Audi and Maserati in latest safety recalls

MASERATI’S all-new Levante SUV and a number of Audi models have been recalled over engine faults, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Product Safety Australia website.

Audi has issued recalls for 2252 examples of its A4, A5 and A6 models that use the 2.0-litre four-cylinder TFSI engine, due to a risk that the coolant pump could catch fire.

Impacting models built from the start of 2011 to the end of 2016, the fault stems from coolant containing foreign particles that can lead to a blockage in the additional coolant pump.

If the coolant pump is blocked, it can overheat, potentially leading to a fire.

Owners of the affected vehicles will be contacted by mail, and after being alerted can contact their nearest Audi dealer to arrange an inspection and update of the software on the engine control unit, which adjusts the activation and diagnosis of the additional coolant pump.

It has been a big month of recalls for Audi, after 9098 Q5s and 2191 A3s were called back early in May over separate faults.

Meanwhile, Maserati has issued recalls for 73 examples of its Levante SUV, due to a fault in the vehicle’s 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine – the only oil-burning unit in the Maserati range.

The fault relates to the short rubber hose section of the intercooler, which may break during use of the vehicle if it is not in conformance.

Levante owners can identify the fault if the ‘check engine’ light activates, and the car may also suffer a drop in performance.

Maserati says it will contact all known owners of the affected vehicles who can then arrange an inspection at their nearest Maserati dealer.

Since its launch in February, the Levante has helped Maserati sales climb 49.5 per cent year on year, and the range will be bolstered by a petrol-powered S variant that arrives in Australia in the second half of this year.

In the US, BMW has issued recalls for 45,484 examples of the 7 Series built between 2005 and 2008 due to doors unexpectedly flying open, however BMW Australia has confirmed that the recall does not affect Australian vehicles.

Owners looking for additional information on the Australian recalls can check the ACCC’s website.