Lamborghini is recalling the Aventador for engine-compartment fires, according to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Every 2012?2017 Aventador in the United States except the new S and late-production SV models built after December 5, 2016, has a defective evaporative-emission system that can let gasoline soak through its charcoal filter and into the purge valves. If this happens, excess fuel vapors can come into contact with hot exhaust gas and ignite. Lamborghini says that ?particular maneuvers, as example engine over revving at idle? can exacerbate the problem, in addition to ?particular handling conditions? and overfilling the gas tank. The flame situation gets worse with a ?not approved aftermarket exhaust system,? according to the filing. Worldwide, there are some 5900 Aventador and related models affected, including 12 Veneno coupe and roadster models, the Centenario, and various other special editions.
Lamborghini said it first discovered a fuel-system defect in 2015 after receiving a ?few claims? in the U.S. for check-engine lights, irregular idle, and engine shutoffs at idle. The company found the problems were due to the emissions system?s charcoal canister becoming soaked in fuel. By January 2016, Lamborghini said it finished tests that showed a correlation between the canister, overfilled gas tanks, and malfunctioning purge valves. In March 2016 there was a case of ?melded [sic] parts rear grille and taillights.? The company sa...