Back in July 2014, a video that was first posted on Instagram showed a brand-new LaFerrari smoking due to a small fire in the engine compartment while participating in the Trento-Bondone hillclimb rally in Italy. That was the first and last fire-related incident for the LaFerrari->ke4626 as of March 2015. However, although there are no other reports to indicate the LaFerrari is prone to catch fire out of the blue (like the 458 Italia did in its first years), Ferrari->ke252 is apparently calling back all supercars delivered to customers so far to upgrade the fuel tanks.

According to Dutch website Autoblog.nl, quoting "various channels," Ferrari informed LaFerrari customers that the supercars->ke177 need to have their fuel tanks replaced. The source doesn't say what's wrong with the current tanks, but mentions the new units are sprayed with a special non-conductive coating, suggesting the upgrade is done to prevent the area from catching fire. The Dutch publication also released a photo of a LaFerrari with its rear section removed, claiming it was secretly taken by a German dealer. Given Maranello doesn't allow dealers or customers to talk about these type of issues, I'm not surprised the person who took this photo wants to lay low.

But despite Autoblog's report and photo showing the dismantled LaFerrari, Maranello insists the upgrade is not being treated as an official recall and there is no serious safety risk to owners. According to AutoCar, replacing the fuel tank takes around eight hours and can be completed as part of the LaFerrari's standard servicing schedule.

Continue reading to learn more about the Ferrari LaFerrari's fire risks.

Why it matters

Although Ferrari insists this isn't a recall, the fuel tank upgrade is quite the big deal, considering customers paid in excess of £1 million (about $1.5 million as of 03/17/2015) to take a LaFerrari home. The important thing here, though, is that Maranello is taking all the necessary steps for its customers to enjoy their LaFerraris without fearing for their own safety. I'll be back to report any official word from the manufacturer, but don't get your hopes up. Ferrari is usually mum on such matters unless vehicles start catching fire on the road.

Ferrari LaFerrari

Introduced at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the LaFerrari is the company’s first vehicle to make use of hybrid technology. The new drivetrain mates a 6.3-liter, V-12 engine to a pair of electric motors for a total output of 963 horsepower and 663 pound-feet of torque. With that much power at its disposal, the LaFerrari can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in less than three seconds and reach a top speed in excess of 217 mph. Although it's the most expensive road-legal car in the company's history, the LaFerrari was sold out in a matter of months.