Ferrari 488 MOT pass rate and common problems
98.8% of 4,418 Ferrari 488 MOT tests pass.
The 488 has a pass rate of 98.8%, a little higher than the average across all Ferrari models (97.1%).
The Ferrari 488 passes its MOT 98.8% of the time — well above the national average for cars, which sits at 79.2%.
Own this Ferrari 488?
This is the average across every Ferrari 488 in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Ferrari’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate stays relatively stable with age: 99.5% at 3–6 years versus 98.6% at 6–10 years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | 99.5% | 1,123 | 9,443 miles |
| 6–10 years | 98.6% | 3,295 | 11,687 miles |
| 10–15 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 15+ years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Ferrari 488
The most common reason the Ferrari 488 fails its MOT is identification of the vehicle — present in 72.3% of failed tests, most often logged as "Does not conform to the specified requirements".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Identification of the vehicle | 72.3% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
| Tyres | 19.6% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 8.1% | Not working on dipped beam |
| Visibility | 4.7% | Provides insufficient washer liquid |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.4% | Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits |
| Steering | 1.4% | Malfunctioning |
| Brakes | 0.7% | Warning indicates a malfunction |
Buying a used Ferrari 488: what to check
These checks follow the Ferrari 488’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
1. Number plates and VIN
Recorded in 72.3% of failed Ferrari 488 MOTs.
Match the registration plates and the VIN (usually at the base of the windscreen and on a door pillar) to the V5C.
2. Tyres
Recorded in 19.6% of failed Ferrari 488 MOTs.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
3. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 8.1% of failed Ferrari 488 MOTs.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
4. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 4.7% of failed Ferrari 488 MOTs.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
5. Exhaust, emissions and leaks
Recorded in 1.4% of failed Ferrari 488 MOTs.
Look under the car for fresh oil or coolant, and listen for blows or rattles from the exhaust. Watch for smoke from the tailpipe when the engine starts and when you accelerate.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Ferrari service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Ferrari models
- Ferrari California — 97.4% pass rate
- Ferrari F430 — 96.5% pass rate
- Ferrari Portofino — 96.9% pass rate
- Ferrari 812 Superfast — 98.4% pass rate
- Ferrari 360 — 94.8% pass rate
- Ferrari F355 — 95.2% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Ferrari 488?
- 98.8% of Ferrari 488 MOT tests pass, based on 4,418 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Ferrari 488?
- The most common reason the Ferrari 488 fails its MOT is identification of the vehicle — present in 72.3% of failed tests, most often logged as "Does not conform to the specified requirements".
- What are the common problems with the Ferrari 488?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Ferrari 488 are number plates and vin; tyres; lights and electrics.
- What should I check when buying a used Ferrari 488?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: number plates and vin; tyres; lights and electrics; windscreen and wipers; exhaust, emissions and leaks. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Ferrari 488's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Ferrari service history guide for how to check and keep one.