Decode a Ferrari 488 VIN free with NHTSA vPIC. See the NHTSA recalls for that model year, then read what owners have reported.
Free decode plus the NHTSA recalls for its model year. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.
Ferrari sold the 488 in the US for model years 2016–2020. Across those years NHTSA lists 7 vehicle recall campaigns and 10 owner complaints. EPA rates it at 17–18 mpg combined. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.
One generation in the data, 2016–2020: 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 10 owner complaints.
Mentions in 10 NHTSA complaints.
ZFF79ALA?H0······NHTSA vPIC decodes it as a 2017 Ferrari 488, built in Maranello, Emilia-RomagnaNHTSA has 7 campaigns on file for 488 model years 2016–2020, and the 2016 shows up in more of them than any other year (5), ahead of the 2018 (4). Move the line to your model year to see which apply.
Source: NHTSA recall database, vehicle campaigns only; row text is NHTSA’s summary. A listed year does not mean every car is covered, so check the VIN.
Transport Canada recalls for these model years were checked against this list; each one matches an NHTSA campaign shown here. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.
Between them, the 2017 and 2018 hold 7 of the 10 complaints, or 70%. Tap any bar or generation.
Counts: NHTSA complaints file, records to October 1, 2026, one count per complaint; areas are NHTSA component groups.
Ferrari 488 owners on r/Ferrari describe a fast, planted and comfortable mid engine car whose values climbed through 2026, with GTB and Spider prices rising as hybrid models take over the lineup. Purists still prefer the 458 for its naturally aspirated sound and find the turbo V8 less special. Worries include turbo and dual clutch repair costs later in life, squealing carbon ceramic brakes and electrical faults that can turn out to have simple causes.
Opinions of individual owners, summarized in our own words. Not verified data; check recalls and complaints above.
Every 488 version is counted together. Tap a year to see its top systems.
Crashes 0 · fires 0 · injuries 0
Crashes 1 · fires 0 · injuries 2
Crashes 1 · fires 0 · injuries 1
Crashes 0 · fires 0 · injuries 0
Systems as NHTSA names them; a complaint can list several. Source: NHTSA complaints data, records to October 1, 2026.
EPA lists 20 488 versions for model years 2016–2020. The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 495 g/mi (2019). Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.
17–18 mpg · CO₂ 495–531 g/mi
Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Source: fueleconomy.gov.
Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.
Photo: Hans Haase, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped
Illustration: VinNumber.net
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0; edited and VIN pins added by VinNumber.net
The 488's mid-engine layout shifts the firewall stamp to the rear engine bay rather than a front firewall. Primary VIN plate sits at the base of the driver's side windshield. Door sill label and door jamb sticker complete the standard set. The firewall stamp sits near the rear engine bay; check it against the dashboard plate.
NHTSA’s recall records show 7 vehicle campaigns for model years 2016–2020, leaving out equipment and tire campaigns.
19V-006 covers an air bag inflator module and how it deploys. NHTSA’s record names a fire risk in 15V-881 and 19V-090. Each should show as closed on a VIN check.
It varies. EPA rates the 2016–2020 488 at 17–18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive (fueleconomy.gov).