Maserati recalls GranTurismo, Quattroporte for faulty tire pressure monitoring

Tue, 23 Oct 2012

As proof that no automaker is immune to the recall bug, Maserati announced a recall for its entire lineup – both the GranTurismo and Quattroporte – due to a software issue with the tire pressure monitoring system. According to the recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released earlier this month, affected vehicles could have low air pressure in a tire that is not alerted to the driver properly.

Of course, if the car is driven on a tire with low pressure, severe damage could be caused to the presumably very expensive tire, and to fix the problem, Maserati is replacing the TPMS control unit on affected cars. A total of 485 Quattroportes and GranTurismos (including convertible and MC models) are being recalled, but it does not appear there have been any complaints or accidents for this problem. The recall goes into effect next month.

Check out the official notice from NHTSA below.

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
MASERATI / GRANTURISMO 2012
MASERATI / QUATTROPORTE 2012

Manufacturer: MASERATI NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Report Receipt Date: OCT 09, 2012

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V489000

NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

Potential Number of Units Affected: 485

Summary:
Maserati is recalling certain model year 2012 Quattroporte, Granturismo, Granturismo Convertible, and Granturismo MC vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) may malfunction due to a software error, preventing the driver from being notified of a low tire pressure situation.

Consequence:
If the driver continues to operate the vehicle with a tire that has low air pressure, the tire may fail, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:
Maserati will notify owners, and dealers will replace the TPMS control unit free of charge. The campaign is expected to begin in early November 2012. Owners may contact Maserati at 1-201-816-2600.

Notes:
Maserati's recall campaign number is 202. 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 Jeffrey N. Ross