Rolls-Royce recalling elite cars

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CANBERRA, Australia, April 25 (UPI) -- British luxury automaker Rolls-Royce is recalling some of its most elite cars for brake malfunction and engine fire fears, an Australian agency said Thursday.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said on its Web site Rolls-Royce was recalling its Phantom cars made between Jan. 1, 2003, and Nov. 30, 2009, and its Ghost sedans manufactured between Sept. 1, 2009, and June 30, 2011.

In the Phantom, oil from the brake vacuum pump could leak into the brake booster, reducing power braking assistance and increasing the chance of an accident.

A letter sent to Phantom owners stated "mechanical braking is still available to slow and stop the vehicle and there have been no reported incidents among Rolls-Royce owners."

The Ghost has been found to develop cracks in the turbo cooling pump, which can cause the pump electronics to smolder, the commission said.

"In extreme cases, this could lead to overheating, posing a potential fire risk," the company's letter to owners said.

No incidents had been reported, however, Rolls-Royce said.

The Brisbane Times reported the luxury cars can sell for $645,000 to $1.35 million apiece.

No information about the recalls could be found on Rolls-Royce's Web site.