Crankshaft recall?

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/262722/

 

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/ferrari-recalling-200-cars-worldwide/

 

They don't say when the cars where built; anyone got the letter yet?

 

Wow, they say ~200 defective crankshafts out of 13,000 458's? Have they really made that many 458s? By the time the next model comes out, that's going to be a lot of 458's. Not that I think there's anything wrong with having a larger number of beautiful cars in the world.

 

There's no way ere ave been that many 458s produced. The Cali is to have a recall too. Erhaps they meant 13000 total Cali+458. Still seems like a lot.

 

According to the Fiat group annual report, http://annualreport2010.fiatspa.com/en/report-operations/operating-performance-continuing-operations/ferrari Ferrari sold about 6600 cars in 2010. Figuring that the 458 has been in production for about 2 1/4 years, that would make maybe about 15,000 total cars during this period. It does not make sense that 13,000 of them would be 458s. As you suggest Forgeahead, it makes much more sense that it is total 458 and Cali production.

I have learned that journalists rarely get things right; fact checking and research are out of bounds.

 

The numbers my dealer told me were 35 US Cali's and 45 US 458's.

 

There is also an informative thread on this over at the Cali forum.

 

Posted today @ http://rumors.automobilemag.com/recall-central-ferrari-details-458-italia-california-crankshaft-recall-140349.html

2011-2012 Ferrari 458 Italia, California

The Problem: Ferrari has released more details surrounding its recent recall of 2011-2012 458 Italia and California models. As previously reported, a machining error may have affected the crankshafts used in these vehicles. The crank may not be able to withstand thermal and physical stresses, and could snap and seize the engine.

The Fix: Ultimately, Ferrari aims to replace the crank and bearings, but will offer owners their choice of three repair methods: Dealers can can replace the parts, remove the engine and have Ferrari North America technicians replace the parts, or exchange the engine with an all-new engine provided by Ferrari North America.

Owners will be notified of the recall within the next 14 days, but can also contact Ferrari North America at (201) 816-2600.

Number of vehicles potentially affected: Ferrari says 74 cars – two of which are in FNA’s “custody and control” — exhibit the defect.

 

I've got to say that with the cars catching on fire, then the DCT problems and now the crankshaft recall Ferrari should have better quality control and more thorough R&D testing etc.

It was not so long ago that their F1 cars would break down during a race. Now their F-1 cars rarely have retirement issues due to mechanical failure.

Ferrari needs to use that same level of focus and commitment to their road cars!

 

The Italian Ministry of Transportation has officailly announced that all Californias and 458 produced between July and August 2011 to contact their dealers for replacement of the crankshaft.
Of course these dates do not necessarly apply to the USA production but I believe we can assume that the early 2012 cars are affected.

 

Mine was built in that period. I asked my dealer to check and there was nothing for my VIN.

I think asking owners to contact dealers in that period doesn't mean that EVERY car in that period has a problem. It's that the problem occurred sometime during that period.

 

The owners of those cars that have to replace the crankshafts, will receive a letter with all the relevant information from Ferrari Spa in Maranello.

 

good look calling the phone number

 

I called first thing this morning and they transfered me to someone that would know and got voice mail. Waiting to get a call back.

 

Ditto. You would think in a recall potentially involved engine seizure and loss of control they might have more than one guy taking calls. Neither my dealer or Ferrari can/will tell me if I am subject to the recall. I guess they like living on the edge. Really stupid.

 

I called the number this morning. A very nice lady answered, took down some info and transferred me. I left a message and was called back in less than an hour. Very pleasant man from FNA that told me my VIN wasn't one of the recalls and that they were 2011's. Mine was delivered Jan 2012 and was much later than those affected.

 

I lucked out. My 2011 was built in Sept 2010 before the affected cars were built. It may be that only one 2011 California is affected and the rest of the cars are 2012 but don't take it to the bank

I am relieved.

 

In about 24 hours I did get a call back from FNA and the person was very pleasant and told me my call was not subject to a recall. Good thing....

 

I find it interesting that this L.A. Times writer is sensationalizing the recall:

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/opinion-la/la-ol-ferrari-recall-problems-of-the-one-percent-20120521,0,847758.story

 

Wow that's pitiful. The writer should be ashamed.

 

I sought clarification on my 2012 car ( built in Nov 2011) if it was on the recall list and got the all clear.

The Australian importer told me that 4 cars will be recalled in Oz and that Ferrari will be sending out techs to carry out the refit of new cranks.

 

Agree. Complete jacka$$.

 

I called FNA this morning (201-816-2600) with regard to the recall on my 2012 458.
After giving my VIN # I was told my vehicle is not in the recall. Also told me that there are 45 458's in the US recall.