Recall: 7,438 Maserati models for rusting suspension parts

  Maserati is recalling 7,438 cars for tie rods that can rust and cause a loss of driver control, according to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
  The 2005-2008 Quattroporte sedan, 2008 GranTurismo coupe and the ultrarare 2008 Alfa Romeo 8C (of which only 84 were imported into the United States) are affected. It's an especially large number for Maserati, which sells a little more than 2,000 cars per year in the States.
  The left and right rear tie rods, which set the wheel toe alignment, may not have enough rustproofing material and can eventually corrode, leading to a noisy suspension or failure, Maserati said. The company said it was aware of five claims of rusted tie rods, possibly due to the rustproofing material coming off the tie rod's thread when wheels and tires get swapped and refastened. No related accidents have been reported.
  Alfa Romeo, owned by Fiat Group along with Maserati and Ferrari, was imported for one model year and has no existing dealerships after pulling out of the U.S. market in 1995. A new sports car, the Alfa Romeo 4C, may come as early as 2014.