Maserati calling in new Quattroporte for electrical issue

Fri, 27 Dec 2013

Exotic automobiles are just that: exotic. As in, rare. While Maserati is trying is darnedest to emerge from the fringes, its products are still less common than competitors from Germany, Japan or even the UK. Which is probably – more so than any superior quality or safety standards – why we rarely see the Trident marque's products the subject of a recall. Although it does happen upon occasion.

Back in the spring, Maserati had to call in over seven thousand examples of the Quattroporte, GranTurismo and Alfa 8C over rust issues. Now that the new Quattroporte is upon us, the Modenese automaker has apparently run into another small problem.

This time the issue revolves around the wiring harness for the alternator/starter motor, an improper crimp in which could cause the battery cable to short and start a fire. As a result, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is prompting 63 owners of the 2014 Quattroporte GTS V8 to bring their cars in to their local Maserati dealer to have the wiring harness replaced.

RECALL Subject : Alternator Harness may Short resulting in Fire
Report Receipt Date: NOV 22, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V589000
Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Number of Units Affected: 63

Manufacturer: Maserati North America, Inc.

SUMMARY:
Maserati North America, Inc. (Maserati) is recalling certain model year 2014 Quattroporte GTS V8 vehicles. The affected vehicles have an improper Y-connection crimp in the alternator-starter motor wiring harness.

CONSEQUENCE:
The improper crimp could cause the the battery positive cable to short to ground which may cause the the wiring harness to overheat and result in a fire. The car also may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:
Maserati will notify owners, and dealers will replace the alternator-starter wiring harness, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in late December 2013. Owners may contact Maserati at 1-201-816-2600.

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