Recall 11V603 covers 2,147 2009-2012 Vespa S50, LX50, and Fly 50 scooters for ignition-control failure. Free repair at franchised Vespa dealers.
Vespa is recalling 2,147 2009-2012 S50, LX50, and Fly 50 scooters because the ignition control unit can fail and alter ignition timing. Improper timing can send an engine backfire into the airbox and increase fire risk, and Vespa dealers will complete the repair free once available.
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What's wrong?
The ignition control unit on 2009-2012 Vespa S50, LX50, and Fly 50 scooters is the electronic module that tells the engine when to fire the spark plug. That spark has to happen at the right point in the engine cycle so the fuel mixture burns in a controlled way and the scooter runs smoothly.
On affected scooters, the ignition control unit can fail and change the ignition timing. That means the spark happens at the wrong point in the cycle instead of when the engine expects it. When timing is wrong, the engine is no longer being fired in the pattern the manufacturer designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. A scooter can seem normal until the ignition control unit stops controlling timing correctly, so owners should treat the recall as a module problem rather than a wear item they can hear or feel coming.
Who's affected?
Spans S50, LX50, and Fly 50 scooters across the 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 model years, all tied to the ignition module in the electrical system.
| 2011 Vespa S50 | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2012 Vespa LX50 | electrical system |
| 2012 Vespa S50 | electrical system |
| 2011 Vespa LX50 | electrical system |
| 2012 Piaggio Fly 50 | electrical system |
| 2010 Vespa S50 | electrical system |
| 2011 Piaggio Fly 50 | electrical system |
| 2010 Vespa LX50 | electrical system |
| 2009 Vespa S50 | electrical system |
| Units affected | 2,147 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific scooter is included.
What's the safety risk?
Improper ignition timing can cause an engine backfire into the airbox, increasing the risk of a fire. If your VIN is included in recall 11V603, schedule the recall work soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Vespa dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2012 Vespa S50, LX50, or Fly 50 scooter is included in this recall.
- Review the owner notice for repair instructions, or call Vespa customer care if you bought the scooter used and never received one.
- Ask a franchised Vespa dealer about the free ignition control unit replacement that fixes the timing problem linked to airbox backfire and fire risk.
- Reference recall number 11V603 when you call the dealer or Vespa customer care.
- Avoid riding if the scooter backfires, smells hot, or shows signs of ignition trouble before the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Vespa technician replaces the ignition control unit that controls ignition timing. The recall describes that replacement as free of charge. The dealer repair is not listed as open in the supplied recall details, so confirm the appointment before you plan to ride in for service. Once Vespa opens the dealer repair, parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| December 28, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 9, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V603?
Recall 11V603 covers 2,147 2009-2012 Vespa S50, LX50, and Fly 50 scooters with an ignition control unit that can fail and alter ignition timing. NHTSA lists the consequence as an engine backfire into the airbox, which increases fire risk.
What should I do if my 2009-2012 Vespa S50, LX50, or Fly 50 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific scooter is included in recall 11V603. If it is, contact a franchised Vespa dealer to schedule the ignition control unit replacement. Reference recall number 11V603 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the remedy for recall 11V603 is replacement of the ignition control unit free of charge at a franchised Vespa dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. If the ignition control unit fails, it can change ignition timing and trigger an engine backfire into the airbox. That condition increases fire risk, so confirm your VIN and arrange the free dealer repair if your scooter is included.
What if I bought this Vespa scooter used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to see whether your specific S50, LX50, or Fly 50 is included, then call a franchised Vespa dealer with recall number 11V603.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V603000 |
|---|---|
| Vespa customer service | 212-380-4433 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V603 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V603000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →