NEW YORK – Piaggio Group Americas Inc. is recalling certain 2020-2021 Vespa models due brake-line issues which might cause reduced braking efficiency, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) documents.

Affected are 483 Vespa GTS 300 and GTV 300 models built between May and Sept. 2020.

The issue first came to light through warranty claims of excessive play in the front and rear brake levers.

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According to NHTSA  Part 573 Safety Recall Report 20V-617, the cause “was an incorrect galvanization process of the brake pipe terminals on the new Zinc-Nickle brake lines. The protective zinc/nickel layer used for surface treatment of the brake pipe terminals were found to have an incorrect plating process, this incorrect treatment allows hydrogen to remain inside the surface during the treatment process that releases in the brake fluid causing hydrogen to release inside of the braking system.”

This faulty process allowed hydrogen to build up, and then release inside the brake system—resulting in bubbles. Bubbles in your brake lines are no good. Increased travel in your brake levers while you are braking can result in increased braking distances, which can also increase your risk of a crash. 

Piaggio is addressing this problem by notifying owners, and having authorized dealers test the O-ring, replace the brake fluid and bleed the brake system, and possibly also replace the brake lines as needed, free of charge. The recall began on Oct. 21, 2020.