Control arm: lower ball jointRecall 09V-001 · Alfa Romeo and Maserati vehicles
MASERATI NORTH AMERICA, INC. recall 09V-001 covers 7,912 Alfa Romeo and Maserati vehicles for a control arm: lower ball joint problem, reported to NHTSA on January 6, 2009.
Source: NHTSA recall 09V001000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
MASERATI IS RECALLING 7,912 MY 2008 GRAN TURISMO, QUATTROPORTE, AND ALFA ROMEO VEHICLES. INCORRECTLY TORQUED UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINT NUTS MAY CAUSE THE BALL JOINT NUTS TO LOOSEN.
The risk
IN TIME, THIS COULD LEAD TO NOISE, STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION, AND FAILURE OF THE BALL JOINT STUD RESULTING IN DAMAGE OR SEPARATION OF THE SUSPENSION ARM. THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CAPABILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TORQUE OF THE FRONT/REAR UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINT NUTS AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE SUSPENSION ARMS AND HUB CARRIER. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2009. Owners may contact Maserati customer service at 1-877-696-2737.
MASERATI RECALL NO. 183.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A>.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Vehicles in this recall
Built to June 1, 2008. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.