IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2019 Ferrari F8 Tributo / Spider

The F8 Tributo launched as the successor to the 488, featuring a 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 710bhp. These early cars are the most affordable but carry the highest risk of GPF sensor errors from short trips. The F8 is generally very reliable with the 7-year maintenance plan.

What changed for 2019

  • •UK launch of F8 Tributo
  • •3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 710bhp
  • •GPF particulate filter introduced

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !GPF sensor errors from short trips
  • !Sticky buttons
  • !Dashboard shrinkage
5
Known Issues
0
Serious
4
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

GPF Sensor Errors

ModerateExhaust & Emissions

The Gasoline Particulate Filter sensors can be sensitive, occasionally triggering warning lights if the car is only used for short trips.

Est. Repair Cost: £500–£1,200
Warning Signs:

Engine warning light, GPF warning message, Limp mode

What to Inspect:
  • Ensure the car has been driven long enough to complete a regeneration cycle
  • Check for stored GPF fault codes
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Battery-Related Electrical Faults

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

Modern Ferraris are notoriously sensitive to battery voltage. Weak or aging batteries can cause multiple warning lights, sensor errors, and erratic electronic behavior.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£900
Warning Signs:

Multiple dashboard warnings after standing, Erratic sensor behavior, Difficulty starting after periods of inactivity

What to Inspect:
  • Check battery age and health
  • Ensure battery conditioner is used regularly
  • Test voltage with a multimeter
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Turbocharger Seal Wear and Oil Consumption

ModerateEngine

The twin-turbo V8 can develop minor oil seepage from turbo seals as mileage increases, leading to increased oil consumption and potential smoke from the exhaust.

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

Blue smoke on startup or under load, Higher than normal oil consumption, Oil residue in intake pipes

What to Inspect:
  • Monitor oil level between services
  • Check intake pipes for oil residue
  • Inspect for smoke on cold start
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Carbon Ceramic Brake Wear and Replacement Cost

ModerateBrakes

While carbon ceramic brakes are durable, they are expensive to replace when they reach their wear limit. Track use accelerates wear significantly.

Est. Repair Cost: £12,000–£18,000
Warning Signs:

Visual pitting on disc surface, Brake wear warning light, Reduced braking performance

What to Inspect:
  • Check for brake wear indicators
  • Inspect disc surfaces for pitting
  • Ask for brake life percentage from diagnostic tool
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Electronic and Software Glitches

MinorElectrics & Electronics

The F8 Tributo features complex electronics and infotainment systems that can suffer from software bugs, screen freezes, and connectivity problems with Apple CarPlay/Bluetooth.

Est. Repair Cost: £200–£1,000
Warning Signs:

Infotainment screen freezing, Bluetooth connectivity drops, Unresponsive haptic steering wheel controls

What to Inspect:
  • Test all infotainment functions
  • Confirm latest software updates are installed
  • Check for stored error codes
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2019 Ferrari F8 Tributo / Spider

  • Check for GPF sensor warning lights
  • Verify the 7-year maintenance plan status
  • Inspect the interior buttons for sticky residue
2020
Check a 2019 Ferrari F8 Tributo / Spider by Registration