2019 Ferrari 488 Spider
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.

- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- 488 SPIDER
- Engines
- 3.9L 8-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 16 city / 22 hwy
- Length
- 179.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,362 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 13 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2019 Ferrari 488 Spider is a two seaters offered with a 3.9L 8-cyl turbo engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 180 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,362 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 22 highway), 9% worse than the 2019 two seaters average of 19.7 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file.
What changed for 2019
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2018 488 Spider — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 488 Spider →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 488 SPIDER | 179.9 in | 76.8 in | 47.6 in | 104.3 in | 66.1 / 65 in | 3,362 lb | 42/58 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 488 Spider | 3.9L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | -9% | $4,550 | 501 |
| 488 Spider | 3.9L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -9% | $4,550 | 495 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2019 Ferrari 488 Spider.
Similar 2019 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Ferrari 488 Spider (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2019 Ferrari 488 GTB | 18 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista | 17 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2019 Ferrari Portofino | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Aston Martin Vantage | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2019 Lamborghini Huracan | 15 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2019 McLaren Automotive 570S Coupe | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 23, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V833000 · 9,985 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- Loss of braking ability increases the risk of a crash.
- 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 recall is 78.
Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 14, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V090000 · 2,150 vehicles
- Problem
- Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2017 LaFerrari Aperta, 2018-2019 488 GTB, GTC4Lusso T, GTC4Lusso, 488 Spider, 812 Superfast, and 2019 488 Pista vehicles. The fuel vapor separator may crack and allow fuel to leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
- Fix
- Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel vapor separator, free of charge. The recall began June 25, 2019. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is 69.
Not every 2019 Ferrari 488 Spider is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2019 Ferrari 488 Spider in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2019 Ferrari 488 Spider buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2019 Ferrari 488 Spider. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 488 Spider years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 488 Spider | 18 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 1 |
| 2017 488 Spider | 18 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2016 488 Spider | 18 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ferrari. How we calculate this →