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Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione being recalled over ball joints
Turns out the Alfa Romeo 8C - or the U.S. verson of it, at least - isn't perfect after all. Due to an incorrect torque setting on the front and rear suspension upper and lower ball joint nuts, Maserati is recalling 7,912 vehicles in the U.S. They include the 8Cs that have made it over here (thought to number 88), as well as GranTurismos and Quattroportes from the 2008 model year.
If unchecked, the ball joint nuts will come loose, and that will cause problems ranging from steering wheel vibration to separation of the steering arm. That, unsurprisingly, "could result in a loss of steering capability," which usually leads to a crash. The recall should begin next month, and you can get in touch with Maserati to find out more at 1-201-816-2600.
Gallery: 2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione
[Source: Edmunds]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Hagai 3:43PM (1/25/2009)
nothing is perfect
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Torrent 6:49PM (1/25/2009)
Now I bet if it was a domestic, people would be roasting it.
alex 10:18PM (1/25/2009)
very true.
but seriously, this is one recall I'd LOVE to be a part of!
Brent Schmidt 3:54PM (1/25/2009)
"Which usually leads to a crash"
lulz
Reply
Rob 6:41PM (1/25/2009)
Meh. I've had lower balljoints seperate on my old 95 Dodge Neon, traveling at 80mph, and I just pulled over and didn't slam on the brakes. Same thing happened with my 89 Accord, with similar results. You just have to be gentle when it happens.
swisslexus 4:05PM (1/25/2009)
Here we go.... the world-famous reliability of Italian cars!
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Shiftright 4:17PM (1/25/2009)
Yes, because no other car from any country has ever been recalled.
Rick 4:43PM (1/25/2009)
Wrong torque setting? So get out the wrench and tighten it. Don't need no stinkin torque wrench. Big deal.
firstplace 4:43PM (1/25/2009)
ahhh tony the pizza is burnt.
jim 4:10PM (1/25/2009)
I'd love to get a summary of the service reports showing the average mileage since delivery.
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Josh 4:30PM (1/25/2009)
Jeremy Clarkson once said that because this car has no function it must be a piece of art.
I suppose it is true, but I would be damned to find a more beautiful car. It really does look stunning from EVERY angle, i wish i could see one in person in my lifetime :(
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Kattleox 5:52PM (1/25/2009)
Just don't expect to see one running. It IS a Fiat at heart.
Mobius_1 8:51PM (1/25/2009)
Well, just leave it on the wall and the engine on, and drive a Ferrari or something. Life would be nearly perfect that way.
Kumar 4:52PM (1/25/2009)
Hmm...thought it would be something like the dodge durango ball joint fiasco...where they tended to fail, and fail often.
Nice catch I guess.
Let's just hope they get that torque wrench fixed before the Mito GTA comes next year. ;)
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colin 5:28PM (1/25/2009)
lol so i guess i shouldn't go test drive the 8C at our dealership...
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gdvsbp 6:21PM (1/25/2009)
Or maybe you definitely should, 'cause if it fails on a test drive, it's not on you to repair it, haha.
xspeedy 5:48PM (1/25/2009)
It wouldn't be a true Alfa if pieces didn't fall off as it went down the road.
Namir 5:56PM (1/25/2009)
There's a recall I wouldn't mind being affected by, as it would imply that I own an 8C.
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mr.ed 6:03PM (1/25/2009)
Fix it again, Tony redux. Anybody, repeat anybody who's had an Italian anything knows they'll have a few screws/nuts/bolts loose.
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Travis 8:00PM (1/25/2009)
Wait, did you just make a joke using the letters F.I.A.T.?? As in, they're Italian (so the guy's name is Tony) and they always break down?
BWwwwwaaaaaahahahahahahahhaha.
Oh my god, you're so original!! I've NEVER heard that joke before, especially not on this website. Did you spend all night thinking that one up? I mean, that is true quality joke-writing right there.
Aaaaahahahaha, I'm still laughing my ass off over that joke, I mean, I'm really, really still literally rolling around on the floor. I never thought that I'd ever literally be doing the ROTFL, but that joke was just SO F'ING FUNNY I can't even breathe anymore.
Wow, I just can't believe that we got such originality and quality humor from this little automotive blog site...