2012 Ferrari California recalls and problems

The 2012 Ferrari California has 2 safety recalls and 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ferrari dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
3
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Ferrari California vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Ferrari California recalls

Recall 22V-536: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Jul 26, 2022 · 23,555 vehicles affected · Ferrari North America, Inc.

Problem: 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, and 2019-2022 Portofino vehicles. The brake fluid reservoir cap may not vent properly, creating a vacuum inside the brake fluid reservoir, and resulting in a brake fluid leak that may lead to a partial or total loss of brake function.

Risk: A loss of brake function can increase the risk of a crash.

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 29, 2022. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is RC 80. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-833.

Recall 18V-381: Air Bags

Reported Jun 7, 2018 · 1,507 vehicles affected · Ferrari North America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

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. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is 61. Note: This recall supersedes recall 17V-018.

2012 Ferrari California problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine1
Air Bags1
Power Train1
Vehicle Speed Control1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 2,500 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 Ferrari California complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · reported Sep 1, 2026
While driving the car, the transmission dont shifted correctly jurking the car almost causing the car behind to crash into my car. Sometimes in the highway the car goes into neutral or wont shift correctly, this starts creating traffic and almos accidents. This is well know by the factory and they never addressed a big issue with their cars.
Engine · at 2,500 miles · reported Nov 15, 2012
The contact owns a 2012 ferrari california. The contact stated that he received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 12v211000 (Engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs however, the parts needed to complete the recall repairs were not readily available. The vehicle was left with the dealer for approximately one month and had not yet been repaired due to the parts not being available. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were approximately 2,500. The VIN was not available.

Other Ferrari California years

Compare all Ferrari California years · All Ferrari models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Ferrari California have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Ferrari California: 22V-536 (service brakes, hydraulic), 18V-381 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Ferrari California?

Owners report engine problems most often (1 reports), followed by air bags (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 2,500 miles.

Are Ferrari recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ferrari dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.