Aston Martin and Lotus each issue recalls
Sun, 14 Oct 2012
Aston Martin's affects 169 examples of the 2009-2012 V12 Vantage Coupe. It concerns the tire-pressure monitoring system, and is less a malfunction than it is a compliance issue. The TPMS does not alert the driver until the front tire is more than 25 percent below the recommended cold tire pressure. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 138 states that the alarm must sound when tire pressure is "equal to or less than either the pressure 25 percent below" the recommended cold inflation pressure. To address the issue, Aston Martin will notify owners and reprogram the software, free of charge.
As for Lotus, 80 supercharged Evoras have been recalled, all built between February and September, 2011. The problem involves an engine-mounted oil feed pipe, which could rupture, causing loss of engine oil or a possible fire if the oil sprays onto a hot engine.
Lotus will notify owners and repair the problem, free of charge. NHTSA invites anyone who owns these affected vehicles to contact its safety hotline or go on its website for additional information. To find out more about these recalls, refer to the press release posted below.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V480000
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
ASTON MARTIN / V12 VANTAGE COUPE 2010-2012
Manufacturer: ASTON MARTIN Report Receipt Date: OCT 02, 2012
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V480000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 169
Summary:
Aston Martin is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 V12 Vantage Coupe vehicles for failing to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems." On these vehicles, the low tire pressure warning light will not illuminate until the tire pressure in the front tires is more than 25% below the recommended cold tire pressure.
Consequence:
Underinflated tires can result in tire overloading and overheating, which could lead to tire failure and a possible crash.
Remedy:
Aston Martin will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the software for the tire pressure monitoring system free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided the agency with a notification schedule. Owners may contact Aston Martin at 1-888-923-9988.
Notes:
Aston Martin's recall campaign number is RA-19-0015. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Report Date : October 11, 2012 at 11:28 AM
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V477000
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
LOTUS / EVORA 2011
Manufacturer: LOTUS CARS USA, INC. Report Receipt Date: OCT 01, 2012
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V477000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Potential Number of Units Affected: 80
Summary:
Lotus is recalling certain model year 2011 Evora supercharged vehicles manufactured from February 2011 through September 2011, equipped with a three-piece oil feed pipe with a flexible hose section. This engine mounted oil feed pipe, used to supply oil to the engine cylinder head, can rupture.
Consequence:
The ruptured pipe can result in oil loss and engine damage, and oil sprayed onto hot engine components may result in a fire.
Remedy:
Lotus will notify owners, and dealers will replace the oil feed pipe free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided the agency with a notification schedule. Owners may contact Lotus at 1-800-245-6887.
Notes:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
By George Kennedy
See also: Lotus Esprit cancelled? [UPDATE], Ford's J Mays feels vindicated by Fusion reception, The Windsor Castle Concours d'Elegance in pictures, courtesy of Bentley.