"The rear suspension left-side and right-side wheel alignment toe-in tie-rods may fail due to incorrect machining," the NHTSA said in a statement posted on its website outlining the problem. "A failed tie-rod could lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash," it added.

A note from Maserati explains the situation and the Trident's solution: "Quattroporte" and "GranTurismo models, were manufactured with an incorrect machining parameter utilised for the rear suspension wheel alignment toe-in tie-rods threaded portion which do not meet strength and durability specifications (through the vehicle’s full useful life). Continued use of a vehicle containing these tie-rods, especially operating the vehicle on rough roads (i.e. pot holes), may lead to tie-rod damage, and eventual fatigue failure of the tie-rod which may lead to a loss of vehicle control and an accident.

"During our routine internal monitoring processes, for our suppliers on safety-related parts, Maserati S.p.A. recently received notification from field reports concerning the rear suspension toe in tie rods," the Maserati note to dealers continued. "Subsequently, Maserati began an in-depth analysis of the rear suspension wheel alignment toe in tie rods. As a result of our analysis, it was determined that a dimensional anomaly existed on the threaded portion of the tie rod which could reduce the required full useful life of the component. The dimensional anomaly was attributed, through the assistance of our supplier, to a specific and identifiable batch of parts, to an incorrect machining parameter utilised for the toe in tie rod.

Therefore, Maserati has decided to recall all the potentially affected vehicles which may have been produced using parts from this batch. The remedy for the affected vehicles involves the replacement of the rear suspension right-side and left-side tie-rods, and a kit to be installed onto the vehicles and a wheel alignment performed. Tie-rod replacement, kit installation and wheel alignment will be performed free of charge to the vehicle owner, and will require approximately 3.40 hours to complete. Maserati anticipates that an adequate inventory of replacement tie-rod kits will be available in approximately 30 days. All customers for whom this remedy is required and our dealers will receive notification of the remedy campaign. Maserati North America, Inc. intends to send customer notification letters to each owner of an affected vehicle by mail to inform the customer of the problem and advise the customer to contact their local authorized Maserati dealer to schedule an appointment to repair the affected vehicle," Maserati concluded.