We'll be straightforward. Some recalls are critical and others are just a bit of a hassle.
When I had to have my rear seatbelts fixed in my 2004 Volkswagen Touareg it was simply another trip — one of many, believe you me — to the dealer for a 20 min fix. Others, on the other hand, are downright frightening.
An example of that can be found on Aston Martins — the DB9, Virage, V8 Vantage, V12 Vantage and Rapide — manufactured between May 2012 through April 2013. According to a recall issued by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), the throttle pedal arm may break.
The good news is if it breaks it won't give you wide open throttle, instead revs will return to idle and you're essentially up a creek without a paddle.
That said, make sure if you've got an Aston fitting the above criteria you have it adjusted as soon as possible.
Be careful out there, Spies!
NHTSA's press release follows:
RECALL Subject : Throttle Pedal Arm May Break
Report Receipt Date: MAY 29, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V228000
Component(s): VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Potential Number of Units Affected: 689
Manufacturer: Aston Martin Lagonda of North America
SUMMARY:
Aston Martin is recalling certain model year DB9, Virage, V8 Vantage, V12 Vantage, and Rapide vehicles manufactured from May 14, 2012, through April 10, 2013. Due to a manufacturing error, the throttle pedal arm may break.
CONSEQUENCE:
If the throttle pedal arm breaks, the engine will return to idle and the driver will be unable to maintain or increase engine speed, increasing the risk of a crash.
REMEDY:
Aston Martin will notify owners, and dealers will replace the throttle pedal assemblies. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Aston Martin customer service by calling 1-888-923-9988. Aston Martin's recall number is RA-03-0016.
NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.