DecodedCars2012 Ferrari California
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe RWD
- Engines
- 4.3L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 15 combined · 13 city / 19 hwy
- Length
- 179.5 in
- Curb weight
- 4,145 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
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 15 MPG combined, 28% below the 2012 two seaters average of 20.7 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Ferrari California is a two seaters offered with a 4.3L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 180 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,145 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 15 MPG combined (13 city / 19 highway), 28% worse than the 2012 two seaters average of 20.7 MPG, for an estimated $5,500 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2012
- Lightest version 320 lb heavier
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 California →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe RWD | 179.5 in | 74.8 in | 51.6 in | 105.1 in | 66.1 / 65.4 in | 4,145 lb | 47/53 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 4.3L 8-cyl | Automatic (AM7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -28% | $5,500 | 592 |
| California | 4.3L 8-cyl | Automatic (AM7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -28% | $5,500 | 592 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Ferrari California.
Similar 2012 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Ferrari California (this car) | 15 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia | 14 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Lotus Evora | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 McLaren Automotive MP4-12C Coupe | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 26, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V536000 · 23,555 vehicles
- Problem
- Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2005-2009 430, 2019-2020 488 Pista, 2016 F60 America, 2005-2011 612 Scaglietti, 2010-2011 612, 2018-2022 812, 2020-2022 F8 Spider, 2020-2022 F8 Tributo, 2021-2022 Roma, 2009-2017 California, 2015-2017 California T, 2013-2017 F12 Berlinetta, 2017 F12 TDF, 2012-2016 FF, 2017-2020 GTC4 Lusso, 2018-2020 GTC4 Lusso T, 2013-2015 LaFerrari, 2017 LaFerrari Aperta, and 2019-2022 Portofino vehicles. The brake fluid reservoir cap may not vent properly, creating a vacuum inside the brake fluid reservoir, and resulting in a brake fluid leak that may lead to a partial or total loss of brake function.
- Risk
- A loss of brake function can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap and update the software to provide a new warning message for low brake fluid, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 22, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2022. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is RC 80. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-833.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jun 7, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V381000 · 1,507 vehicles
- Problem
- Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2012 Ferrari California, 458 Italia, 458 Spider, and FF vehicles that have not already had their passenger frontal air bag replaced. These passenger frontal air bag modules have air bag inflators that may explode in the event of a crash due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag assembly with one that uses an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 19, 2018. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari's number for this recall is 61. Note: This recall supersedes recall 17V-018.
Not every 2012 Ferrari California is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Ferrari California buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Ferrari California. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other California years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 California | 16 | 179.5 in | Not rated | 2 | 1 |
| 2013 California | 16 | 179.5 in | Not rated | 2 | 1 |
| 2011 California | 15 | 179.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 1 |
| 2010 California | 15 | 179.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 1 |
| 2009 California | 15 | 179.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ferrari. How we calculate this →