Lamborghini Aventador (Finally) Recalled for Engine Fires

Nov 25, 2023

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 said that the risk of fire was higher "in case of misuse, over-revving at idle, and/or aftermarket exhaust that can generate big flame."

While some owners have indeed upgraded their exhausts to purposely shoot very large flames, any stock Aventador can and does shoot flash flames from its exhaust. Since Aventador owners aren't the kind to complain to NHTSA, the agency has not recorded a problem of any kind, save for what appears to be a non-owner who simply sent the agency a link to a New York Daily News article about an Aventador catching fire in Miami in December 2015. Separate videos posted to YouTube over the past two years show Aventadors lighting up in what appears to be the same fashion: revving in neutral, spouting brief flames from the exhaust, and then immediately catching fire toward the left side of their engine compartments (a video of the Miami incident shows the fire after it had already ignited on the left side below the taillamp).

Starting later this month, dealers will replace the evaporative emissions system with upgraded purge valves, a new rollover valve (to prevent overfilling), and a new "layout" for the installation.

Clifford Atiyeh is a reporter and photographer for Car and Driver, specializing in business, government, and litigation news. He is vice president of the New England Motor Press Association and committed to saving both manuals and old Volvos.

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