Luxury carmaker Bentley is recalling some models over concerns its distinctive "Flying B" hood ornament could hurt pedestrians in a collision.
Bentley Motors, whose hand-crafted cars are a favorite of the rich and famous, is recalling certain models to address potential corrosion that could prevent the "Flying B" from retracting into the hood, as designed, in a collision, according to U.S. regulators and the company.
Vehicles affected include the 2007-2009 Arnage, Azure and Brooklands models, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said.
The 2009 Bentley Arnage had a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $224,990, the Azure was $334,990 and the Brooklands' was $340,990.
Regulators said the ornament could increase the risk of additional injury if a Bentley struck a pedestrian.
The problem was reported by a UK dealer, and Bentley said in a letter to regulators that it had not seen the problem. Bentley said it was unaware of any accidents or injuries related to it.
It planned to notify dealers this week and owners next week, the company said in a letter to NHTSA officials. Dealers will replace the retraction mechanism without charge.