Lamborghini, Bentley recalling models with carbon-ceramic brakes

Wed, 30 Oct 2013

An issue involving carbon-ceramic brakes has prompted Lamborghini and Bentley to recall certain models so equipped. The problem, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, revolves around the stainless steel screws that secure the brake rotors, which are prone to corrosion when exposed to salty conditions.

The recall affects 2007-2009 Lamborghini Gallardo coupes and Spyders, 2006-2010 Murcielago coupes and Roadsters and 2007-2011 Bentley Continental GTs, GTCs and Flying Spurs. All in all, some 1,136 vehicles are subject to the recall in the United States, including 263 Gallardos, 404 Murcielagos and 469 Continentals. The fix seems simple enough, with local Lamborghini and Bentley dealers replacing the problematic screws with new ones. The recall follows two notices recently issued for Audis as well. For further details, see the trio of recall notices below.

RECALL Subject : Brake Rotor attaching Screws may fail
Report Receipt Date: SEP 30, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V471000
Component(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Potential Number of Units Affected: 263
Manufacturer: Automobili Lamborghini America LLC

SUMMARY:
Automobili Lamborghini America LLC (Lamborghini) is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2009 Gallardo Coupes and Spyders fitted with carbon ceramic brake discs. The stainless steel screws that secure the brake rotors may fail after being exposed to salty conditions.

CONSEQUENCE:
Failure of the securing screws may result in a reduction of braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:
Lamborghini will notify owners, and dealers will replace the screws, free of charge. The safety recall is planned to begin by November 2013. Owners may contact Lamborghini at 1-866-681-6276. The manufacturer's numbers for this campaign are L71X-R.01.13 (model year 2007 and 2008 Gallardo Coupe and Spyder) and L71X-R.02.13 (model year 2009 Gallardo Coupe and Spyder).

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.

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RECALL Subject : Brake Rotor attaching Screws may fail
Report Receipt Date: SEP 30, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V470000
Component(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Potential Number of Units Affected: 404
Manufacturer: Automobili Lamborghini America LLC

SUMMARY:
Automobili Lamborghini America LLC (Lamborghini) is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2010 Murcielago Coupes and Roadsters fitted with carbon ceramic brake discs. The stainless steel screws that secure the brake rotors may fail after being exposed to salty conditions.

CONSEQUENCE:
Failure of the securing screws may result in a reduction of braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:
Lamborghini will notify owners, and dealers will replace the screws, free of charge. The safety recall is planned to begin by November 2013. Owners may contact Lamborghini at 1-866-681-6276. The manufacturer's numbers for this campaign are L82X-R.01.13 (Model Year 2006 Murcielago Coupe and Roadster), and LB82X-R.02.13 for the MY2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 Murcielago Coupe and Roadster.

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.

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RECALL Subject : Brake Rotor attaching Screws may fail
Report Receipt Date: OCT 17, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V484000
Component(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Potential Number of Units Affected: 469
Manufacturer: Bentley Motors, Inc.

SUMMARY:
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2011 Continental GT, GTC, and Flying Spur vehicles, manufactured from July 2006 through June 2010 and equipped with carbon ceramic brake discs. In the affected vehicles, the stainless steel screws that secure the brake rotors may fail after being exposed to salty conditions.

CONSEQUENCE:
Failure of the securing screws may result in a reduction of braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:
Bentley will notify owners, and dealers will replace the screws, free of charge. The safety recall is planned to begin in early November 2013. Owners may contact Bentley at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this campaign is RE13/14.

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 Noah Joseph