Used buying checklist
Ferrari California reliability, common problems and used buying checks
A used Ferrari California looks better than average for reliability in UK MOT data: 4.7% of 1,510 tests failed, compared with 18.7% across all indexed models. A good example should have a clean MOT history for windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, and suspension and steering.
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, and suspension and steering.
Start with windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, and suspension and steering, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). MOT data does not capture every reliability issue, especially intermittent engine, gearbox or infotainment faults that do not appear during the test.
- 4.7% MOT failure rate
- Median tested mileage 19,865 miles
- 71 failed MOT tests analysed
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is the clearest area to check
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is the clearest named problem area in this model's MOT history (1.7 MOT notes per 100 tests). Example MOT phrases from this area include jets misaligned and not providing sufficient fluid to the windscreen, does not clear the windscreen effectively, and provides insufficient washer liquid.
Example MOT phrases to search in the car's history:
- jets misaligned and not providing sufficient fluid to the windscreen
- does not clear the windscreen effectively
- provides insufficient washer liquid
- damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view
- excessively corroded
- corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened
- ball joint has excessive play
- Play in steering rack inner joint(s)
- ball joint excessively worn
- Nail in tyre
Focus on windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, and suspension and steering
The model's recorded failure rate is 4.7%, -14.0 percentage points compared with the average across all models. Use the seller questions below to check whether repeat MOT notes have actually been repaired.
- MOT tests analysed1,510 tests
- Median tested mileage19,865 miles
- Failed MOT tests71
Should you buy a used Ferrari California?
95.3% of the MOT tests we analysed for this model passed. The model's recorded failure rate is 4.7%, -14.0 percentage points compared with the average across all models. This is a buying brief for the exact car in front of you: clean repeat history matters more than badge reputation.
- Repeat unresolved MOT notes for windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, and suspension and steering
- windscreen, wipers, and mirrors appearing across more than one MOT
- Any dangerous MOT failure on the exact car, especially if the same area appears again later
- No paperwork showing applicable recall work has been completed
- A seller who cannot explain MOT wording such as "jets misaligned and not providing sufficient fluid to the windscreen"
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, and suspension and steering.
Start with windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, and suspension and steering, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (1.7 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Use the mileage table to judge whether the car is being viewed at a lower- or higher-risk mileage.
The MOT failure rate rises from 3.6% at 3-6 years to 5.5% at 10-15 years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%.
Start with windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and tyres and wheels. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller.
5 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
What should I check first?
Start with windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and tyres and wheels. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller. Each item shows whether it comes from MOT results, recall notices, or a standard used-car check.
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Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors Seen in MOT results
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (1.7 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check windscreen damage, wiper operation, washers, mirrors, and demisting.
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Corrosion and structure Seen in MOT results
Corrosion and structure is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (1.7 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Inspect sills, subframes, mounting points, arches, and underside corrosion advisories.
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Suspension and steering Seen in MOT results
Suspension and steering is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (1.1 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and inspect steering play.
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Tyres and wheels Seen in MOT results
Tyres and wheels is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (0.6 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check tyre age, tread depth, sidewall damage, wheel condition, and alignment wear.
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Emissions, engine, and exhaust Seen in MOT results
Emissions, engine, and exhaust is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (0.5 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check warning lights, smoke, exhaust leaks, recent emissions failures, and service history.
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Lights and electrical Seen in MOT results
Lights and electrical is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (0.3 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check every lamp, warning light, horn, battery condition, and dashboard messages.
What changes with mileage?
These are the car areas that show up in MOT records at different mileages.
Common MOT problem areas
Common faults: what usually fails on this model?
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (1.7 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Recall-related areas to verify
Official recall areas
Manufacturer recall notices for the Ferrari California mainly involve 3 areas: seatbelts and safety systems, emissions, engine, and exhaust, and brakes. Treat each as something to verify on the specific car you are viewing; the recall table below shows the official notice text.
Mileage and age checks
Mileage changes: what starts showing up after high mileage?
MOT failure rates rise from 4.5% at 0-50k miles to 11.8% at 50-100k miles. Use the mileage table to judge whether the car is being viewed at a lower- or higher-risk mileage.
| Mileage range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-50k | 1,455 | 1,325 | 4.5%-6.4 percentage points vs all models | 19,558 miles |
| 50-100k | 51 | 45 | 11.8%-9.0 percentage points vs all models | 57,202 miles |
Problem areas by mileage
This table shows which car areas and exact MOT phrases appear at each mileage range.
| Mileage range | Car areas most often recorded | Specific MOT defect examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50k |
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| 50-100k |
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Fair comparisons: is this problem normal for its age?
The MOT failure rate rises from 3.6% at 3-6 years to 5.5% at 10-15 years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%. The highest failure rate by age is 5.5% for 10-15 years cars, based on 725 tests.
| Age range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-6 years 2020–2023 reg. |
83 | 76 | 3.6%-7.0 percentage points vs all models | 5.9 years |
| 6-10 years 2016–2020 reg. |
702 | 645 | 4.0%-12.6 percentage points vs all models | 7.9 years |
| 10-15 years 2011–2016 reg. |
725 | 654 | 5.5%-18.0 percentage points vs all models | 12.6 years |
Recall records and data freshness
Recall context: are there safety notices to know about?
5 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
| 2022-02-28 | THE CAP OF THE BRAKE OIL RESERVOIR MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ENSURE PROPER VENTILATION TO MAINTAIN THE ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE INSIDE THE RESERVOIR The cap of the brake oil reservoir may not be able to ensure proper ventilation to maintain the atmospheric pressure inside the reservoir itself.� Replacement of the brake oil reservoir cap and software update of the Instrument Panel Node. |
|---|---|
| 2016-05-31 | AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY CORRECTLY Due to a non conformity during production the passenger's front air bag inflator may rupture during deployment. This may cause metal fragments to pass through the air bag and into the vehicle interior at high speed which may result in injury or death to vehicle occupants. On affected vehicles replace passenger's front air bag. |
| 2015-12-09 | RISK OF FIRE As a result of a possible nonconformity in the production process for low pressure fuel pipes on a limited lot of components fuel may evaporate during engine start-up smoke may be emitted and in exceptional cases the vehicle may catch fire. Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the low pressure fuel pipe. |
| 2015-07-13 | DRIVERS AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY CORRECTLY The driver's airbag module may not conform to the required specifications. In the event of a collision this may cause the airbag to deploy incorrectly and t may not offer the appropriate degree of protection for the driver On affected vehicles replace driver's air bag module. |
| 2012-05-10 | ENGINE MAY SEIZE Non-conformity in the final stages of machining of the crank shaft for the F136 type engine which may lead to failure in the incorrectly machined zone caused by thermal and dynamic stresses. Replacement of the crankshaft and the relative main bearings and connecting rod bearings. |
Related searches
Common ways people look up the Ferrari California. Each link runs the search and lands on the relevant section of this report.
Related reliability guides
See where this model sits against other Ferrari reports by MOT failure rate and common problem area.
Compare high-confidence model reports across all makes.
Use the fleet mileage baseline before checking this model's own mileage table.
Compare this model's age pattern with the wider MOT baseline.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). These are patterns from many MOT tests and recall notices. They help you decide what to inspect and what to ask; they do not certify the condition of one specific car.