MotorDeets

2012 Ferrari California: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2012 Ferrari California: 2 recalls, 3 owner complaints and up to 15 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
3owner complaints
0mention a crash
15best combined mpg
2012 Ferrari California
Photo: paPisc from Bologna · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Airbags Vehicle recall #18V381000 · 2018 · 1,507 vehicles

What's wrong: 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. These passenger frontal air bag modules have air bag inflators that May explode in the event of a crash due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix: Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag assembly with one that uses an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 19, 2018.

Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #22V536000 · 2022 · 23,555 vehicles

What's wrong: 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 california, 2015-2017 california t, 2013-2017 f12 berlinetta, 2017 f12 tdf, 2012-2016 ff, 2017-2020 gtc4 lusso, 2018-2020 gtc4 lusso t, 2013-2015 laferrari, 2017 laferrari aperta,…

Why it matters: A loss of brake function can increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap and update the software to provide a new warning message for low brake fluid, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 22, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed November…

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine1
Airbags1
Transmission & drivetrain1
Speed control / throttle1

What owners describe

The 2012 Ferrari California has 3 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 9 California model years for complaints (3.9× the average California year). Neighboring years: 2011 (1 complaints, 4 recalls), 2013 (1 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.3 L 8-cylAutomatic (AM7)Rear-Wheel Drive131915Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Ferrari California.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2012 Ferrari California manual

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FAQ

Does the 2012 Ferrari California have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2012 Ferrari California. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2012 Ferrari California problems?

Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (1), airbags (1), transmission & drivetrain (1).

What gas mileage does the 2012 Ferrari California get?

EPA ratings run up to 15 mpg combined (4.3 L, Automatic (AM7)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2012 Ferrari California repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other California years

200920102011201220132014201520162017