RC 80 – Loss of Brake Function – 2005-2022 Ferrari

July 26, 2022 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 22V536000

Loss of Brake Function

A loss of brake function can increase the risk of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V536

Manufacturer Ferrari North America, Inc.

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Potential Number of Units Affected 23,555

 

Summary

Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari) is recalling certain 2005-2009 430, 2019-2020 488 Pista, 2016 F60 America, 2005-2011 612 Scaglietti, 2010-2011 612, 2018-2022 812, 2020-2022 F8 Spider, 2020-2022 F8 Tributo, 2021-2022 Roma, 2009-2017 California, 2015-2017 California T, 2013-2017 F12 Berlinetta, 2017 F12 TDF, 2012-2016 FF, 2017-2020 GTC4 Lusso, 2018-2020 GTC4 Lusso T, 2013-2015 LaFerrari, 2017 LaFerrari Aperta, and 2019-2022 Portofino vehicles. The brake fluid reservoir cap may not vent properly, creating a vacuum inside the brake fluid reservoir, and resulting in a brake fluid leak that may lead to a partial or total loss of brake function.

 

Remedy

Dealers will replace the brake fluid reservoir cap and update the software to provide a new warning message for low brake fluid, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 22, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2022. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari’s number for this recall is RC 80. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-833.

 

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

 

Check if your Ferrari has a Recall

 


Date: August 5, 2022

To: Ferrari Dealers

RE: Brake Reservoir Fluid Cap Recall

 

Ferrari has decided to expand the brake reservoir fluid cap recall to the following Ferrari vehicle models:

 

  • 430 (2005 – 2009)
  • 488 Pista and Pista Spider (2019 – 2020)
  • F60 America (2016)
  • 812 (2020 – 2022)
  • F12 (2013 – 2017)
  • F8 (2020 – 2022)
  • FF (2012 – 2016)
  • GTC4 Lusso (2017 – 2020)
  • Portofino (2019 – 2022)
  • Roma (2021 – 2022)

 

The vehicles involved are equipped with a brake fluid reservoir cap that may not provide the proper ventilation needed to maintain proper atmospheric pressure inside the tank. This condition may cause partial or complete loss of the car’s braking capacity. For this reason, the brake fluid reservoir cap must be replaced. At the same time, the Instrument Panel Node (NQS) software must also be updated, if applicable to the model. This update will modify the message displayed if the low brake fluid level warning light comes on, prompting the driver to get towed to a Ferrari dealer. Additionally, Ferrari will provide you with a supplementary adhesive leaflet that must be inserted in the Owner’s Manual to update the description of the “low brake oil level” warning light. We want to assure you that our clients’ safety is our priority, and we are committed to correcting this condition in their vehicles.

 

We will be notifying affected owners very soon that the necessary parts to repair their vehicle are not yet available. In the meantime, if a message appears on their dashboard, “Brake fluid level low, Go to dealer slowly”, to please pull off the road as soon as it is safe to do so, and to contact Ferrari Roadside Assistance at 1.866.788.6760.  Their car will be taken to the nearest authorized Ferrari dealer and inspected free of charge, and Ferrari will perform the necessary repairs to their vehicle for free.

 

Please contact your ABM directly should you have any questions.

 

Sincerely,

 

Enzo Francesconi

Head of Aftersales Operation – IT

Ferrari North America
250 Sylvan Ave
Englewood Cliffs NJ, 07632
Tel. 201-816-2600
www.ferrari.com

 


Date: August 5, 2022

To: Ferrari Dealers

RE: Brake Reservoir Fluid Cap Recall -Follow up

 

Dear Dealers,

 

Following the enclosed communication regarding the Brake Reservoir Fluid Cap Recall, please be informed that before you deliver a new or used vehicle identified on the list of affected Ferrari models, you MUST replace the brake fluid reservoir cap with the replacement cap bearing part number 810768. This is the same part number used on recall 78.

 

By Monday August 8th, we will ship out a sufficient quantity of replacement caps. Please inform your clients that their vehicle featuring the replacement cap will be recalled to your workshop to update the vehicle’s software once available.

 

Please contact your ABM directly should you have any questions.

 

Sincerely,

 

Enzo Francesconi

Head of Aftersales Operation – IT

Ferrari North America
250 Sylvan Ave
Englewood Cliffs NJ, 07632
Tel. 201-816-2600
www.ferrari.com

 


RC 80 Chronology

Ferrari was made aware of an issue involving a potential braking issue in March 2021 in connection with a MY 2018 Ferrari 488 GTB that had experienced a brake failure in the US. A vehicle technical and insurance subrogation inspection on such car took place in May 2021. The result of the inspection showed that the master cylinder failed causing the loss of brakes. It was not possible to determine the cause of the failure.

Ferrari performed certain preliminary verifications on brake booster components without finding the root cause of the failure. Given that such brake components are assemblies entirely manufactured by Bosch, in June 2021, Ferrari requested Bosch to have such components inspected. Bosch inspected one of the assembly and was not able to identify the root cause of the failure.

In September 2021, Ferrari was made aware about two 488s that experienced brake failure in the US. Ferrari began performing service history reviews of both of these vehicles.

In September 2021, Ferrari requested again Bosch to inspect another assembly. Also for such assembly, Bosch was not able to ascertain the root cause of the relevant failure. In early October 2021, Ferrari was contacted by NHTSA concerning two Vehicle Owner Questionnaires involving 3 VINs, i.e. VIN 232813, VIN 232226 and VIN 234234. Ferrari investigated VIN 234234 and found that the vehicle was repaired under warranty at a dealer.

Ferrari obtained the master cylinder/brake booster assembly from the dealer and inspections by the supplier are expected to be carried out also on this component. Additionally, Ferrari sent over to Bosch the assembly of VIN 232226 for its analysis. In October 2021, Ferrari informed Bosch about the inquiry submitted to Ferrari by NHTSA, since Bosch is the owner of all technical information, design and drawings of the brake booster components. Ferrari, in particular, requested Bosch assistance in: (i) providing any documents/information about this component, (ii) continuing to investigate the root cause of the issue as quickly as possible.

In October 2021, Ferrari participated in a vehicle inspection of VIN 232226 noticed by State Farm Insurance. At the inspection, it was observed that the brake fluid had leaked into the brake booster chamber. Ferrari has been able to have a representative from Bosch to participate at the inspection.

Also a representative from NHTSA was present at this inspection. In October 2021, Ferrari was contacted by an authorized Ferrari dealer regarding a used MY 2018 Ferrari 488 – owned by the dealership – which experienced a loss of braking capability. This vehicle is being shipped to Ferrari for inspection by Bosch. Although Ferrari and Bosch continue to investigate the issue, including the scope of the affected vehicle population and the root cause behind a potential brake fluid leakage, Ferrari decided to conduct a safety recall to address this issue on October 20th, 2021.

Verification of the number of warranty claims is still being researched. Ferrari has been made aware of one event where a client, by communication dated July 29th, 2021, reported that he was injured as a consequence of this issue. Ferrari has had no reports of any deaths as a consequence of this issue.

Ferrari and Bosch have identified the root cause of the defect.  On a small number of occasions, there has been a failure of a hydraulic seal in the master cylinder, known as the isolation lip seal, an O-ring found in the master cylinder in close proximity to the brake booster. The cause of the brake fluid leakage is due to the twisting of isolation lipseal, which comes out of its groove within the use. Due to the failure of the seal on the primary circuit, the brake fluid travels into the brake booster and the brake primary circuit remains empty.

When this happens, the brake capability is limited to the secondary circuit. In very rare cases, the failure has also affected the capability of the secondary braking circuit.  This occurs because of the ventilation between the inside and the outside of the reservoir, that when the is

olation seal twists as referenced above, might be not be sufficient to allow for the necessary venting.

In case of twisting of this seal, the booster and the reservoir can became directly in contact, and this can create vacuum inside the brake fluid reservoir. In this condition, the reservoir vacuum generated by the booster through the twisted seal, can determine a brake fluid aspiration from the secondary circuit into the reservoir, which reduces the braking capability even further. In conclusion, the leakage through the isolation lipseal causes a partial reduction of the brake capability in the primary circuit.

Moreover, in these circumstances, also the secondary circuit can fail, due to the reservoir under vacuum condition, in this case, the brake capability could be almost totally compromised.  Ferrari was able to reproduce the loss of braking capability of the primary circuit by causing the fluid leakage through the isolation lipseal of the master cylinder. Ferrari was also able to reproduce the total loss of breaking capability, both the primary and secondary circuits, in presence of vacuum inside the reservoir. Despite numerous tests conducted, Ferrari has not yet been able to reproduce the twisting of the isolation lipseal and the movement out of its groove.

After determining the root cause of the issue, Ferrari implemented its remedy solution beginning in March, 2022 which consists of replacing the brake fluid reservoir cap, which is designed to ensure the proper ventilation of the braking system, and updating the instrument panel warning to urge the driver to get towed to the nearest Ferrari dealer if the vehicle’s brake fluid level should be reduced to less than approximately 50 percent of the reservoir’s capacity.

The initial analysis focused on Ferrari 458 and 488 model vehicles which have the same component code of brake booster assembly and brake fluid reservoir. Given that the replaced brake fluid reservoir cap is also fitted on other Ferrari model vehicles, Ferrari decided to extend the scope of its analysis, even though other Ferrari model vehicles are fitted with a different brake booster assembly.

Subsequent analysis carried out was aimed at extending the field of investigation to all Ferrari models and focused on the claims relating to the same anomaly detected on 458/488 model vehicles and was conducted with respect to all Ferrari models having component code of brake booster and brake fluid reservoir which are different from those set for 458/488 Ferrari model vehicles, but are fitted with the same brake fluid reservoir cap.

The result of this investigation found one case of brake fluid loss on a Ferrari FF in December, 2012, one case on a Ferrari FF in May, 2020, one case on a GTC4 Lusso in July, 2020, one case on a 812 Superfast in July, 2021, one case on a 488 Pista Spider in February 2022, one case on a 488 Pista in February 2022, one case on a 812 Superfast in February, 2022, one case on a 812 Superfast in March, 2022 and one case on a 812 Superfast in April, 2022. There have been no reports of any injuries and/or deaths as a consequence of any of these cases.

On July 20, 2022 Ferrari decided to extend the recall campaign initially launched in October 2021 to include all model vehicles fitted with the same brake fluid reservoir cap.

 


66 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKE MODEL YEAR
FERRARI 430 2005-2009
FERRARI 488 PISTA 2019-2020
FERRARI 612 2010-2011
FERRARI 612 SCAGLIETTI 2005-2011
FERRARI 812 2018-2022
FERRARI CALIFORNIA 2009-2017
FERRARI CALIFORNIA T 2015-2017
FERRARI F12 BERLINETTA 2013-2017
FERRARI F12 TDF 2017
FERRARI F60 AMERICA 2016
FERRARI F8 SPIDER 2020-2022
FERRARI F8 TRIBUTO 2020-2022
FERRARI FF 2012-2016
FERRARI GTC4LUSSO 2018-2020
FERRARI GTC4LUSSO T 2018-2019
FERRARI LAFERRARI 2013-2015
FERRARI LAFERRARI APERTA 2017
FERRARI PORTOFINO 2019-2022
FERRARI ROMA 2021-2022

 


52 Associated Documents

Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-22V536-4846.PDF 223.552KB

RCLRPT-22V536-4846

 


Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-22V536-1675.pdf 898.034KB

RCAK-22V536-1675

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – Dealer Notification re Brake Reservoir Fluid Cap Recall

RCMN-22V536-0500.pdf 288.014KB

RCMN-22V536-0500

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-22V536-6891.pdf 283.838KB

RCMN-22V536-6891

 


Part 577 Owner Notification Envelope

RONE-22V536-0362.pdf 1616.069KB

RONE-22V536-0362

 


ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-22V536-6971.pdf 58.486KB

RIONL-22V536-6971

 


ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-22V536-6101.pdf 58.479KB

RIONL-22V536-6101

 


ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-22V536-8595.pdf 58.498KB

RIONL-22V536-8595

 


ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-22V536-0704.pdf 57.936KB

RIONL-22V536-0704

 


ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-22V536-0385.pdf 58.127KB

RIONL-22V536-0385

 


ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-22V536-8623.pdf 58.483KB

RIONL-22V536-8623

 


ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-22V536-4581.pdf 58.649KB

RIONL-22V536-4581

 


ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-22V536-2141.pdf 59.892KB

RIONL-22V536-2141

 


ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-22V536-4976.pdf 58.466KB

RIONL-22V536-4976

 


ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-22V536-8056.pdf 58.465KB

RIONL-22V536-8056

 


ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-22V536-7739.pdf 58.46KB

RIONL-22V536-7739

 


ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-22V536-1732.pdf 58.564KB

RIONL-22V536-1732

 


ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-22V536-2526.pdf 58.182KB

RIONL-22V536-2526

 


Recall 573 Report – 11/1/22

RCLRPT-22V536-1313.PDF 223.676KB

RCLRPT-22V536-1313

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – USA RECALL CAMPAIGN for Recall 22V536

RCMN-22V536-0171.pdf 894.116KB

RCMN-22V536-0171

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – USA RECALL CAMPAIGN BOOKLET for Recall 22V536

RCMN-22V536-4913.pdf 924.424KB

RCMN-22V536-4913

 


Recall 573 Report – 11/15/22

RCLRPT-22V536-2127.PDF 223.725KB

RCLRPT-22V536-2127

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-22V536-8771.pdf 52.928KB

RCONL-22V536-8771

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-22V536-1090.pdf 53.348KB

RCONL-22V536-1090

 


Recall 573 Report – 12/20/22

RCLRPT-22V536-5098.PDF 223.745KB

RCLRPT-22V536-5098

 


Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2022-4

RCLQRT-22V536-1077.PDF 211.133KB

RCLQRT-22V536-1077

 


Miscellaneous Document – Chronology of Defect

RMISC-22V536-2774.pdf 106.343KB

RMISC-22V536-2774

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – USA Booklet re REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR CAP (F430)

RCMN-22V536-2076.pdf 918.728KB

RCMN-22V536-2076

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577) (F8 Vehicles)

RCONL-22V536-3264.pdf 54.421KB

RCONL-22V536-3264

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – USA Booklet re REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR CAP (812)

RCMN-22V536-3997.pdf 896.233KB

RCMN-22V536-3997

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – USA Booklet re REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR CAP

RCMN-22V536-2868.pdf 893.529KB

RCMN-22V536-2868

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – USA Booklet re REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR CAP (F12)

RCMN-22V536-6594.pdf 907.192KB

RCMN-22V536-6594

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter (Part 577) (Ferrari)

RCONL-22V536-8339.pdf 42.18KB

RCONL-22V536-8339

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577) (Ferrari 812 Vehicles)

RCONL-22V536-6759.pdf 37.185KB

RCONL-22V536-6759

 


Recall 573 Report 3/2/23

RCLRPT-22V536-3995.PDF 223.667KB

RCLRPT-22V536-3995

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter (Part 577) (GTC4Lusso Vehicles)

RCONL-22V536-9160.pdf 37.187KB

RCONL-22V536-9160

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577) (Ferrari 430 Vehicles)

RCONL-22V536-3832.pdf 62.135KB

RCONL-22V536-3832

 


Recall 573 Report 3/2/23

RCLRPT-22V536-4188.PDF 223.666KB

RCLRPT-22V536-4188

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter (Part 577) (Portofino Vehicles)

RCONL-22V536-9183.pdf 37.139KB

RCONL-22V536-9183

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577) (F12 Vehicles)

RCONL-22V536-2943.pdf 42.202KB

RCONL-22V536-2943

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – USA Booklet re REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR CAP (FF)

RCMN-22V536-9759.pdf 916.332KB

RCMN-22V536-9759

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – USA Booklet re REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR CAP (GTC4Lusso)

RCMN-22V536-8055.pdf 916.332KB

RCMN-22V536-8055

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – USA Booklet Portofino re REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR CAP MODEL

RCMN-22V536-2290.pdf 913.017KB

RCMN-22V536-2290

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – USA Booklet California re Replacement of Brake Fluid Reservoir Cap

RCMN-22V536-6246.pdf 908.721KB

RCMN-22V536-6246

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-22V536-9541.pdf 64.319KB

RCONL-22V536-9541

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – USA Booklet Laferrari re Replacement of Brake Fluid Reservoir Cap

RCMN-22V536-3334.pdf 911.997KB

RCMN-22V536-3334

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – USA Booklet F60 re Replacement of Brake Fluid Reservoir Cap

RCMN-22V536-2830.pdf 907.192KB

RCMN-22V536-2830

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-22V536-3211.pdf 64.242KB

RCONL-22V536-3211

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-22V536-4978.pdf 63.662KB

RCONL-22V536-4978

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-22V536-1002.pdf 63.887KB

RCONL-22V536-1002

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – USA Booklet 488 Pista re Replacement of Brake Fluid Reservoir Cap

RCMN-22V536-3145.pdf 899.694KB

RCMN-22V536-3145

 


Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2023-1

RCLQRT-22V536-0126.PDF 211.244KB

RCLQRT-22V536-0126

 


Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=22V536&docType=RCL

 


 

Bestseller No. 1
Prestone AS400 DOT 3 Synthetic Brake Fluid - 12 oz.
  • Provides an extra margin of safety in extreme braking conditions
  • Mix of polyglycol ethers ensures hot brake-system operation will not create dangerous vapor
  • Excellent for ABS, disc and drum brake systems
  • Delivers braking power when needed by avoiding a spongy pedal
  • Both wet and dry boiling points exceed the minimum government standards
Bestseller No. 2
Lucas Oil 10826 Brake Fluid - 1 Quart
  • High quality blend of polyethylene glycol ethers and additives
  • Compatible with all brake system rubber components and other brake fluids
  • Prevents seal hardening or softening
  • Protects against rust and corrosion
  • Provides excellent lubricity
SaleBestseller No. 3
ACDelco GM Original Equipment 10-4110 DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid - 16 oz
  • Premium Brake and Hydraulic clutch fluid that protects internal components from corrosion under normal use
  • High boiling point to minimize Brake fluid boiling and vapor lock
  • Excellent low temperature capability and stability when used where lower cold viscosities are required
SaleBestseller No. 4
Bosch ESI6-32N Brake Fluid (Direct Replacement for DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1) - 1 Quart
  • High compatibility. Use with or direct replacement for DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5. 1
  • Extended Service Interval (ESI): Lasts 100% longer than DOT 3, 50% longer than DOT 4, and 10% longer than DOT 5. 1
  • Exceeds all DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5. 1 standards
  • Wet boiling point ~ 365 DegreeF/Viscosity at -40 DegreeC ~ 685mm2/s
  • Standard brake fluid has a recommended change interval of 2 years. The recommended change interval for Bosch ESI6 is 3 years.
Bestseller No. 5
Prestone AS800Y DOT 4 Synthetic Brake Fluid - 12 oz.
  • Recommended for all ABS, disc and drum brake systems as well as hydraulic clutches requiring DOT 3 and DOT 4 fluids
  • Provides corrosion protection for all metals within the braking system
  • Compatible with all conventional brake fluids
  • Substantially reduces the possibility of fluid vaporization and eventual brake failure
  • Excellent performance in high-temperature braking systems
Bestseller No. 6
Johnsen's 5034 Premium Synthetic DOT-4 Brake Fluid - 1 Gallon
  • Synthetic quality brake fluid
  • Contains special ingredients to guard against vapor lock and moisture absorption
  • Exceeds requirements for both DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids
  • Specially formulated for DOT 4 brake fluid applications
  • Designed for use in disc, drum and ABS brake systems
Bestseller No. 7
Brake Fluid 1 Liter Can" data-aawp-geotargeting="true" data-aawp-click-tracking="asin"> SaleBestseller No. 8
ATE Original TYP 200 Racing Quality DOT 4 Brake Fluid, 1 Liter Can
  • Minimal decrease of boiling point due to excellent water locking properties
  • Non-foaming when filling and bleeding the brake system
  • Excellent corrosion protection due to selected additives
  • High safety tolerance against steam bubbles
  • Makes brake fluid changing intervals of up to 3 years possible
SaleBestseller No. 9
Castrol SRF Racing Brake Fluid - 1 Liter 12512
  • An exclusive European formula with an exceptionally high boiling point and superior anti-vapor lock characteristics
  • Superior braking during arduous conditions like racing and rallying
  • Typical wet boiling point is 270deg. C
Bestseller No. 10
Wagner DOT 3 21B Brake Fluid, 32 oz; 946 ml
  • Maintains proper movement for safe, effective stopping performance
  • Helps deliver a quieter braking system
  • Produces smoother pedal travel
  • Provides longer brake life and performance
  • Install Wagner with total confidence

Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This product was presentation was made with AAWP plugin.

 


 

 

Leave a Comment

Share to...