The best Ferrari 812 model years are 2023 and 2024. These late-production examples benefit from resolved software bugs and completed recall campaigns. Buyers should approach the 2017 model year carefully due to first-year electrical gremlins and a fuel system recall.
These rankings are comparative. No exotic V12 grand tourer is flawless, and long-term reliability depends entirely on strict maintenance, climate-controlled storage, and consistent battery support.
Reliability varies slightly by body style and trim. The 812 GTS and track-focused Competizione models share the core powertrain but feature unique aerodynamic and suspension components that require specialized inspection.
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Best and Worst Ferrari 812 Years at a Glance
| Model Year | Verdict | Main Reason | Buyer Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–2024 | Best Late-Generation Choice | Refined electronics, recall-free builds | Verify service history and battery health |
| 2018–2022 | Good With Inspection | Solid mechanics, subject to safety recalls | Confirm all NHTSA recalls are completed |
| 2017 | Approach Carefully | First-year bugs, fuel vapor recall | Demand full service records and PPI |
Key Takeaways
- Strongest choices: 2023–2024 models offer the most refined electronics and avoid early recall campaigns.
- Main caution years: 2017 models have the highest rate of early electrical glitches and a fuel system recall.
- Important powertrain distinction: All models share the 6.5L V12, but Competizione models feature a revised engine and aerodynamics.
- Major verified concern: A brake fluid reservoir cap recall can cause brake failure; verify completion.
- Recent-year limitation: 2023–2024 models have limited long-term ownership data.
- VIN reminder: Always check the VIN for open NHTSA recalls, as Ferrari build dates can cross model years.
- Inspection reminder: Pre-purchase inspection by a Ferrari specialist is essential to check for battery health and oil seepage.
How We Evaluated the Ferrari 812 Model Years
Our analysis considers official NHTSA recalls, manufacturer service campaigns, owner complaints, and powertrain evolution. We evaluate the severity and recurrence of known issues, alongside the complexity of V12 repairs.
Complaints are not failure rates, and a recall does not automatically make a year unreliable. Recent years have less ownership history, and “best” means comparatively stronger, not flawless.
Best Ferrari 812 Years
2023–2024
These late-production years represent the most refined versions of the 812 platform. Ferrari addressed early infotainment bugs and electrical gremlins through software updates and hardware revisions.
Builds from these years generally fall outside the major safety recall campaigns that affected earlier models. The 812 Competizione variants introduced during this period feature heavily upgraded engine internals.
Buyers should still verify strict adherence to Ferrari’s maintenance schedule. Long-term ownership data remains limited for these final production years.
Best Year by Buyer Type
Best Overall
The 2023–2024 models are the strongest choices for buyers seeking the most refined electronics and minimal recall exposure.
Best Enthusiast Choice
The 2022–2024 812 Competizione offers peak naturally aspirated V12 performance, featuring a revised engine and track-focused suspension.
Best Drop-Top Alternative
The 812 GTS provides open-air driving with minimal structural compromise, though early builds require strict recall verification.
Years to Approach Carefully
2017
The inaugural model year requires the most caution. Early builds are more susceptible to infotainment freezes and mystery warning lights caused by voltage drops.
This year is also subject to a fuel vapor separator recall that could pose a fire risk. Buyers must ensure this critical repair was completed by a dealer.
2018–2022
These years are mechanically robust but are caught in several major safety campaigns. The rear window bonding issue and the brake fluid reservoir cap recall affect many of these vehicles.
A pre-purchase inspection must confirm that all recall remedies have been applied and that the battery charging system is functioning perfectly.
Ferrari 812 Reliability by Generation
812 Superfast and GTS (2017–2024)
The core 812 generation relies on a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. This powertrain is fundamentally robust when properly maintained.
Early models experienced more software and electrical teething issues. Later models benefited from refined ECU mapping and improved battery management systems.
The 812 GTS convertible shares the same mechanical foundation, with added reinforcement to compensate for the missing roof.
Common Ferrari 812 Problems
Electrical and Battery Drain
Modern Ferraris demand constant voltage. If an 812 sits without a factory battery tender, it can throw numerous warning lights and refuse to start.
Repeated deep discharges can damage sensitive control modules. Always verify that the seller includes the OEM battery maintainer and that the battery is relatively new.
Rear Window Adhesion
A significant safety recall affects the rear window glass on many 2018–2020 Superfast models. The adhesive bonding may fail, allowing the glass to detach at high speeds.
Dealers must re-bond the glass using an updated procedure. Verify this specific recall is closed before purchase.
Brake Fluid Reservoir Cap
A widespread recall affects the brake fluid reservoir cap on many 2018–2022 models. A faulty cap may not vent properly, creating a vacuum that restricts brake fluid flow.
This can lead to a partial or total loss of braking function. The dealer remedy involves replacing the cap and updating software.
Fuel Vapor Separator
Early 2017–2019 models were recalled due to a plastic weld defect in the fuel vapor separator. This crack can allow fuel vapor to leak, increasing the risk of engine bay fires.
Ensure the separator has been replaced with the updated, reinforced part.
Sticky Interior Buttons
Like many Italian exotics of this era, the rubberized soft-touch coatings on interior buttons and climate controls can degrade.
Heat and humidity cause the surfaces to become sticky or peel. While cosmetic, replacing interior trim pieces is exceptionally expensive.
Engine Oil Seepage
Some pre-2020 examples exhibit minor oil pooling on the top of the engine, often traced to valve cover gaskets or cam cover seals.
While not always a sign of catastrophic failure, cleaning and diagnosing the exact source of the seepage requires extensive labor due to engine bay packaging.
What to Check Before Buying a Used Ferrari 812
- Verify the VIN for open NHTSA recalls, specifically the brake cap and rear window campaigns.
- Confirm the fuel vapor separator recall was completed on 2017–2019 models.
- Review the complete Ferrari dealer service history.
- Test the battery health and ensure an OEM trickle charger is included.
- Inspect the engine bay for oil seepage around the valve covers.
- Check all interior buttons and switches for sticky or degrading rubberized coatings.
- Scan for stored diagnostic codes, even if no warning lights are currently illuminated.
- Arrange a pre-purchase inspection by a certified Ferrari technician or specialized exotic car shop.
Related Buying Guides
- Ferrari 488 best and worst years – The mid-engine 488 offers a twin-turbo V8 alternative for buyers seeking a more track-focused, agile driving experience.
- Ferrari California best and worst years – The California serves as a more accessible, everyday convertible grand tourer compared to the extreme performance of the 812 GTS.
- Ferrari FF best and worst years – The FF offers all-wheel drive and shooting-brake practicality, appealing to buyers who need four seats and adverse-weather capability.
- Ferrari F40 best and worst years – The legendary F40 represents the raw, analog, twin-turbo V8 era of Ferrari, contrasting sharply with the modern electronic complexity of the 812.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ferrari 812 reliable?
The 6.5-liter V12 engine is fundamentally robust, but the car relies on complex electronics. Reliability depends entirely on strict dealer maintenance and constant battery support.
What year of the Ferrari 812 is most dependable?
The 2023 and 2024 model years are the most dependable. They benefit from late-production software refinements and avoid the major safety recall campaigns that affected earlier builds.
What year should you avoid?
No year is strictly banned, but 2017 models require the most caution. As the first production year, they are more prone to electrical gremlins and require verification of a critical fuel system recall.
What are the most common problems?
Owners frequently report battery drain, sticky interior buttons, and mystery warning lights. Safety recalls for the brake fluid cap and rear window glass must also be addressed.
How long does a Ferrari 812 last?
With meticulous, climate-controlled storage and strict adherence to Ferrari’s maintenance schedule, the powertrain can last indefinitely. Most examples remain at low mileage due to high operating costs.
Does the 812 Competizione have different issues?
The Competizione features heavily upgraded engine internals and aerodynamics. While mechanically robust, its track-focused components require specialized inspection and more frequent consumable replacements.
Choosing the Right Ferrari 812 Model Year
The 2023 and 2024 model years offer the most refined ownership experience, featuring updated electronics and fewer recall concerns. Earlier models remain excellent choices if all safety campaigns are completed.
Always verify the VIN for open recalls, particularly the brake fluid cap and rear window repairs. A pre-purchase inspection by a Ferrari specialist is non-negotiable to assess battery health and engine seals.
