Pirelli Issues Global PZero Corsa Recall

Pirelli has initiated a recall of any 285/35 ZR19 PZero Corsa tyres manufactured from May 2007 to July 2009. The tyres in question equip the Ferrari 430 Scuderia and 430 Scuderia Spider 16M. Company representatives explained that owners of these cars have been contacted any that have rear tyres marked with the "XB" identification mark are advised that these may need substituting. Only the rear tyres on these specified models are affected.

According to an official statement on the matter, the recall campaign is “a preventative measure only.” Pirelli’s explanation for this is that “due to a manufacturing discrepancy,” PZero Corsa tyres marked “XB” could incur partial detachment of portions of the tread blocks. However, Pirelli and Ferrari point out that this problem may only occur under severe circumstances – running at over 300 km/h for long distances. Nevertheless, as a precautionary measure the two companies have chosen to replace all rear tyres on the vehicles in question.

The announcement follows a similar recall in the US where Pirelli issued a statement recalling 1,680 Pirelli PZero Corsa tyres, size 285/35 ZR19 (99Y) K1, manufactured between June 2007 and July 2009 with an apparently similar problem. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, partial tread and/or belt edge separation can occur at speeds over 168 mph or 270 kph, potentially resulting in a vehicle crash. Pirelli has not yet provided NHTSA with a remedy and notification schedule.