Ferrari Drivers: Get Your Brakes Checked

Ferrari is calling back nearly every vehicle the Italian luxury sports car manufacturer has sold in China in recent years

Thousands of its vehicles may have defective brakes, Jalopnik reports.

The recall covers more than 2,000 Ferrari 458 and 488 sports cars, Jalopnik reports. The vehicles reportedly need to have defective brake fluid reservoir caps replaced.

“Vehicles involved in this recall campaign are equipped with a brake reservoir fluid cap that may not vent properly, thereby potentially creating a vacuum inside the brake fluid reservoir,” the company told Bloomberg News.

Ferrari is warning drivers of recalled cars to operate the vehicles with caution. It also said those drivers should stop immediately and have the cars towed if the “low brake fluid” light illuminates.

Ferrari reportedly plans to notify owners of recalled cars in late May.

With price tags running hundreds of thousands of dollars, Ferraris are not an option for most car buyers. Still, the company has many of the same struggles as manufacturers who make more modestly priced vehicles when it comes to putting cars on the road that are safe to drive.

In 2015, for example, Ferrari recalled 458 Italia, 458 Spider, 458 Speciale, 458 Speciale A, California T, FF, F12 Berlinetta and LaFerrari vehicles over faulty airbags. A year earlier, the company called back certain vehicles with defective passenger seat headrests. It told regulators that the problem increased the risk of injury for passengers.

Ferrari is not alone. The world’s major manufacturers recall millions of vehicles every year, citing serious defects that pose real safety hazards. They routinely do not announce the recalls until long after cars have left factory floors and have been sold to unsuspecting buyers.

How the California Lemon Law Works

Fortunately, car owners in California do not have to wait for a recall to get their vehicles fixed. The state’s lemon law provides some valuable rights and options.

Formally known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, the lemon law requires car manufacturers to buy back vehicles that they are unable or not willing to fix. That means compensating the owner for the vehicle’s purchase price, as well as financing charges, rental car costs and other related expenses.

A carmaker can instead offer to replace the vehicle, under the law. It is up to the owner, however, to decide whether to accept or reject this alternative arrangement. A California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and take action. Manufacturers are required to foot the bill for certain legal fees that car owners incur while enforcing their rights.

Speak with a Los Angeles Lemon Law Attorney

If you are locked in a dispute with a car manufacturer over a malfunctioning or defective vehicle, an Los Angeles lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help. 

We have successfully assisted car owners across the state. Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a Los Angeles lemon law attorney today.