Own a Ferrari California in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Ferrari California for model years 2010 to 2014. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help California owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 6 owner complaints on file for the California and 7 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are air bags (3), vehicle speed control (1), electrical system (1).
Most-Reported Ferrari California Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the California (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 3 | 50% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 16% | |
| Electrical System | 1 | 16% | |
| Wheels | 1 | 16% | |
| Engine | 1 | 16% | |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 16% |
Air Bags
3 of the 6 complaints (50%) mention airbags and seat belts. Airbag and restraint issues are often tied to open safety recalls, which are repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you. Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup first, and we can help with related warning lights and diagnostics. See our auto repair page.
Vehicle Speed Control
1 of the 6 complaints (16%) mention vehicle speed control (throttle and cruise control). Speed control complaints involve the throttle, cruise control and related sensors. We scan for stored codes and test the throttle system and sensors to find the actual cause instead of guessing. See our check engine light diagnostics and auto repair pages.
Electrical System
1 of the 6 complaints (16%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Ferrari California Complaints by Model Year
The California model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2012, 2010, 2011. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | |
| 2011 | 1 | |
| 2012 | 2 | |
| 2013 | 1 | |
| 2014 | 1 |
Ferrari California Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the California, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Ferrari.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your California? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Ferrari California Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the California in these model years, most often involving air bags, service brakes, hydraulic. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2022 recall, Service Brakes, Hydraulic (campaign 22V536000): Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2005-2009 430, 2019-2020 488 Pista, 2016 F60 America, 2005-2011 612 Scaglietti, 2010-2011 612, 2018-2022 812, 2020-2022 F8 Spider, 2020-2022 F8 Tributo, 2021-2022 Roma, 2009-2017...
- 2020 recall, Air Bags (campaign 20V007000): Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2009-2011 California and 2010-2011 458 Italia vehicles equipped with non-desiccated, passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN)...
- 2019 recall, Air Bags (campaign 19V006000): Ferrari North America (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2014 Ferrari California, 2014-2015 Ferrari 458 Italia, 458 Spider, 2014-2016 Ferrari FF, 2014-2017 Ferrari F12, 2015-2018 Ferrari California T, 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale A, 2016 Ferrari...
- 2018 recall, Air Bags (campaign 18V188000): Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2009-2011 Ferrari California, and 2010-2011 Ferrari 458 Italia vehicles that have not had their passenger frontal air bag replaced.
- 2018 recall, Air Bags (campaign 18V381000): Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2012 Ferrari California, 458 Italia, 458 Spider, and FF vehicles that have not already had their passenger frontal air bag replaced.
- 2018 recall, Air Bags (campaign 18V040000): On January 9, 2018 Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) recalled 1,073 model year 2013 California, 458 Italia, 458 Spider, FF, and F12 Berlinetta vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia,...
Keeping a Ferrari California Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Ferrari will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a California that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for California owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Ferrari California, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Ferrari California Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Ferrari California repair service, or choose a service below.
Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Ferrari California FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Ferrari California?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Ferrari California are air bags (3), vehicle speed control (1), electrical system (1). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which California model years have the most complaints?
The California model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2012, 2010, 2011. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Ferrari California?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Ferrari California. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Ferrari California have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the Ferrari California across model years 2010 to 2014. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Ferrari California in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Ferrari vehicles including the California, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Ferrari California?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Ferrari California in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Ferrari Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.