Ferrari is conducting a voluntary recall of 80 of its 12Cilindri sports cars in the United States due to excessively dark window tint that violates federal safety standards. The issue was identified during pre-delivery inspections, revealing that the rear and side windows do not meet the required 70% light transmittance threshold mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The Problem: Non-Compliant Glass
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 205 requires a minimum level of light transmission through vehicle windows to ensure adequate driver visibility. The tinted glass on these 12Cilindri models fails to meet this standard, potentially reducing driver sightlines and increasing crash risk. This isn’t a mechanical or engine failure, but a straightforward regulatory non-compliance.
Ferrari traced the problem back to an internal error in specifying the correct glass for the US market, highlighting that even luxury automakers are susceptible to such oversights.
The Solution: Window Replacement and Reimbursement
The fix is straightforward: Ferrari will replace the tinted windows with compliant glass at no cost to owners. The company will also fully reimburse any customers who independently had the windows replaced before the recall notification.
Owners will be contacted by Ferrari by May 15th and are encouraged to schedule service appointments through authorized dealers.
Checking Your Vehicle
If you own a 12Cilindri and are concerned about this recall, you should contact your local Ferrari dealer or check the NHTSA recalls page using your vehicle identification number (VIN).
This recall serves as a reminder that even high-performance vehicles must adhere to strict safety regulations, and sometimes, the most unexpected details – like window tint – can trigger a manufacturer’s corrective action.
