[sk8boy]

Ferrari 458 Italia Recalled Over Fire Risk (Unconfirmed)

Ferrari's finally decided to issue a recall on the Ferrari 458 Italia after at least four fires in three months, according to a letter allegedly received by an owner. Ferrari's apparently blaming a design flaw instead of their owners.

The Italian automaker promised us the Ferrari 458 Italia would be a hot new ride, but the numerous fires made us wonder about how literal the Italians were being.

After weeks of no response to our questions, we were treated to a quiet leak to European buff books earlier this week that Ferrari was investigating the fires. It turns out it may have been a quick investigation.

We've heard from one owner tonight that they received a letter from Ferrari claiming a gas overflow tube and gas vapor system were placed too close to the engine, thus creating the possibility of a fire. The owner was told they can take their vehicle to their dealer to receive a fix. We're currently trying to confirm this report and will update you as soon as we get it.

[Overtaker]

Easier to read:

Quote:

Ferrari's finally decided to issue a recall on the Ferrari 458 Italia after at least four fires in three months, according to a letter allegedly received by an owner. Ferrari's apparently blaming a design flaw instead of their owners.

The Italian automaker promised us the Ferrari 458 Italia would be a hot new ride, but the numerous fires made us wonder about how literal the Italians were being.

After weeks of no response to our questions, we were treated to a quiet leak to European buff books earlier this week that Ferrari was investigating the fires. It turns out it may have been a quick investigation.

We've heard from one owner tonight that they received a letter from Ferrari claiming a gas overflow tube and gas vapor system were placed too close to the engine, thus creating the possibility of a fire. The owner was told they can take their vehicle to their dealer to receive a fix. We're currently trying to confirm this report and will update you as soon as we get it.

[Mythic]

they should replace the cars for the owners whose cars burnt.

[Jonathan]

This is the same schwag that happened with the 360 correct?

[DJ]

From what I have read (thx to member 458spiderman on fchat) it's a simple fix of repositioning the vapor vent which is the breather tube. The service is called the "TI 336 work".

[superitalia]

The incidents is due to basic concept of fuel vapor. Whenever there is gas in the tank, the vapors from the fuel causes pressure in the tank. Those vapors then is to be released into the carbon canister where they are broken down so they do not pollute the air.

On that canister there is a vent hose that runs to the passenger side rear front half wheel well. The old design on the F430 had the vent hose basically just being blocked/diverted so the vapors are guided out of the wheel well.

With the design on F458, there was a chance that vapors could escape into the engine compartment. The vehicle has very little engine room and gets extremely hot, therefore sometimes causing the unthinkable.....

The new design since all of the 458 fires, places the hose directly into a housing that is vented into the wheel well. The hose is clamped onto the housing and there is no way that vapor can get into the engine compartment.


Info from ferrari

[HarveyMushman]

I swear this same thing happened with the 360. I am suprised they didnt run into this at Modena. They hammer those cars during testing.

[DJ]

Quote:

Originally Posted by superitalia »

The incidents is due to basic concept of fuel vapor. Whenever there is gas in the tank, the vapors from the fuel causes pressure in the tank. Those vapors then is to be released into the carbon canister where they are broken down so they do not pollute the air.

On that canister there is a vent hose that runs to the passenger side rear front half wheel well. The old design on the F430 had the vent hose basically just being blocked/diverted so the vapors are guided out of the wheel well.

With the design on F458, there was a chance that vapors could escape into the engine compartment. The vehicle has very little engine room and gets extremely hot, therefore sometimes causing the unthinkable.....

The new design since all of the 458 fires, places the hose directly into a housing that is vented into the wheel well. The hose is clamped onto the housing and there is no way that vapor can get into the engine compartment.


Info from ferrari

Thank you for this and to the TEAM!

[McRae]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ndiran1 »

they should replace the cars for the owners whose cars burnt.

agreed!!!

[Axxlrod]

If Ferrari admits to the problem being a design flaw, then I would think they are obligated to replace the cars that have already burned down.