Maserati Recalls 2008 Gran Turismo, Quattroporte and Alfa Romeo Vehicles

Vehicle Make / Model:		Model Year(s):
MASERATI / ALFA ROMEO		2008
MASERATI / GRANTURISMO		2008
MASERATI / QUATTROPORTE		2006-2008
MASERATI / QUATTROPORTES		2005
Manufacturer: MASERATI NORTH AMERICA, INC.		Mfr’s Report Date: JAN 06, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V001000		N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

Potential Number of Units Affected: 7912

Summary: 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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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 AT 1-201-816-2600.

Notes: 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 HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .