Billionaires’ Blowout: Bugatti Chirons Are Being Recalled For Cracked Tires

A blowout can be nasty, even fatal, in any car, but the idea of a blowout in a Bugatti Chiron, a 1,479 hp hypercar that can top 261 mph (420 km/h) and costs almost $3.6 million, is downright terrifying.

But right now that’s a distinct possibility thanks to a design defect in the Michelin tires, and Bugatti has been forded to issue a recall for the affected cars. According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notice it’s specifically the handling-focused Chiron Pur Sport that’s at risk.

That means just nine cars registered in the U.S. are affected, but globally, it concerns every example so far delivered of the 60-unit production run. Bugatti says the cracks may appear after the vehicle has covered 2,500 miles (4,000 km) and is offering to replace the tires on Pur Sports when they reach 1,875 miles (3,000 km) or 1.5 years old, while the tires are redesigned. Bugatti warns that owners whose tires have already reached 2,500 miles or 1.5 years should not drive their cars until the tires have been replaced.

Related: Bugatti Chiron Owner Goes Flat Out On The Autobahn, Hits 257 MPH (414 km/h)

According to NHTSA data, Bugatti discovered the problem back in September during inspections of one of its prototype Pur Sports, and after consulting with Michelin was able to work out which batches of tires, and therefore which particular Chirons, were affected. Production of Pur Sport models was halted in September until the replacement tires become available. Bugatti will be contacting every owner affected by the recall and repairs will be carried out free of charge.

In contrast to the Super sport 300+, which was developed specifically to top 300 mph (483 km/h), the Pur Sport was designed to be fun on the track or a twisty road. Its top speed is limited to 217 mph (349 km/h), but acceleration is improved thanks to shorter gearing and there’s a fixed wing at the back. We got to try one at Germany’s Hockenheim circuit and the road around it a few years ago, where it proved hugely fun and surprisingly nimble. But you definitely pay a ride comfort penalty versus the standard Chiron for the sharper handling, meaning the midway Chiron Sport is actually the best road going model.