IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2002 Ferrari 360 Modena / Spider

The 360 Challenge Stradale arrived as a lightweight, track-focused variant with 419bhp. These are the most desirable 360 variants but command significant premiums. The Spider convertible was also introduced, adding open-top driving to the range.

What changed for 2002

  • •Challenge Stradale with 419bhp
  • •360 Spider introduced
  • •Revised suspension tuning

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !F1 clutch wear
  • !Cam belt service requirements
  • !Electronic suspension faults
5
Known Issues
2
Serious
2
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

F1 Clutch Wear

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

The automated manual system is hard on the single-plate clutch, especially in reverse or stop-start traffic.

Est. Repair Cost: £3,000–£4,500
Warning Signs:

Slipping in higher gears, Difficulty selecting reverse, Overheating warnings in traffic

What to Inspect:
  • Clutch wear percentage via diagnostic tool
  • Smoothness of take-off from a standstill
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

F1 Hydraulic Actuator Failure

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

The hydraulic actuator that controls gear selection and clutch engagement can develop leaks, lose pressure, or fail internally. Symptoms include gears refusing to engage, the car dropping into neutral unexpectedly, or the F1 pump running continuously when opening the driver door (indicating a failing accumulator).

Est. Repair Cost: £3,000–£6,000
Warning Signs:

Gears refusing to engage or slipping to neutral, F1 pump runs for more than 5 seconds when opening the door, Gearbox warning light, Intermittent gear selection failures

What to Inspect:
  • Listen to the F1 pump when opening the driver door (should prime for ~3 seconds then stop)
  • Check for hydraulic fluid leaks around the actuator unit
  • Test gear selection in all gears with the engine running
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Power Window Regulator Failure

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

The window regulators and motors are known to fail, particularly on Spider models. The window may drop into the door, stop mid-travel, or make a grinding noise. This is a common age-related fault on 360s and can leave windows stuck open or closed.

Est. Repair Cost: £300–£800 per window
Warning Signs:

Window drops into the door frame, Window stops mid-travel or moves unevenly, Grinding or clicking noise when operating the window, Window won't close fully

What to Inspect:
  • Operate each window through full travel slowly
  • Listen for grinding or uneven motor sounds
  • Check that windows seal flush with the body when closed
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Dashboard Leather Delamination and Shrinking

ModerateInterior & Trim

The leather dashboard trim can shrink, pull away from the underlying structure, or delaminate, particularly in cars exposed to heat or sunlight. The leather pulls away from the edges, gaps appear around air vents and instrument binnacles, and in severe cases the leather curls or cracks.

Est. Repair Cost: £1,500–£4,000
Warning Signs:

Leather pulling away from dashboard edges, Visible gaps around instrument cluster or air vents, Wrinkled or curled leather surfaces, Squeaking from the dashboard area

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect all dashboard seams and edges for gaps or lifting
  • Check around the instrument binnacle and centre vents
  • Ask if the dashboard has been re-trimmed by a specialist
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Sticky Interior Buttons (Polyurethane Degradation)

MinorInterior & Trim

The soft-touch polyurethane coating on buttons, switches, and vents degrades over time into a sticky, black residue that stains skin and clothing. This is a universal issue for Ferraris of this era.

Est. Repair Cost: £750–£2,500
Warning Signs:

Buttons feel tacky or "melted" to the touch, Black residue left on fingers, Dust and lint stuck to interior surfaces

What to Inspect:
  • Touch all buttons, door handles, and vents in the cabin
  • Check for previous restoration work by specialists like StickyRX or Sticky No More
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2002 Ferrari 360 Modena / Spider

  • ✓The Challenge Stradale is the most desirable variant but check for track use
  • ✓Verify the F1 gearbox has been calibrated recently
  • ✓Check the Spider roof mechanism for smooth operation
2000–20012003–2004
Check a 2002 Ferrari 360 Modena / Spider by Registration