IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2004 Ferrari 360 Modena / Spider

We've identified 5 known issues that can affect the 2004 Ferrari 360 Modena / Spider. 2 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

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
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

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
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

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
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

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 2004 Ferrari 360 Modena / Spider

  • ✓Ensure cam belts have been changed every 3 years or 18,000 miles
  • ✓Ask for a clutch wear report on F1 models; anything over 70% wear suggests imminent replacement
  • ✓Check for "sticky buttons" in the cabin, a common issue where the plastic coating turns to goop
  • ✓Verify the variator update was performed on early 1999-2000 cars
Check a 2004 Ferrari 360 Modena / Spider by Registration