Ferraris recalled in Oz over engine issue

TWO Ferraris sold in Australia are subject to a voluntary recall that will involve replacement of the engine’s crankshaft.

The Italian supercar brand recalled 192 cars world-wide over an issue it discovered in routine quality testing that affects the crankshaft of V8-powered 458 Italia and California sports cars.

Ferrari distributor European Automotive Imports’ public relations manager, Edward Rowe, told GoAuto the affected cars in Australia comprised a 458 and a California, which were fitted with a faulty crankshaft that could cause vibrations and lead to engine failure.

“Those very specific cars are going to be recalled and have work done to fix the vehicle,” he said. “There have been no cases of failure in service anywhere in the world.

“Globally there are 12,000 458 Italias and Californias that have been delivered with this engine and the issue covers just 192 of them, of which two are in Australia.”

Mr Rowe explained the problem was encountered during accelerated vehicle wear and tear testing, in which vehicles are taken off the production line and subjected to a simulation of several years’ use in a short time.

Replacing the crankshaft of any engine – let alone the sophisticated units fitted to Ferraris – is a time-consuming process but Mr Rowe said the cars are not expected to be off the road for too long.

“We are waiting for details of the work that is required but it will involve replacement of the crankshaft and customers will be provided with an alternate vehicle while the work is being done.”

Mr Rowe said around 12,000 examples of Ferrari’s 458 and California fitted with the V8 engine in question have been delivered around the world, the recall of 192 vehicles represents a small percentage.

In September 2010 Ferrari issued a global recall of the 458 Italia – including eight sold in Australia – after a spate of fires.

The problem was caused by heat melting an adhesive holding the heat shield and wheel-arch assembly, allowing them to move too close to the exhaust, causing the heat shield and, potentially, the mid-mounted engine to catch fire.