Head-to-head reliability
Ferrari 458 Italia vs Toyota Camry
How the Ferrari 458 Italia and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Ferrari 458 Italia vs Toyota Camry: The Ferrari averages 0.8 complaints per year with no crashes, while the Camry averages 214.3 complaints per year with 181 crashes. Ferrari issues are airbag recalls and fuel leaks; Camry issues include sudden acceleration and brake failure. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Ferrari 458 Italia or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Ferrari 458 Italia
The Ferrari 458 Italia is a high-performance exotic that, in ownership terms, is a weekend or enthusiast vehicle. Its complaint history is very sparse, averaging less than one per year, and centers on airbag recalls and fuel system quirks. Owners report frustration with recall parts availability and a fuel filler flap that can leak during spirited driving, but there are no crash or injury reports. This suggests a car that is generally reliable but requires attention to specific, non-collision-related issues.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a mass-market sedan with a high volume of complaints, averaging over 200 per year, reflecting its widespread use. The complaints span many systems, with notable clusters in powertrain, engine, brakes, and electrical. Owners report serious issues like sudden acceleration, transmission failures, brake loss, and persistent HVAC odors. With 181 crashes and 163 injuries reported, these are not just nuisances but potential safety concerns, though the Camry also has a long history of recalls addressing various components.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Ferrari 458 Italia | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 6 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 14 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 0.8 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Ferrari 458 Italia
- 01AIR BAGS3
- 02FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
- 03FUEL SYSTEM1
- 04GASOLINE1
- 05SERVICE BRAKES1
Owners report being stuck with Takata inflator recalls, unable to get parts for months, and feeling unsafe due to the lack of response from Ferrari. This is a critical safety component that may not deploy properly in a crash.
The fuel filler flap may not close properly, leading to fuel spillage during cornering, and some owners cannot refuel at all due to a blockage. This is a fire hazard and a practical inconvenience.
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FERRARI 458 ITALIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V341000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT…”
“FERRARI DOES NOT RESPOND TO THE URGENT SAFETY RECALL REGARDING THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG. I AM WORRIED FOR MY SAFETY AND THAT OF MY FAMILY IN CASE OF A CRASH.”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the transmission, with some needing full replacements, and sudden acceleration incidents that have led to crashes. These are serious safety and reliability issues.
Sudden unintended acceleration is reported, along with engine maintenance warnings related to coolant valve bypass recalls that may not cover all VINs. This can lead to loss of control and engine damage.
Brake failure is reported, with no response when pressing the pedal, especially on hills. This is a critical safety defect that increases stopping distances and crash risk.
Recurring HVAC odors (vinegar/mildew) and AC condenser damage from rocks are common, affecting comfort and requiring repairs. While not safety-critical, they are frequent annoyances.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Ferrari 458 Italia — 14 recalls
The defect: Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2010-2015 458 Italia, 2012-2015 458 Spider, 2014-2015 458 Speciale, 2015 458 Speciale Aperta, 2016-2019 488 GTB, and 488 Spider vehicles. The brake system may leak brake fluid, resulting in a loss of braking ability.
The risk: Loss of braking ability increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap and update the software, at no charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2022. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this rec…
The defect: Ferrari North America (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2014 Ferrari California, 2014-2015 Ferrari 458 Italia, 458 Spider, 2014-2016 Ferrari FF, 2014-2017 Ferrari F12, 2015-2018 Ferrari California T, 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale A, 2016 Ferrari F60 America, 2016-2017 Ferrari F12 tdf, 2016-2018 Ferrari 48…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2019. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-866-551-2828. Ferrari's number for this recall is…
The defect: Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2010-2015 458 Italia, 2012-2015 458 Spider, 2014-2015 458 Speciale, 2015 458 Speciale Aperta, 2016-2019 488 GTB, and 488 Spider vehicles. The brake system may leak brake fluid, resulting in a loss of braking ability.
The risk: Loss of braking ability increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap and update the software, at no charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2022. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this rec…
The defect: Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2009-2011 California and 2010-2011 458 Italia vehicles equipped with non-desiccated, passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Taka…
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag assembly with an alternate one, including a new non-ammonium nitrate inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 8, 2020. Owners may contact Ferrari cust…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Ferrari 458 Italia or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Ferrari 458 Italia has far fewer complaints per year (0.8) compared to the Toyota Camry (214.3), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Camry's complaints include more severe safety-related events like crashes and injuries. In practice, the Ferrari may be more reliable in terms of raw numbers, but the Camry's issues are more varied and potentially more dangerous.
Key differences
- The Ferrari has 0.8 complaints per year vs. 214.3 for the Camry, a massive difference in reported issue rates.
- Ferrari complaints focus on airbag recalls and fuel system leaks, while Camry complaints include sudden acceleration, transmission failures, and brake loss.
- The Camry has 181 crash-related complaints and 163 injuries, whereas the Ferrari has none, indicating a higher safety risk in the Camry's reported issues.
- The Ferrari's recalls are mostly for airbags and brakes, while the Camry's recalls cover a wider range including seats, wheels, and labels.
- Check that all airbag recalls have been completed and parts are available; otherwise, you may be driving with a non-functional airbag.
- Inspect the fuel filler flap for proper closure and test refueling to ensure no fuel leaks or blockage.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, especially on hills, for any loss of response or unusual feel.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration and check for any pending recalls on the powertrain.
Before you buy
- Verify open recalls on both vehicles using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool.
- For the Ferrari, ask for service records showing airbag recall completion and fuel system repairs.
- For the Camry, request a pre-purchase inspection focusing on brakes, transmission, and engine codes.
- Test drive both vehicles, including hard acceleration and braking, to feel for any anomalies.
- Check the NHTSA complaint database for the specific model year you're considering to see if issues are widespread.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Ferrari 458 Italia | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 0 | 148 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Ferrari 458 Italia or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Ferrari 458 Italia vs Toyota Camry
- Ferrari 458 Italia total complaints
- 6
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Ferrari 458 Italia total recalls
- 14
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Ferrari 458 Italia avg complaints/year
- 0.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Ferrari 458 Italia
- Ferrari 458 Italia top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN