Lamborghini Recalls 144 Aventadors in US Over Headlight Adjustment Fault
Lamborghini has issued a recall for 144 Aventador supercars in the US due to a headlight assembly flaw that prevents proper vertical adjustment, affecting 2012 models.
Lamborghini has issued a recall for 144 Aventador supercars in the United States due to a defect in the headlight assembly that prevents owners from adjusting the lights vertically. The recall specifically targets 2012 model year vehicles that were produced between 15 July 2011 and 20 April 2012, as confirmed by a filing with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This action underscores that even luxury supercars are not immune to fundamental manufacturing issues.
Lamborghini Aventador Recall for Headlight Defect: Details and Implications
Nature of the Headlight Flaw
The root of the problem lies in a batch of headlight assemblies that were installed in such a way that only horizontal adjustment is possible, while vertical adjustment, which is critical for proper headlight alignment, is not. This is the reverse of the intended configuration for the vehicle. Lamborghini’s documentation to the NHTSA explains that this misconfiguration could either reduce the driver’s visibility or cause excessive glare for oncoming traffic, both of which present a significant safety risk. The company identified the issue through its own internal checks before reporting it to regulators.
Scope of the Recall
The recall covers Aventadors with a US base price of around $390,000, highlighting that even high-end vehicles can face basic component flaws. A total of 144 vehicles are affected, all of which are 2012 model year cars built between July 2011 and April 2012. Owners of these vehicles will be contacted directly by Lamborghini’s US subsidiary. The recall is scheduled to begin in late December 2012.
Safety Risks and Regulatory Response
A headlight that cannot be correctly aimed is more than a minor inconvenience; it is a safety risk, especially in a car capable of very high speeds. The NHTSA recall notice points out that improper adjustment could limit the driver’s view of the road or dazzle other road users. Both scenarios are grounds for regulatory action, as they increase the likelihood of accidents. Lamborghini’s intervention aims to restore compliance with US safety standards and ensure that all affected vehicles are safe to operate at night or in low-visibility conditions.
Recall Procedure and Owner Guidance
Owners of the affected Aventadors will be notified by Lamborghini. The recall procedure involves dealers reworking the headlight assemblies to enable proper vertical aiming and to disable the unintended horizontal adjustment. This service will be performed at no cost to the owner. Lamborghini has also provided a dedicated customer service line for owners who have questions or concerns about the recall process.
- Lamborghini will contact owners of affected vehicles directly.
- Dealers will make the necessary adjustments to the headlights.
- The recall service is free of charge for all affected owners.
- Owners can contact Lamborghini’s US customer service at 866-681-6276 for further information.
Broader Context: Supercar Recalls and Safety
While supercars like the Lamborghini Aventador are known for their performance and exclusivity, they are still subject to the same safety regulations as any other vehicle on US roads. This recall is a reminder that even vehicles with a price tag near $400,000 can experience issues that require regulatory intervention. The case also illustrates the importance of robust quality checks, even for low-volume, high-performance models.
The recall also comes at a time when the Aventador has been in the news for other reasons, such as celebrity purchases and unique deliveries, but this incident shifts the focus to safety and regulatory compliance. Owners and enthusiasts alike are reminded that vehicle safety is paramount, regardless of the brand or model.
Summary Table: Lamborghini Aventador Headlight Recall
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of vehicles affected | 144 |
| Model year | 2012 |
| Production dates | 15 July 2011 – 20 April 2012 |
| Nature of defect | Headlights cannot be adjusted vertically |
| Risk | Reduced visibility or glare for other drivers |
| Remedy | Dealers will rework headlight assemblies |
| Recall start date | Late December 2012 |
| Contact | Lamborghini US: 866-681-6276 |
