Ferrari F355 F129 (1994-1999) reliability
Ferrari F355 F129 built before 2000: about average at the MOT
Ferrari F355 F129 models built before 2000 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.
Looking at a Ferrari F355 F129?
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Key figure
8% of MOT tests on Ferrari F355 F129 models built before 2000 ended in a fail (retests included), against 11% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Ferrari F355 F129 models built before 2000 involves the tyres.
Based on 739 tests of F355 models registered 1994-1999.
About 1 in 25 F355 F129 MOTs (3.8%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 739 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 2.6% and 5.4%. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 100 F355 F129 MOTs (1.1%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old).
Based on 739 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 0.5% and 2.1%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
F129 fail rate by age
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 25+ years old.
How the F355 F129 compares
At each age below, see how the F355 F129 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 2,610 tests across 14 Ferrari models, built before 2000 (over 25 years old).
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Suspension springs
Worth checkingCheck ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.
Leaks
Worth checkingInspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Emissions
Worth checkingInspect the emissions carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other coupes to compare
Other coupes, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the F355 F129.
- 1
Jaguar XK
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 23.1%
No clear edge over the Ferrari F355 F129 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
3,434 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 2
Porsche 911
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 13.1%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 94%
No clear edge over the Ferrari F355 F129 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
10,428 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 3
Mercedes-Benz CLK
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 24.8%
No clear edge over the Ferrari F355 F129 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,725 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 4
MG B GT
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 15.4%
No clear edge over the Ferrari F355 F129 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,331 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
Recall context
4 recalls in allAll 4 F355 F129 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 1 Critical
- 3 more
Top concerns
- Risk of fire
- Steering column shaft clamp bolt may have been insufficiently tightened
- Possible damage to fuel tank during vehicle assembly could result in a fuel leak
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on F355 F129 cars built before 2000
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 85 cars.
How F355 F129 cars have aged
How F355 F129 cars have aged
How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
F129 variants compared
Most common issues on Ferrari F355 models of this age
This list covers every Ferrari F355 built before 2000, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the F129 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 12.7%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 22.3%Advisory
Coil spring corroded
- 31.9%Advisory
Oil leak, but not excessive
- 41.8%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 51.4%Major
Petrol exhaust emissions
Based on 742 tests
Looking at a Ferrari F355 F129?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the Ferrari F355 F129 (1994-1999) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 739 25+ year old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.