Ferrari 599 Problems What To Know Before Buying
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Ferrari 599 Problems What To Know Before Buying

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The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is a legendary front-engine V12 grand tourer that combines raw performance with long-distance comfort. Despite its excellence, like any exotic supercar, the 599 has a list of known issues that buyers and owners should understand before committing. This article highlights the most common Ferrari 599 problems, potential repair costs, and what to watch out for when purchasing or maintaining this V12 gt supercar.

Book inspection

Ferrari 599 Model Overview

  • Production Years: 2006–2012
  • Engine: 6.0L naturally aspirated V12
  • Transmission: 6-speed F1 automated manual (most models)

While the engine is robust, the 599 is a complex machine with electronics, hydraulics, and interior trim that can age and fail if not properly cared for.

1. F1 Transmission Faults

Symptoms:

  • Harsh or delayed gear changes
  • Car stuck in neutral or won’t engage gear
  • Transmission warning lights

Common Causes:

  • Failing hydraulic pump
  • F1 actuator issues
  • Worn clutch or position sensor problems

Estimated Cost:

  • F1 Pump: £2,000–£3,000
  • Actuator repair or replacement: £3,000–£5,000
  • Clutch replacement: £3,000–£6,000

2. Sticky Buttons and Interior Trim

Symptoms:

  • Sticky or melting buttons
  • Switches feel rubbery or degrade over time

Cause:

  • Ferrari’s soft-touch coatings degrade with heat and age

Fix:

  • Refinish or replace interior switches and panels

Cost:

  • £300–£800 depending on scope and finish quality

3. Engine Mount Wear

Symptoms:

  • Excessive vibration
  • Engine movement
  • Harshness at idle

Cause:

  • Rubber engine mounts wear or collapse over time

Replacement Cost:

  • £1,000–£1,800

4. Dashboard Leather Shrinkage

Symptoms:

  • Leather lifting near vents or across dash
  • Airbag warning lights (in severe cases)

Cause:

  • Heat and age cause adhesive failure and shrinkage

Repair Cost:

  • £1,000–£2,000 for professional re-trim

5. Exhaust Manifold Cracks (Rare)

Symptoms:

  • Ticking noise on startup
  • Fumes or loss of power
  • Warning lights

Cause:

  • Heat cycling, especially in high-performance use

Repair Cost:

  • £3,000–£6,000 per side (if replacement required)

6. Carbon Ceramic Brake Wear

Symptoms:

  • Brake squeal
  • Uneven wear or brake disc hairline cracks

Cause:

  • Track use or aggressive braking

Replacement Cost:

  • Rotors: £4,000–£6,000 per axle
  • Pads: £800–£1,200 per set

7. MagneRide Suspension Problems

Symptoms:

  • Suspension warning on dashboard
  • Rough or uneven ride

Cause:

  • Failing electronic dampers or ride height sensors

Repair Cost:

  • £1,000–£3,000 depending on part and labour

8. Battery Drain & Electrical Faults

Symptoms:

  • Car won’t start after a few days
  • Fault lights or erratic electronics

Cause:

  • Parasitic drain from ECU or alarm system

Solution:

  • Use a battery maintainer (recommended for all Ferraris)

Costs:

  • Trickle charger: £50–£100
  • AGM battery: £200–£300

Routine Ferrari 599 Maintenance Costs

Service ItemEstimated Cost (UK)
Annual service£1,000–£1,800
Major service£2,000–£4,000
Full tyre set£1,500–£2,200
Insurance£1,800–£3,500/year

Is the Ferrari 599 Reliable?

Yes—if maintained correctly. The 6.0L V12 engine is proven and robust, but the car’s F1 gearbox, electronics, and trim can suffer with age, poor storage, or lack of use.

Regular use, quality servicing, and preventive care are key to reliability.

Buying Tips

  • Check clutch wear reading (ideally under 40%)
  • Ensure smooth gear changes and no F1 pump noise
  • Inspect interior trim and dashboard leather
  • Get a PPI from a car inspection specialists
  • Review a full service history (ideally Ferrari or approved specialist)

Conclusion

The Ferrari 599 offers stunning V12 performance with grand tourer comfort. While common issues like F1 transmission faults, sticky interiors, and suspension electronics can be expensive to fix, many are preventable with regular upkeep and specialist care.

With the right example and a proactive maintenance approach, the 599 is a rewarding and increasingly collectible Ferrari.

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