Atlanta, GA – March 15, 2021 – Porsche (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling 39,547 vehicles due to faulty front seat occupancy sensors, which may fail to detect a front seat passenger. This may result in the airbag failing to activate in the event of a crash, magnifying the risk of the injury.
The component in question is a sensor mat with multiple part numbers, including 95B881256L and 95B881256M.
The recall includes the following compact SUVs:
- 2017 Porsche Macan
- 2018 Porsche Macan
- 2017 – 2018 Porsche Macan GTS
- 2015 – 2018 Porsche Macan S
- 2015 – 2018 Porsche Macan Turbo
Recall summary
The recall concerns the front seat occupancy sensor mats, which identify when a passenger is sitting in the seat, ultimately determining whether or not the airbag deploys. Because of the degradation of the fabric that composes the mat, the sensor may fail to “see” the passenger. In that case, the airbag will fail to deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Warning signs
The occupants will be alerted to the faulty sensor by activation of the “airbag warning” or “passenger airbag OFF” lamps.
Other Porsche recalls
This is at least the second Porsche recall since 2019 concerning software affecting airbag activation. In July 2019, over 7,500 vehicles were recalled for a similar issue. The recall did not include any of the cars that are part of this recall. Additionally, in February of last year, the 2017 Porsche Macan and 2017 Porsche Macan S were among the cars recalled for a possible fuel leak.
Risks
Airbags’ goal is to cut down on the risk of “upper body injury.” As such, passengers in a crash without an airbag are at a higher risk of injury, especially in a “moderate or severe” crash.
Repair
The repair is a free replacement on the sensor mat and seat cushion. The recall will begin on May 2, 2021.
Is your vehicle part of the recall?
Approximately 40,000 vehicles are part of this Porsche recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.
