Lamborghini Recalls More Than 1,000 Gallardo Vehicles Due to Faulty Ignition Software

Lamborghini Recalls More Than 1,000 Gallardo Vehicles Due to Faulty Ignition Software

December 10, 2018 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – December 10, 2018 – Automobili Lamborghini (Lamborghini) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Gallardo Coupe and Gallardo Spyder vehicles due to the potential that warnings may not be working properly after a faulty reflash procedure has failed. The potential number of units affected is 1,152.

The Defect

According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, The Engine Control Unit (ECU) software may erase trouble codes after the ignition is turned off, not illuminating warning lamps and preventing drivers from being warned of safety system problems the next time that they are driving. If the warning lamps do not indicate a safety system failure such as an engine or fuel injection system malfunction, continuing to drive the vehicle with a faulty system and no warning can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Timeline of Events

In late 2017, Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. received multiple field complaints stating that affected vehicles were failing to pass the smog test. This increase in field complaints (including cases where warning/error messages were spontaneously disappearing from fault memory) led to Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. launching an investigation in early 2018 to determine the alleged malfunction and its root cause. Results from the investigation revealed a faulty reflash procedure for this model (key off / key on cycle), with consequent risk of trouble codes not properly stored in the system memory after each key off. It was assumed based on this issue that relevant fault codes could also not be stored, and in November 2018 the matter was presented at the Product Safety Committee whereupon the decision to conduct a safety recall was made. Production for the involved model had already reached the end of its life cycle, therefore no production correction action was necessary.

The Solution

Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. will notify all owners of affected vehicles and will instruct them to arrange for an appointment with an authorized Lamborghini dealer. Dealers will reflash the engine software with appropriate procedure free of charge. The rightly reflashed engine software correctly stores errors detected by the system and renders the software suitable to pass the smog test. The recall is expected to begin December 14,2018. Owners may contact Lamborghini customer service at 1-866-681-6276. Lamborghini’s number for this recall is L61XR0118. Owners may also call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 18V-833.

Sean ReyesLamborghini Recalls More Than 1,000 Gallardo Vehicles Due to Faulty Ignition Software
Lamborghini recalls vehicles with defective engine components

Lamborghini recalls vehicles with defective engine components

July 11, 2018 Sean Reyes

Bologna, Italy – July 11, 2018 – Lamborghini has approximately 1,700 vehicles potentially equipped with defective engine software, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2012-2018 Lamborghini Aventador Coupes and Roadsters produced between March 22, 2011, and Oct. 14, 2017.

The Italian automaker suspects all of the vehicles referenced in the action contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles contain engines that may suddenly stall when running at fewer than 2,000 revolutions per minute. Unexpected engine shutoff may inhibit braking and steering functionality, ultimately increasing the likelihood of an accident. The defect therefore poses a serious risk to occupants. However, Lamborghini has yet to receive reports connecting the defect to any collisions or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Lamborghini received multiple field reports throughout the final months of 2017 that outlined instances of stalling. The sports car manufacturer launched an internal investigation in response and identified problematic engine software as the root cause of the issue. Apparently, the affected vehicles had been outfitted with engine management programs with incorrect fuel flow estimations, a flaw that results in unexpected stalling in low-RPM situations.

Members of the Lamborghini Product Safety Committee convened June 6, 2018, and decided to launch a voluntary safety recall campaign.

The Decision

The automaker intends to direct dealers to update the engine software in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The company will notify dealers July 27, 2018, and reach out to owners via registered mail Aug. 31, 2018. Owners in need or assistance prior to the start of the recall campaign can speak with Lamborghini customer service personnel by calling (866) 681-6276. Callers should the internal recall reference code L73X-R.02.18. Owners can also connect with the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesLamborghini recalls vehicles with defective engine components
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