One of the most reliable Ferraris ever built. The naturally aspirated F136 V8 is robust and high mileage examples (100,000+ km) exist. Main concerns: DCT gearbox sensor/seal failures (expensive labor), magnetorheological shock leaks, wheel arch corrosion on early cars, and the notorious sticky interior buttons. No timing belt - uses chain. Verify fire recall (2010) and crankshaft recall (2011-2012) completed.
Internal sensors fail due to heat-degraded wiring insulation · more· less
The Getrag 7-speed DCT uses cable ties that become brittle from gearbox heat, causing wires to chafe. Once insulation is compromised, sensor errors occur. A new sensor costs little, but labor runs €7,000+ because the entire transaxle must be removed and opened. Early 2010-2011 cars had ring and pinion wear issues - most have been fixed via factory updates. Full gearbox rebuild costs €7,500-8,500 at Ferrari dealers; complete replacement can reach €30,000-35,000. Common symptoms: rough shifting, warning lights after 15-20 minutes of driving. Post-2012 cars have updated software and fewer issues.
Sticky interior buttons/trim€2,000 - €9,000
Rubberized coating degrades into sticky, melting mess · more· less
This is an infamous Ferrari issue affecting the 458 and many other models. The soft-touch rubberized coating on buttons, switches, and trim pieces degrades over time due to heat, UV exposure, and humidity. The material becomes sticky, then starts to melt and become unidentifiable. Ferrari dealership quotes for full interior refinishing can reach €9,000+ (including parts, labor, and reassembly). Specialist refinishing services like "Sticky No More" offer alternatives for €2,000-5,000, though this requires complete disassembly of affected parts. Almost all 458s over 8-10 years old will show this issue to some degree.
MagneRide dampers leak/mist oil, typically after 40,000-80,000 km · more· less
The Ferrari 458 uses magnetorheological dampers that adjust firmness electronically. These are known to develop oil leaks/misting as they age. Owners report front shocks often fail first. OEM replacement cost is approximately €1,800 per shock absorber. A pair of front shocks with labor runs €3,500-4,500. Important: the Ferrari "Power" warranty explicitly excludes oil leaks, meaning shock absorber failures are not covered even under extended warranty. Budget €5,000-6,000 per axle if all four need replacement. Some owners report needing replacement as early as 40,000 km.
Wheel arch corrosion€1,000 - €4,000
Galvanic corrosion causes paint bubbling, mainly on early cars · more· less
Corrosion typically appears as bubbling paint on the rear wheel arches first, then front arches. This is galvanic corrosion, common on aluminum-bodied cars like the 458. Early production cars (2010-2012) are more susceptible. Repair cost is approximately €1,000-1,200 per arch at a competent bodyshop. Bright-colored cars are more expensive to repair due to paint matching. Not uncommon to see this on 458s that have been exposed to salt or moisture. Check all four arches carefully before purchase.
Clutch wear/replacement€6,000 - €12,000
DCT clutch packs wear faster with aggressive/track use · more· less
Ferrari claims the DCT dual-clutch pack is designed to last the life of the car, and many owners report 100,000+ km without replacement on normal street driving. However, track use or aggressive driving accelerates wear significantly. Clutch replacement costs €6,000-12,000 depending on whether done at a dealer or specialist. Most electronic clutch issues (juddering, slipping sensation) can be resolved with TCU software updates and clutch position sensor resets for around €1,000. Always check clutch wear percentage during inspection - readings above 30% worn warrant concern.
Heat causes dashboard leather to shrink and pull away · more· less
Dashboard leather can shrink due to heat exposure, causing it to pull away from the underlying structure and crack. Early signs include wrinkles appearing in the leather surface. Repair requires removing the entire dashboard (approximately 8 hours labor) and either stretching/regluing the leather or complete replacement. Black dashboards are easier and cheaper to repair; colored leather with contrast stitching is more expensive. Cost ranges from €2,500 at a Maserati dealer to €4,500+ at Ferrari dealers. Some owners attempt DIY repairs with mixed results.
Instrument cluster failure€400 - €2,000
LCD screens blank out or display erratically · more· less
The 458's instrument cluster can develop LCD screen issues, backlighting failures, or complete power loss. Symptoms include intermittent indicator lights, pixelated displays, or gauges not working correctly. The problem often stems from worn solder joints, corrupted software, or degrading LCD screens. Ferrari's solution is a complete instrument panel replacement at €10,000+. However, specialist repair services can rebuild the existing unit for €400-500 with a lifetime warranty. If unit tests as not faulty, expect a €70 diagnostic fee.
Battery drain (12V system)€200 - €500
Battery dies within 7-10 days if car not driven or on tender · more· less
This is a well-known 458 characteristic rather than a defect. The car draws 40-75 mA constantly (depending on alarm state), draining the battery within 1-2 weeks. If voltage drops below 11.5V, you'll see "electrical fault go to dealer" messages and starting problems. Solution: keep the car on a quality trickle charger (CTEK MXS 5.0 or 7.0 recommended - the older red Ferrari-branded CTEK has insufficient charging current). Some owners fit Antigravity lithium batteries. Battery replacement costs €200-350 for a quality AGM unit. Many electrical gremlins on 458s trace back to weak batteries.
Spider roof mechanism failure€700 - €3,000
Cables, sensors, or hydraulics cause roof to jam (Spider only) · more· less
The 458 Spider's folding hardtop mechanism is complex and alignment-critical. The most common failure is the cables that fold the leather pads - these have sensors that must confirm correct position before the roof continues operation. Cable adjustment/replacement costs €700-1,000. Hydraulic pump motor failures are more expensive; Ferrari only sells complete new units at high cost, but reconditioned pumps are available for €1,500+. Symptoms include slow/uneven roof movement, unusual noises, or hydraulic fluid leaks. Annual roof service recommended to keep mechanism lubricated. Never force operation if it jams - this causes additional damage.
CCM discs eventually wear out, especially with track use · more· less
The 458's carbon ceramic brakes are extremely durable for street use - owners report 90,000+ km with only 50% wear on discs. However, track use accelerates wear dramatically. OEM front disc replacement runs €6,000+ for parts alone. Aftermarket options from Surface Transforms offer similar or better performance at lower cost. Street-driven cars rarely need disc replacement within typical ownership periods. Brake pads wear faster: expect €900 for fronts and €700 for rears. Track users go through pads every 2 track days at €4,000 for a full set.
Reliable for a supercar, but high repair labor costs
The 458 is widely considered Ferrari's most reliable modern car. The F136 V8 is robust with no timing belt (uses chain), and many examples exceed 100,000 km without major powertrain issues. However, when things do fail, labor costs are high due to mid-engine packaging. The DCT gearbox is generally reliable but sensor failures require expensive transaxle removal. Budget for inevitable sticky buttons and potential shock absorber replacement. Post-2012 cars have fewer early-production issues.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Ferrari dealer or authorized specialist records essential. Verify annual services performed regardless of mileage.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear patterns. Rear tires wear faster on 458s.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual sounds, check for smoke from exhaust.
Body condition
Check for stone chips (soft paint), accident damage, paint mismatch. Inspect front splitter for scrapes.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway speeds to get gearbox up to temperature.
Specific for this vehicle
Check all wheel arches for corrosion
Look for paint bubbling, especially on rear arches. Use a flashlight inside the arch. Early cars (2010-2012) most susceptible.
Inspect shock absorbers for oil leaking/misting
Look at the damper bodies for any signs of oil. Front shocks often fail first. Not covered by warranty.
Test all interior buttons and switches
Press every button - check for stickiness or coating degradation. Run your finger along trim pieces. Factor refinishing cost into negotiation.
Read clutch wear percentage
Requires diagnostic tool. Anything above 30% worn should be factored into price. Ask for history of track use.
Drive for 20+ minutes, check for gearbox warnings
Transmission issues often only appear when hot. Watch for rough shifts, warning lights, or hesitation.
Verify fire recall (2010-2011) completed
Wheel arch liner adhesive recall. Ask for documentation or verify with Ferrari using VIN.
Verify crankshaft recall (2011-2012) completed
Incorrectly machined crankshafts could cause engine seizure. Verify with Ferrari using VIN.
Check instrument cluster for display issues
Watch for pixelation, intermittent backlighting, or gauge malfunctions during test drive.
Inspect dashboard leather for shrinkage
Look for wrinkles, pulling away from edges, or cracks. Early sign of more expensive problem later.
Test Spider roof operation (if applicable)
Cycle roof open and closed. Listen for unusual sounds. Check for water stains on interior headliner.
Check brake disc wear readings
Diagnostic tool can read remaining disc life. Should be under 50% worn for street-driven car.
Contact Ferrari with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The fire recall (adhesive replaced with rivets) and crankshaft recall (engine repair or replacement) are critical safety items. Takata airbag recall affected 11,000+ Ferraris worldwide.
All 458s are now outside their original factory warranty and 7-year maintenance programs. Extended warranty (New Power) is available through Ferrari dealers for cars with complete service history. Important exclusion: oil leaks are not covered - this means magnetorheological shock absorber failures are typically not covered. Extended warranty requires annual inspections and dealer-only servicing. MainPower program combines warranty with scheduled maintenance for 458s that completed the 7-year program.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.