Engine compartment fires

An NHTSA Engineering Analysis into Maserati vehicles. Closed 18 November 1987.

Investigation
EA86026
Type
Engineering Analysis
Opened
28 August 1986
Closed
18 November 1987

What NHTSA investigated

Summary:maserati believes the cause of the fires to be owner mis-useof the manual choke.analysis:if the manual choke is left on for an extended period, theexhaust system of the vehicle overheats, particularly during idling orurban driving.the thermal decomposition of the surrounding wiringhoses, insulation, etc. Can result in smoke, fumes, and fire.status:maserati recall retrofitting dump valve for secondary airto catalytic converter.this prevents catalyst overheating.all 1984 and 1985 biturbos were recalled per 87V-151.CLOSED 11/18/87.===

The recall that followed

  1. Maserati — Fuel System, Gasoline: Carburetor System87V15100021 September 19873,724 vehicles

Vehicles covered

MakeModelModel years
MaseratiBITURBO1984–1985

Source

From NHTSA’s investigation file, rebuilt daily. To report a problem with your own vehicle, go to nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. All open investigations.