance, reducing headlight output and visibility.
  • Solution: Replacement or professional restoration of the headlight lenses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $4,000+ per headlight.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sticky Interior Trim
  • Description/Symptoms: Some interior trim pieces, particularly those coated with a soft-touch material, can become sticky or tacky over time due to the material breaking down.
  • Solution: Professional cleaning, refinishing, or replacement of the affected trim pieces.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+, depending on the extent of the issue and the parts involved.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2014 Ferrari 458 Italia is generally a reliable exotic car, but it does have a few common issues that potential buyers should be aware of. Engine issues like manifold cracking and electrical quirks like battery drain can occur. Suspension damper failures can also happen and are costly to replace. Although the occurrence of these issues may not be a huge concern to potential buyers, the cost to fix them may be. Repair costs for the 458 Italia can be very high, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified Ferrari technician is crucial.