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Best and Worst Ferrari Roma Years: What to Buy & Avoid

Ferrari Roma Best And Worst Years

The best Ferrari Roma years are 2023 and 2024, though they remain too new for long-term verdicts. Early models from 2020 through 2022 require careful inspection to ensure a specific brake system recall was properly addressed by a dealer.

Rankings are strictly comparative. No exotic grand tourer is flawless, and low production volumes mean long-term reliability data remains limited. Proper maintenance and storage condition always matter more than the model year alone.

Meaningful differences exist between early production examples and later builds. Ferrari continuously refines software and electronic systems. Buyers must also consider the recent introduction of the Roma Spider, which features a soft top and minor structural changes.

Best and Worst Ferrari Roma Years at a Glance

Model YearVerdictMain ReasonBuyer Guidance
2020-2022Good With InspectionBrake fluid reservoir recallVerify recall completion and service history
2023-2024Too New to JudgeLimited long-term ownership dataInspect electronics and warranty status

Key Takeaways

  • 2023 and 2024 models are the newest options but lack long-term reliability data.
  • 2020 through 2022 models require verification of the brake fluid reservoir recall fix.
  • The 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 and 8-speed dual-clutch transmission are shared with other modern models.
  • Electrical glitches, sometimes linked to the Engine Control System, are the most commonly reported complaints.
  • Exotics suffer steep initial depreciation, making slightly used examples financially appealing.
  • Always verify the VIN for open recalls before purchasing.
  • An independent pre-purchase inspection by a Ferrari specialist is essential.

How We Evaluated the Ferrari Roma Model Years

Our analysis considers official NHTSA recalls, manufacturer service campaigns, and owner complaints. We also evaluate powertrain maturity, generation changes, and repair complexity for this low-volume grand tourer.

Consumer complaints are not confirmed failure rates. A single recall does not automatically make a year unreliable, especially when a factory remedy exists. Recent models simply have less ownership history available for review.

Best means comparatively stronger, not flawless. Exotic cars require meticulous maintenance. We prioritize verifiable mechanical data over forum rumors or isolated owner allegations.

Best Ferrari Roma Years

2023-2024: Too New to Judge

The newest Roma models benefit from Ferrari’s latest software updates and manufacturing refinements. However, they lack sufficient long-term ownership data to earn a definitive reliability rating.

Buyers targeting these years should prioritize remaining factory warranty coverage. The 7-year Complimentary Maintenance Program adds significant value and ensures scheduled services are performed at authorized dealerships.

2020-2022: Good With Inspection

Early Roma models offer a compelling entry point into modern Ferrari ownership. The primary concern is a brake fluid reservoir recall that affected many 2021 and 2022 examples.

This issue is completely resolvable. Buyers must verify that the updated reservoir cap and associated software updates were installed by an authorized dealer. Proper documentation is mandatory.

Best Year by Buyer Type

Best Enthusiast Choice: 2020-2022 Coupe

Early coupe models represent the purest expression of the Roma’s original grand touring design. With the brake recall addressed, these offer excellent performance and immediate availability on the used market.

Best Modern Alternative: 2023-2024

Newer models feature the most current infotainment software and electronic refinements. They are ideal for buyers who want the latest technology and remaining factory warranty peace of mind.

Years to Approach Carefully

2020-2022: Verify Recall Status

While not inherently unreliable, early models require strict adherence to service schedules. If the brake fluid reservoir recall remains incomplete, the vehicle should be avoided until the dealer performs the free repair.

Worst Ferrari Roma Years

The Ferrari Roma does not have any model years that warrant a strict Avoid verdict. Unlike high-volume commuter cars, low-production exotics rarely suffer from widespread, unfixable mechanical catastrophes.

Fortunately, the Roma does not have any truly not-so-great years that demand strict avoidance. The 2021 and 2022 model years are sometimes criticized due to the brake system recall.

However, because Ferrari issued a definitive factory fix, these years remain viable when properly serviced. Always confirm the repair history before finalizing a purchase.

Ferrari Roma Reliability by Generation

As a modern Ferrari, the Roma exists as a single, continuous generation introduced for the 2020 model year. It shares its basic architecture with the Portofino and previous front-engine V8 grand tourers.

Under the hood, the 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 produces 612 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque. This engine is highly regarded and shared across several modern sports cars.

Power is routed through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. This setup provides rapid shifts and impressive fuel efficiency for a supercar, though it requires specialized fluid services.

Common Ferrari Roma Problems

Brake System Recalls

The most significant official action involved the brake fluid reservoir cap on 2021 and 2022 models. A design flaw could create a vacuum, restricting fluid flow to the ABS module and reducing braking power.

Ferrari resolved this with a redesigned cap and software update. Buyers must check the VIN to ensure this critical safety campaign was completed.

Electrical and Software Glitches

Owners occasionally report issues with the infotainment system and digital instrument cluster. Symptoms include slow response times, screen freezing, or intermittent Bluetooth connectivity failures.

These issues are typically addressed through over-the-air updates or dealer-installed software patches. They rarely indicate permanent hardware failure but can be frustrating in a luxury vehicle.

Steering Sensitivity

Some drivers note that the electric power steering feels overly sensitive or twitchy at high speeds. This is largely a calibration characteristic of modern Ferrari chassis tuning rather than a mechanical defect.

What to Check Before Buying a Used Ferrari Roma

  • Verify the VIN for open safety recalls, especially the brake fluid campaign.
  • Confirm the 7-year Complimentary Maintenance Program is active and transferable.
  • Review the complete service history from authorized Ferrari dealerships.
  • Inspect the condition of the carbon-ceramic brake rotors and pads.
  • Test all infotainment functions, including the passenger display and Apple CarPlay.
  • Check for any software update pending notifications on the dashboard.
  • Arrange a pre-purchase inspection by a certified Ferrari technician.

Related Buying Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common Ferrari Roma problem?

The most notable issue is a brake fluid reservoir cap defect on 2021 and 2022 models. This was addressed via a factory recall, so verifying the repair is essential.

Is the Ferrari Roma reliable?

As a low-volume exotic, it lacks long-term commuter data. However, its shared powertrain is well-proven. Reliability heavily depends on strict adherence to Ferrari’s rigorous maintenance schedule.

Which Ferrari Roma years should I avoid?

No model year requires strict avoidance. Early 2021 and 2022 examples simply require proof that the brake system recall was completed by an authorized dealer.

Does the Ferrari Roma hold its value?

Like most exotics, it experiences steep initial depreciation. Buying a slightly used model allows the first owner to absorb this loss, making pre-owned examples financially smarter.

What engine is in the Ferrari Roma?

It uses a 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 producing 612 horsepower. This engine is part of a highly regarded family used across several modern Ferrari sports cars and grand tourers.

Is the Roma Spider different from the coupe?

The Spider features a soft convertible top and minor structural reinforcements. Mechanically and electronically, it shares the same powertrain and potential service requirements as the fixed-roof coupe.

Choosing the Right Ferrari Roma Model Year

The best approach is targeting 2023 or 2024 models for the latest software, or 2020 through 2022 coupes for better availability. Always prioritize vehicles with complete dealer service records.

Never purchase an early model without verifying the brake fluid recall completion. Finally, always secure an independent inspection to protect your investment in this beautiful Italian grand tourer.

Betti Holt
About the author
Betti Holt
Betti holt, the customer service manager at CarsCounsel, has a decade of experience in client relations and service management. Betti ensures that customers are informed about their vehicle’s status and that their service needs are promptly met.