TroubleAtlas Score
FERRARI TESTAROSSA (1984–1996): Technical Data, DTC & Service Schedule
Built 1984–1996 · all production years covered on this single page
F512 M (440 Hp) • Petrol (Gasoline)
1996
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TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Ferrari Testarossa (1984–1996) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliabilityn/a
Safety & recallsn/a
Repair costn/a
Parts & repairability6.5
Maintenance & durabilityn/a
Documentation & supportn/a
Independent · Verified · Never for sale
Every figure on this Ferrari Testarossa (1984–1996) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
The Ferrari Testarossa (1984–1996) is powered by a F512 M (440 Hp) engine. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Complaints
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Transmission fault signal (TCM)MODERATE
The transmission module detected a fault — check separate transmission codes.
Related codes: P0700
Misfire / Loss of cylinderMODERATE
Rough running, idle vibration, power loss.
Related codes: P0300
Thermostat: coolant temperature lowLOW
Thermostat stuck open — engine does not reach operating temperature.
Related codes: P0128
Battery/system voltage lowLOW
System voltage below 10V — check alternator, battery or wiring.
Related codes: P0562
P0011LOW
Check with an OBD2 scanner.
Related codes: P0011
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
📋 RECALLS & TSB (9)
NHTSA 92V072000
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
Date: 18/05/1992
THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN LOCKNUT WAS MANUFACTURED WITH INFERIOR MATERIALS AND INFERIOR SELF-LOCKING PROPERTIES.
NHTSA 92V072000
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
Date: 18/05/1992
THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN LOCKNUT WAS MANUFACTURED WITH INFERIOR MATERIALS AND INFERIOR SELF-LOCKING PROPERTIES.
NHTSA 03V142000
Seat Belts
Date: 07/04/2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. INCONSISTENT ELECTRICAL OPERATION OF THE AUTOMATIC TRACK ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN EXPERIENCED.
NHTSA 03V142000
Seat Belts
Date: 07/04/2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. INCONSISTENT ELECTRICAL OPERATION OF THE AUTOMATIC TRACK ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN EXPERIENCED.
NHTSA 03V142000
Seat Belts
Date: 07/04/2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. INCONSISTENT ELECTRICAL OPERATION OF THE AUTOMATIC TRACK ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN EXPERIENCED.
NHTSA 03V142000
Seat Belts
Date: 07/04/2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. INCONSISTENT ELECTRICAL OPERATION OF THE AUTOMATIC TRACK ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN EXPERIENCED.
NHTSA 03V142000
Seat Belts
Date: 07/04/2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. INCONSISTENT ELECTRICAL OPERATION OF THE AUTOMATIC TRACK ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN EXPERIENCED.
NHTSA 88V186000
Seat Belts
Date: 01/12/1988
AUTOMATIC PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT OPERATE DUE TO A PAYOUT MOTOR DEFECT IN THE SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY.
NHTSA 88V186000
Seat Belts
Date: 01/12/1988
AUTOMATIC PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT OPERATE DUE TO A PAYOUT MOTOR DEFECT IN THE SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY.
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0128
P0128
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0442
P0442
Powertrain
P0172
P0172
Powertrain
P0401
P0401
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P0455
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0442
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0440
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.78h avgP0420
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.24h avgP0300
powertrain
HIGH⏱ 1.22h avgP0172
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.13h avgP0171
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.95h avgP0730
transmission
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0700
transmission
HIGH⏱ 1.25h avgP0401
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0011
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 5.4h avgU0100
network
HIGHP0562
electrical
MEDIUM⏱ 0.58h avgP0128
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.88h avg
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
53 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)
7 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Ferrari Testarossa across model years 1984–1996. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
1 crash report 1 fire 2 injuries
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 19872
Model year 19882
Model year 19902
Model year 19911
Most reported components (all years)
Seat Belts5
Engine And Engine Cooling1
Service Brakes1
Sample reports
The contact's son owns a 1988 Ferrari Testarossa. The contact stated that vehicle was manufactured with an electrical seat belt that would recline once an occupant was seated in either the driver’s or passenger’s side seat. The contact s… (MY 1988)
MOTORIZED SEAT BELTS FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL, CONSUMER NOT NOTIFIED OF RECALL (88V-186). *AK (MY 1987)
ABSOLUTELY FREAKING RIDICULOUS THAT I CAN'T BUY ATE SUPER BLUE BRAKE FLUID. BECAUSE IT'S BLUE? WELL, WHODA THUNK??? FIGURE OUT SOMETHING MORE IMPORTANT TO LEGISLATE INTO OBLIVION, LIKE IDIOT DRIVERS THAT MAKE ME USE MY SUPER BLUE BRAKE F… (MY 1991)
DEALERSHIP WANTS TO CHARGE CONSUMER RECALL REPAIR WORK. HOWEVER, PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE.*AK. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT DEALER WOULD FURNISH THE PARTS, HOWEVER CONSUMER WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LABOR.*JB (MY 1987)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 1984–1996.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Ferrari Testarossa have any safety recalls?
Yes — 9 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: SEAT BELTS, STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.
What does fault code P0300 mean on the Ferrari Testarossa?
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0128 mean on the Ferrari Testarossa?
Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature — thermostat stuck open or faulty This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0011 mean on the Ferrari Testarossa?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Ferrari Testarossa (1984–1996)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Ferrari Testarossa (1984–1996) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Ferrari Testarossa (1984–1996) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
This spec sheet is updated with data verified from OEM sources and shop databases. If you spot an inaccuracy or have additional data on the Ferrari Testarossa (1984–1996), let us know — every correction improves quality for all users.