Footballer-favourite £250k Lamborghini supercar ‘in Diogo Jota crash' had been recalled over terrifying safety issues
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THE £250,000 Lamborghini believed to have been driven by Diogo Jota in his tragic car crash has been plagued by recalls and serious safety issues.
The horror smash happened just after midnight on Thursday on a Spanish motorway near the northern town of Cerdanilla.
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Diogo Jota was reportedly driving a Lamborghini that had been plagued by safety issues before his death
Credit: EPA
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The Liverpool and Portugal ace was travelling with his brother in Spain when his car burst into flames
Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
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Jota is believed to have been behind the wheel of a Lamborghini Huracán
Credit: Alamy
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The luxury car is also in the garage of football stars like Kyle Walker
Credit: Cavendish Press
The Liverpool star, 28, and his younger brother André Silva, 26, died at the scene.
Sources at Lamborghini said the company believes the car is a Huracán - a luxury model often seen in the garages of football's elite.
Aces like Kyle Walker have been spotted driving the same iconic supercar.
The model is no longer in production but was one of Lamborghini's most successful cars.
Authorities are investigating whether the crash was caused by a punctured tyre that blew out.
There is no indication that any other safety issues that had been subject to recalls over recent years played a part in Jota's tragic crash.
It is also not known what specific Huracán model the footballer was driving when he crashed.
The Huracán – a £250k+ Italian supercar beloved by football stars and celebrities – was in production from 2014 to 2024 and became one of Lamborghini's best-selling vehicles, with more than 25,000 units sold globally.
The Huracán has faced safety-related recalls over the years, including headlight adjustments that could cause glare and reduce visibility, as well as a seat belt warning failure, Carscoops.com reports.
A September 2024 recall affected 39 examples of the Huracán EVO Spyder in the US.
Lamborghini admitted that a crash protection bracket — essential to the front structural member — may have been installed on the wrong side due to human error at the Sant'Agata Bolognese factory.
Diogo Jota's tragic final post revealed just hours before dying in car crash
Affected cars were built between November 20, 2023 and July 26, 2024.
That defect, reportedly discovered by a factory worker, prompted Lamborghini to block production and inspect affected cars, reports autoevolution.com.
In November 2023, Lamborghini recalled 7,805 Huracán models built between July 30, 2014 and October 30, 2023.
The issue was a function in the infotainment system which allowed drivers to adjust headlights horizontally — including into 'tourist mode' for left-hand driving — a feature not allowed under U.S. federal safety rules.
This could create glare for oncoming traffic and reduce driver visibility.
Lamborghini issued a software update to remove the feature.
Certain 2021 and 2023 Huracán Coupé and Spyder models were recalled due to an issue where the door unlatching cable's safety clip might not have been properly secured during assembly.
This raised concerns that doors could fail to open properly during an emergency.
Lamborghini Huracán's main features
LAUNCHED in 2014, the Huracán succeeded the Lamborghini Gallardo and became one of the brand's best-selling models.
Production ended in 2024, with over 25,000 units sold globally before it was replaced by the plug-in hybrid Temerario.
Here are some of the main features of the supercar:
Engine & Performance
• 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 engine
• Power output varies by trim, with up to 640 cv (632 hp) in the Huracán Performante
• 0–62 mph in 3.2 seconds (varies by model)
• Top speed: over 200 mph
Variants
• Huracán EVO
• Huracán Performante
• Huracán STO (Super Trofeo Omologata)
• Huracán Spyder (convertible variants available across trims)
Dimensions & Weight
• Length: Approximately 4,459 - 4,520 mm (175.6 - 178 inches).
• Width: Approximately 1,924 - 1,956 mm (75.7 - 77 inches).
• Height: Approximately 1,165 - 1,248 mm (45.9 - 49.1 inches).
• Curb weight (with fluids): Around 1,553 kg (3,423 lbs).
• Dry weight (without fluids): Can be as low as 1,339 kg (2,952 lbs)
Lamborghini advised that authorised dealers would inspect and fix the problem at no charge.
Some models produced between 2021 and early 2022 were also recalled after it was discovered the seat belt warning chime and dashboard visual indicator might not activate when the vehicle dropped below 20 km/h — a failure to meet minimum safety standards.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Lamborghini told The Sun: "We are saddened to learn of the accident that occurred in Spain involving a Lamborghini, in which Diogo and André Jota tragically lost their lives.
"In this moment of deep sorrow, we extend our heartfelt condolences to their family.
"Automobili Lamborghini awaits further information regarding the circumstances of the incident, in full respect for the people involved."
Prem ace gone
Diogo Jota's tragic passing has sent shockwaves through the footballing world.
The Liverpool and Portugal ace had only just married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso 10 days earlier and leaves behind three children.
Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, said: 'We have lost two champions.
'The passing of Diogo and André Silva is an irreparable loss for Portuguese football, and we will do everything possible to honor their legacy every day.'
Liverpool Football Club said it was 'devastated' by the news.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute, writing: 'It doesn't make sense… I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and André.'
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Jota's brother André Silva also died at the scene
Credit: FC PORTO
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The Portuguese footballer had just married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso days before his tragic death and leaves behind three children
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Jota pictured (right) with his wife and brother Andre
Credit: Instagram
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