Even for a revered brand like Ferrari, mistakes can happen, as evidenced by a recent lawsuit regarding a potentially hazardous defect in its brake systems.
A California-based Ferrari owner has reported multiple instances of brake malfunctions with his 14-year-old 458 Italia, notably during high-speed descents. While brake issues are unwelcome in any vehicle, they’re particularly concerning in a Ferrari.
Prosecutors suggest this owner’s experience isn’t isolated, indicating a broader trend of brake problems among Ferraris from this era. Ferrari has acknowledged these issues and initiated recalls for specific models, including those in Europe. In an official statement, Ferrari emphasized its commitment to customer safety:
“The safety and well-being of our customers is our top priority. We adhere to stringent safety standards to ensure our vehicles consistently meet regulatory requirements. In October 2021, Ferrari notified relevant international authorities of a recall due to potential brake system defects, which could result in brake fluid leakage and subsequent loss of braking power. Originally affecting vehicles produced between MY 2010 and MY 2019, the recall was voluntarily extended to include models produced between 2003 and 2019 as a precautionary measure.”
While Ferrari’s response appears thorough, a class action lawsuit filed in San Diego alleges that despite the recalls, the underlying defect remains unresolved, leaving potentially thousands of Ferrari owners with unsafe brakes.