Piaggio rolls out second recall for MP3 brakes

After reports from the market, Piaggio discovered two years ago that an incorrect galvanizing process of the pipes in combination with the selected type of brake fluid could trigger a chemical reaction, resulting in gas formation in the pipes. The gas was formed when the MP3 had been standing still for a long time.

The solution to the problem turned out to be relatively simple: all the dealer had to do was flush the brake lines and change the brake fluid with an oil of a different viscosity that does not react to the lines, and a recall was launched worldwide.

The problem appeared to be fixed, so we were surprised when we were informed early this week that the exact same recall had been re-rolled by Piaggio for the exact same problem with the exact same fix for the exact same models.

Did the donkey bump into the same stone a second time, or is something else going on? Inquiries with Piaggio Vespa Benelux, Motorfreaks learns that after the recall from two years ago, there were now and then reports of units outside the recalled batch.

To be on the safe side, Piaggio has now rolled out the same recall again, but for a wider production run of those 2019 and 2020 models. According to the technical man at the importer, however, the impact will be much smaller this time.

“The problem arises immediately, so the units that have been running smoothly for 2 years now are not expected to be affected,” said Piaggio. “But as a precautionary measure, Piaggio has chosen to broaden the production run to ensure that no unit is left out.”

“So it is indeed the exact same recall for the exact same models of the same models 2019 and 2020, but not the same production series, but units from different production dates. But as mentioned, we do not expect any units to be modified.”