NHTSA recalls Ferrair 458 for lack of interior trunk release latch

2014 Ferrari 458 Spider review — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Ever noticed and laughed at the often glow-in-the-dark trunk release latch inside any modern car trunk? Well, that little handle embossed with the graphic of a person jumping to safety isn’t put there out of the kindness of automakers’ hearts; the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requires it.

These safety releases are put there just in case someone accidentally – or against his or her will – get stuck inside a trunk. We’re looking at you, mobsters.

Turns out, Ferrari simply ignored the law in its 458 and 458 Spider models and manufactured the supercars without the necessary safety doohickey. The NHTSA discovered the oversight and isn’t happy.

Related: 2014 Ferrari 458 Spider review

Here’s how the agency put it:”The secondary latch for the front trunk storage compartment may not release when the vehicle is stationary. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 401, ‘Interior Trunk Release’.”

“In the event an individual is trapped in the trunk and the latch system does not release the trunk lid, it increases the risk of personal injury or possibly death.”

How big is the 458 trunk? It’s a mere 8.12 cubic feet – just barely big enough for a suitcase, let alone a small child. So it’s rather unlikely anyone is using the cubby as a means to transport a would-be victim. Still, the law is the law, and Ferrari has to comply.

If you’re the owner of a Ferrari 458 Italia or 458 Spider built between March 5^th, 2010 and May 20^th 2013, you’ll need to pop on over to your neighborhood Ferrari dealer for a fix.