Ferrari recalls F430 Spider for defective convertible top

Yesterday Ferrari issued a recall for 1,950 of its 2005-2007 F430 Spiders involving the car's automatic convertible top, according to the NHTSA. The problem arose from the hydraulic hoses that operate the top, which could form hairline cracks due to heat from the engine. As a result, the hoses could leak fluid into the engine bay and possibly create smoke or even start a fire. To remedy the situation, Ferrari dealers will install an insulated heat shield that will protect the hoses from heat in the engine bay. Full details can be found in the NHTSA release after the jump.

Model Year(s):
FERRARI / F430

2005-2007

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
09V048000

Summary:

FERRARI IS RECALLING 1,950 MY 2005-2007 F40 SPIDER VEHICLES. THE DEFECT INVOLVES THE HYDRAULIC HOSES FOR THE CONVERTIBLE TOP THAT ARE LOCATED INSIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE HEAT FROM THE ENGINE MAY CAUSE HAIR-LINE CRACKS TO FORM IN THE HOSES WHICH MAY RESULT IN FLUID LEAKAGE FROM THE CONVERTIBLE TOP HYDRAULIC SYSTEM.

Consequence:

THIS LEAKAGE IN TURN, WILL CAUSE THE CONVERTIBLE TOP WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE AND IF NOT REMEDIED, COULD ULTIMATELY LEAK FLUID INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUSING SMOKE AND A FIRE, RENDERING THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE AND POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy:

DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTIVE HEAT SHIELDS OVER THE CONVERTIBLE TOP HYDRAULIC LINES TO INSULATE THEM FROM THE HEAT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2009.