Lamborghini to recall 1,491 cars in the US over power-steering fluid leak

Italian luxury sports car maker Lamborghini is recalling 1,491 of its 2004-2006 Gallardo Coupe and Spyder models in the US to fix pipes that could leak power-steering fluid onto a hot engine and cause a fire.

The recall, which first started in Australia, then Canada, has now begun in the US.

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said that Lamborghini is recalling 1,491 Gallardo Coupes and Spyders from the 2004-2006 model years due to problems linked to the steering system.

"In certain driving conditions, the high-pressure steering pipes near the steering assistance hydraulic system pump might leak," said the NHTSA.

Under hard driving, high-pressure pipes near the hydraulic steering pump can emit chlorine, which can then react with water to eat away part of the metal pipe. The leaking fluid could then result in a fire.

NHTSA launched an investigation based on complaints from four owners, three of these had fires on their 2004 and 2006 model-year cars when refueling or driving.

Lamborghini said it discovered the problem during routine internal testing, but said that it was not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the problem.

The Bolognese-based carmaker said that its dealers will replace the power steering systems of the affected units free of cost.