NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint for the 2018 Ferrari 488 Spider. Most complaints involve service brakes (1). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined.
Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2010-2015 458 Italia, 2012-2015 458 Spider, 2014-2015 458 Speciale, 2015 458 Speciale Aperta, 2016-2019 488 GTB, and 488 Spider vehicles. The brake system may leak brake fluid, resulting in a loss of braking ability.
Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2018 488 Spider, 488 Pista, 2015 458 Speciale A, 2016-2018 488 GTB, 2015-2017 F12 Berlinetta, 2016 F12 tdf, and 2016-2018 Carlifornia T vehicles. The air bag Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly causing the non-deployment or improper deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2017 LaFerrari Aperta, 2018-2019 488 GTB, GTC4Lusso T, GTC4Lusso, 488 Spider, 812 Superfast, and 2019 488 Pista vehicles. The fuel vapor separator may crack and allow fuel to leak.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each 488 Spider model year we’ve synced.
Only one model year synced so far.
“On 07 September 2021, I had been driving my 2018 Ferrari 488 Spider for 8 to 10 miles when the car suddenly displayed the following message "Brake Fluid Low, Go to Dealer Slowly". (note: Dealer is 2 hours away at 60 mph). As I slowed the car from approximately 45 mph, the brakes felt minimal but with down-shifting and minimal brakes I was able to slow the car. I attempted to limp home at 5 to 10 mph however within 3 miles or so the brakes failed completely. With the pedal to the floor there was absolutely no effect on the vehicle. It was fortunate that I was able to slow the car prior to complete failure and did not hit anything or anyone. Once the brakes failed completely, I did end up running through a stop sign before I could pull off the road into a parking lot and only stopped the car by rolling into an uphill parking spot and hitting the concrete parking barrier with the tires. I found it was necessary to turn the car off in order to keep it from rolling backwards. The car does not have a classic emergency brake but rather an electronic hold function. When trying to activate this function to keep the car from rolling backwards the car displayed the…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 488 Spider Auto (AM7), 8 cyl, 3.9 L, Turbo, SIDI · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 18 | $4,300 | 501 |
| 488 Spider Auto (AM7), 8 cyl, 3.9 L, Turbo, SIDI; Stop-Start · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,300 | 495 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
4 safety recalls as of Nov 8, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2018 Ferrari 488 Spider at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).