Ferrari vehicles recalled for air bag defects

Ferrari, an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer, has been ordered to recall 29 vehicles in South Korea due to defects in its air bags and head rests, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Forza Motors Korea -- Ferrari’s official dealer in Korea affiliated with Hyosung Group -- has recalled a total of 27 vehicles for faults in the angle of the air bags and the position of the head rest, which could potentially risk the safety of the driver and passengers.

The recalled Ferrari vehicles include six models -- including the California T, 458 Speciale, 458 Speciale A manufactured between March 10 and June 19 of this year -- as well as two units of the Laferrari -- the brand’s limited-production hybrid sports car -- assembled between March 15, 2014 and March 4, 2015.

“The air bags in the stated Ferrari vehicles have been found to open at a faulty angle, slanted by 20 degrees, which could increase driver injury in the case of an accident,” said a ministry official.

“The Laferrari vehicles were found to have installed head rests that did not meet auto safety regulations. They were also equipped with erroneous tire pressure sensors that could compromise the driver’s safety if the cars run on low tire pressure.”

Those affected by the Ferrari recall can bring their vehicles for free repairs to any auto shop operated by FMK.

The ministry has also ordered 111 Volvo FH/FM trucks manufactured between Nov. 11, 2014 and April 10, 2015, as well as 943 Harley-Davidson motorcycles, including the 266 FLHX Street Glide and 192 FLHRC Road King, to be recalled for defects.

By Sohn Ji-young (jys@heraldcorp.com)