Recalls

Recalls & faults: Ferrari F133 550 (1997-02)

Recalls: Ferrari F133 550

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Ferrari F133 550

No recall information is available for the Ferrari 550 (F133). To search for recalls of Ferrari models, please visit Product Safety Recalls Australia: Ferrari.


Problems and faults: Ferrari F133 550

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Ferrari 550: V12 engine

  • The Ferrari 550’s cam seals can wear and leak – as a result, it is recommended that the seals are changed at the same time as the belt.
  • Due to worn or split hoses, fluids can leak into the ‘V’ of the engine. To avoid this, some specialists recommend fitting silicone hoses. Others, however, recommend changing the hoses every four years.
  • When running, oil pressure – as indicated on the dash gauge – should be around 70 psi.
  • If the drain holes at the base of the windscreen become blocked, water can leak onto the ECU. It is therefore important to regularly check the drain holes.
  • Due to its low ground clearance, the oil drain plug can become damaged by driving over speed bumps and inclines.
  • For early models, there have been reports of poorly fitted cylinder rings.

Clutch

Driven sensibly, clutch life for the Ferrari 550 is around 35,000 kilometres.

Alloy wheels

The alloy wheels are susceptible to cracking if water gets in behind the lacquer – this is likely to occur if the wheels have been kerbed or scuffed.

Steering

Free play in the steering wheel is indicative of a worn steering rack – this may occur from 50,000 kilometres. At the same time, it may be worthwhile to replace the suspension bushes and hub bearings.

Tyre life

If driven conservatively, rear tyre life is around 15,000 kilometres. If using the Ferrari 550’s performance, front and rear tyre life will be around 15,000 and 10,000 kilometres, respectively. To achieve the Ferrari 550’s intended dynamics, it is recommended that the Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tyres continue to be fitted.


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