Ferrari’s business is built on exclusivity. The Italian marque shipped only 13,752 cars in 2024, up massively from the 9,119 cars it shipped in 2020. Those numbers cover everything from regular production models like the Purosangue and 296 GTB to limited-run specials that sell out before most people even know they exist. It’s a carefully managed output, with an even more stringent buying process, all designed to keep demand higher than supply. It’s exactly how Ferrari likes it.
So when the company issues a recall, you’d almost expect it to be exclusive too. And this one definitely is. Ferrari has issued a Do-Not-Drive notice for exactly six cars. Yes, six. Not six thousand, not six hundred. Just six model year 2025 296 GTB and GTS models across the United States. To put that in perspective, Ferrari has likely sold thousands of 296s since the model launched in 2021. That’s a failure rate so small it barely even registers as a percentage. This might just be one of the most exclusive recalls in automotive history.
What The Actual Issue Is
The NHTSA recall notice details that the problem has been traced back to the incorrect tightening of the nut securing the oil filter connection on the turbocharger oil feed pipes. Ferrari’s theory is that a semi-automatic workstation at a supplier might have applied the wrong torque to the nut, which could lead to oil leaks and potentially cause the turbocharger to fail or overheat. Not ideal when you’re dealing with a twin-turbo setup making serious power.
Ferrari discovered the issue earlier this month when they found problems with two 296 Speciales that hadn’t been delivered to customers yet. That discovery kicked off an investigation which eventually identified the workstation problem and cleared other 296 Speciales from being affected.
Exotic Car Trader
The 296 Do-Not-Drive Recall Fix Is Simple Enough
The company hasn’t received any warranty claims related to this and isn’t aware of any injuries or accidents, but they’ve decided to issue the Do-Not-Drive order anyway. Better safe than sorry. Especially when it comes to a $350,000 supercar. Ferrari says the fix is straightforward enough. Dealership techs will inspect the vehicles and verify the nut is tightened to the proper torque spec.
The 296 GTB and its open top GTS sibling are plug in hybrid supercars using a twin turbo V6 paired with an electric motor. Combined output sits at 818 horsepower, with the relatively “mass-market” Ferrari hitting 62 mph in 2.9 seconds. The GTS manages similar numbers despite the added weight of its retractable hardtop. Ferrari doesn’t issue recalls often, but when it does, it stays within the exclusive theme.
