Sports car and convertible · 2009–2018 cars
Ferrari California reliability
The Ferrari California fails 5.6% of first MOT tests, 67% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 7,409 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Ferrari California before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 5.6%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 67% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 7,409
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 2,200
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
MOT fail rate by age
How the Ferrari California ages
Each point is the share of Ferrari Californias of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Ferrari California | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5.1% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 4.6% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 7.1% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 6.7% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 3.1% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 6.6% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 5.8% | 34.6% |
| 12 | 5% | 37.3% |
| 13 | 4.6% | 39.5% |
| 14 | 5.2% | 41.1% |
By year
The best and worst Ferrari California years
2010 cars come out best and 2016 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 732 | 2.7% | 75% fewer fails | 10,725 |
| 2016 California | 1,237 | 6.6% | 46% fewer fails | 16,119 |
| 2015 California | 1,297 | 6.6% | 53% fewer fails | 17,214 |
| 2014 | 557 | 3.8% | 75% fewer fails | 19,151 |
| 2013 | 505 | 7.5% | 55% fewer fails | 20,742 |
| 2012 | 652 | 4% | 79% fewer fails | 23,741 |
| 2011 | 680 | 4.3% | 80% fewer fails | 26,671 |
| 2010 California | 1,015 | 5.6% | 76% fewer fails | 30,053 |
| 2009 | 669 | 6.9% | 73% fewer fails | 32,436 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Ferrari California
Its weak spot is number plates and vin: 637% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Tyres1.7%51% below avg
- Number plates and VIN1.4%637% above avg
- Lights and electrics1.3%75% below avg
- Suspension0.8%80% below avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors0.8%77% below avg
- Brakes0.5%85% below avg
- Body, chassis and structure0.2%85% below avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.2%78% below avg
- Seat belts and airbags0.1%84% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Number plate does not meet standards 0.45% of tests
The plate does not meet legal specifications, so it must be replaced with a compliant one before the car is driven.
- 2
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 0.43% of tests
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
- 3
Tyre bulge from structural failure 0.42% of tests
A bulge means the tyre's structure has failed and it could burst suddenly, so it must be replaced at once.
- 4
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 0.38% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 5
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 0.31% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 6
Headlamp aim set too low 0.23% of tests
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
- 7
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 0.2% of tests
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
- 8
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 0.19% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Ferrari California's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking3.55%
- Tyre worn close to legal limit2.85%
- Shock absorber light oil misting1.63%
- Tyre worn close to legal limit0.58%
- Tyre has a shallow cut0.55%
- Nail in tyre, monitor0.45%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Ferrari California
- 1
Number plate does not meet standards
The plate does not meet legal specifications, so it must be replaced with a compliant one before the car is driven.
- 2
Shock absorber serious fluid leak
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
- 3
Tyre bulge from structural failure
A bulge means the tyre's structure has failed and it could burst suddenly, so it must be replaced at once.
- 4
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Ferrari California covers about 2,200 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Petrol100%
Most common colours
Red, Black, Grey, Blue, White
Average engine size: 4.1 litres.
Compare
How the Ferrari California compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Ferrari California | 5.6% | 67% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Aston Martin Vanquish | 6.4% | 63% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Ferrari 488 | 3.9% | 62% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Subaru WRX | 10.8% | 53% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Maserati Granturismo | 15.4% | 38% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Chrysler Crossfire | 33% | 16% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Renault Wind | 38.9% | 24% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every sports car and convertible ranked in the sports car and convertible reliability index, or all Ferrari models.
Questions
Ferrari California questions, answered
Is the Ferrari California reliable?
On MOT results, the Ferrari California is better than average: it fails 5.6% of first MOT tests, 67% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 6 of 62 sports car and convertible models in our index.
What fails most on a Ferrari California MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Ferrari California are number plate does not meet standards (0.45% of tests), shock absorber serious fluid leak (0.43% of tests), tyre bulge from structural failure (0.42% of tests). By area, tyres fails 1.7% of its tests.
Which Ferrari California year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2010 cars do best (76% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2016 cars do worst (46% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Ferrari California do a year?
A typical Ferrari California covers about 2,200 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Ferrari California before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
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