2017 Ferrari California T

The 2017 Ferrari California T is a grand touring sports car that combines performance and comfort in a convertible package. It’s powered by a 3.9-liter turbocharged V8 engine, producing 553 horsepower and 557 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired exclusively with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Owners appreciate the California T for its sleek design, comfortable ride, and exhilarating performance, but some have noted concerns about reliability, particularly with the electronics and certain engine components. Some also find the infotainment system dated compared to newer cars.

Engine

3.9L Turbocharged V8

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling or grinding noises from the engine bay, check engine light illuminated. Can be caused by oil starvation, overboost, or bearing failure.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets, Timing Chain Cover)
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks on the engine, burning oil smell, low oil level.
  • Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gaskets and/or resealing the timing chain cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough running, poor fuel economy, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission

• Clutch Wear/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping during acceleration, jerky shifts, difficulty engaging gears. This is more common with aggressive driving.
  • Solution: Replacement of the clutch pack.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $8,000 - $12,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Mechatronic Unit Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed or harsh shifts, inability to select certain gears, transmission malfunction warning.
  • Solution: Replacement or reprogramming of the mechatronic unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Magneride Damper Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, uneven ride height, diminished handling performance, error messages displayed on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty Magneride damper.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000 per damper
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system becomes unresponsive, freezes, or restarts frequently.
  • Solution: Software update or replacement of the infotainment unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not driven frequently, requiring frequent jump-starts.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of parasitic drain, replacement of faulty components, or use of a battery tender.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Convertible Top Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The convertible top fails to open or close properly, gets stuck mid-operation, or produces error messages.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair hydraulic system (pump, lines, cylinders), replace faulty sensors, or realign the top mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Retractable Hardtop Alignment Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Misalignment of the retractable hardtop panels, leading to wind noise, water leaks, and difficulty opening/closing.
  • Solution: Adjustment and realignment of the hardtop panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sticky Interior Trim (Due to Coating Degradation)
  • Description/Symptoms: Certain interior trim pieces, particularly those with a soft-touch coating, become sticky or tacky to the touch.
  • Solution: Professional cleaning and re-coating of the affected trim pieces or replacement of the parts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ depending on extent.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard Leather Shrinkage
  • Description/Symptoms: Leather on the dashboard shrinks, causing it to pull away from the underlying structure.
  • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard leather or professional repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Ferrari California T, while a desirable grand tourer, does have some common issues. Engine issues such as turbo failure and oil leaks can be costly. Transmission problems, especially clutch wear and mechatronic unit issues, are also potential concerns. Electrical glitches, particularly with the infotainment system and convertible top, can be frustrating. Interior issues like sticky trim and leather shrinkage detract from the overall luxury experience. The severity of these issues varies, but repairs can often be expensive due to the specialized nature of Ferrari parts and labor. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor them into their purchasing decision.