Darkness at Dawn: Ferrari Recalls 12Cilindri V12 Over Non-Compliant Window Tint

Image courtesy by Ferrari

In a surprising turn of events for the Prancing Horse, Ferrari North America has filed a safety recall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for its latest flagship, the Ferrari 12Cilindri. The recall, coded internally as RC 95, affects a small batch of the high-performance grand tourers due to an “internal error” regarding window transparency. This Ranetworknews report breaks down why these $460,000 machines failed basic US federal inspections.

The “Privacy Glass” Mix-up: The issue centers on the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 205, which governs “Glazing Materials.” In the United States, outward-facing glass on passenger cars must allow at least 70% light transmittance to ensure driver visibility.

• The Error: Ferrari’s factory in Maranello inadvertently fitted 80 US-bound units with “privacy glass” intended for other international markets.

• The Result: The side and rear windows allow significantly less than the 70% required light, potentially impairing a driver’s ability to see at night or in low-light conditions.

How the Issue Was Discovered: According to official NHTSA documents (Campaign 26V152), Ferrari discovered the non-compliance during a pre-delivery inspection in early March 2026. After a week-long internal audit, the company confirmed on March 11 that the technical configuration for the US market had been set incorrectly at the factory.

Recall Logistics and Remedy: The fix is more involved than a simple tint removal. Because the tint is baked into the glass (supplied by Saint-Gobain Sekurit Italia), the entire rear windshield and both side windows must be physically replaced.

1. The Cost: The repair is free of charge to owners.

2. Reimbursement: Owners who may have already paid to have their windows “fixed” or replaced prior to this notice are eligible for full reimbursement.

3. Timeline: Ferrari plans to notify all affected owners and dealers by May 15, 2026.

Performance Specs of the 12Cilindri: Despite the “comical” nature of the recall, the 12Cilindri remains a technical marvel. The 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 produces 819 horsepower and revs to a staggering 9,500 rpm. With a 0-62 mph time of 2.9 seconds, visibility is indeed a critical safety factor.

While this recall doesn’t involve the engine or chassis, it highlights the complex regulatory hurdles that global manufacturers face when shipping high-end exotics. Ranetworknews recommends that any 12Cilindri owners in the US contact their local dealer to verify their VIN status before the May notification date.