2014 Ferrari 458 Spider

The 2014 Ferrari 458 Spider is a mid-engine sports car known for its exhilarating performance and stunning design. It’s powered by a naturally aspirated 4.5-liter V8 engine producing 562 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. This engine is coupled with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Owners typically rave about the engine’s sound and responsiveness, as well as the car’s sharp handling. Some common dislikes include the high running costs and the sensitivity of the carbon-ceramic brakes in everyday driving conditions. There were no other engine options available for the 2014 Ferrari 458 Spider.

Engine

4.5L V8

• Valve Guides Issue
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature wear of valve guides, leading to excessive oil consumption, blue exhaust smoke, and potential engine damage. The issue often surfaces at relatively low mileage.
  • Solution: Replacing the worn valve guides with updated parts. Some owners opt for a complete engine rebuild to address potential consequential damage.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $10,000 - $20,000+ (depending on the extent of damage and whether a full rebuild is necessary).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Exhaust Manifold Cracks
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracking of the exhaust manifolds, resulting in exhaust leaks, reduced performance, and a distinct exhaust smell.
  • Solution: Replacement of the cracked exhaust manifolds. Upgraded aftermarket manifolds are available which are more resistant to cracking.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $8,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Dual-Clutch

• Clutch Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature clutch wear, leading to slipping during gear changes, jerky engagement, and eventual transmission failure. Aggressive driving exacerbates the problem.
  • Solution: Clutch replacement. Some owners opt for upgraded clutch packs for increased durability.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $8,000 - $12,000+ (depending on whether a standard or upgraded clutch is used).
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Magnetic Ride Dampers Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure of the magnetic ride dampers, resulting in a loss of damping control, a bouncy ride, and potential error messages on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty dampers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $6,000 (for a pair of dampers).
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain, especially when the car is not driven regularly. This can lead to difficulty starting the car or a completely dead battery.
  • Solution: Inspection for parasitic draws, replacement of the battery, and/or use of a battery tender when the car is stored for extended periods.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (depending on the cause of the drain and whether a new battery is needed).
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Convertible Top Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Problems with the convertible top mechanism, including slow operation, failure to fully open or close, and error messages.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the hydraulic system, replacement of faulty sensors, or adjustment of the top mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $5,000+ (depending on the complexity of the issue).
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sticky Buttons
  • Description/Symptoms: Degradation of the soft-touch coating on interior buttons and switches, resulting in a sticky or tacky feel.
  • Solution: Professional cleaning and re-coating of the affected parts or replacement of the buttons/switches.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ (depending on the number of parts affected and the chosen repair method).
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2014 Ferrari 458 Spider, while an incredible performance machine, can suffer from some significant and costly issues. The valve guide wear is a concern, and the dual-clutch transmission can require expensive maintenance. The magnetic ride dampers can also fail, adding to the potential repair bills. Interior components such as the convertible top mechanism and the “sticky buttons” on the interior console are also common. Prospective buyers should have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified Ferrari mechanic to assess the condition of these components and factor potential repair costs into their budget.