Aston Martin Recalls 5,000 Vehicles After Finding Counterfeit Materials

Feb 05, 2014 12:10 PM EST | Matt Mercuro

Aston Martin is recalling approximately 5,001 vehicles in the U.S. after learning that a Chinese supplier used counterfeit materials, according to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall includes: the 2008-'14 DB9 and V8 Vantage, the 2009-'12 Aston Martin DBS, 2010-'12 Rapide, 2014 Rapide S, 2011-'12 V12 Vantage, 2011-'14 V8 Vantage S and 2012 Virage.

The automaker issued the recall because the throttle pedal arm could break off, increasing the chance of a crash occurring.

"If the accelerator 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," said NHTSA in a summary of the issue.

Aston Martin issued a smaller recall due to the same issue last May, but "underestimated" the number of affected models.

The automaker also received a concerning report from a Connecticut dealer that a throttle pedal arm broke off during installation, according to the NHTSA.

"Initial tests on the failed pedal arm have shown that the Tier Three supplier used counterfeit material," Aston Martin said in documents filed with the federal government. "All counterfeit material and all pedal arms made of this suspect material have been quarantined."

This means over 1,083 vehicles that have already been fixed will need to be repaired again, along with the ones that haven't been repaired.

"Aston Martin and DuPont representatives will be physically present in China to directly supervise the production of all pedal arms," the automaker said. "Aston Martin is also planning to resource the manufacture of pedal arms from China to the United Kingdom as soon as possible in 2014."

The automaker is instructing its dealers will make necessary repairs, free of charge. The recall will officially begin on Feb. 7.

Owners with more questions can contact Aston Martin at 1-888-923-9988.

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