Maserati said it is recalling 7,912 2008-model GranTurismo, Quattroporte and Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione vehicles in the U.S. that were built with incorrectly torqued front and rear suspension upper and lower ball joint nuts, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The problem could cause the ball joint nuts to loosen, said the NHTSA in its summary of the problem. "In time, this could lead to noise, steering wheel vibration and failure of the ball joint stud, resulting in damage or separation of the suspension arm," it said. "This could result in a loss of steering capability, increasing the risk of a crash."
The recall is expected to begin in February.
Dealers will inspect the torque of the front and rear upper and lower ball joint nuts and, if necessary, replace the suspension arms and hub carrier. In its documents with the NHTSA, Maserati said "if the suspension arm requires replacement, a wheel alignment will be performed as well." It has also told its dealer network in the U.S. that "if you have any of the affected vehicles in your stock, you must not sell them until you have checked and that vehicle's ball joint nuts are tightened to the correct torque specifications."
Owners can contact Maserati at (201) 816-2600 for more information.
Inside Line says: If you own one of the aforementioned vehicles, have it checked out with your dealer ASAP. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »