Atlanta – July 20, 2018 – Porsche Cars North America has recalled more than 700 vehicles potentially equipped with defective suspension components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple Panamera sport utility and station wagon models across the Porsche brand, including:
- 2017-2018 Porsche Panamera 4S SUVs produced between Dec. 2, 2016, and May 9, 2018.
- 2018 Porsche Panamera 4S Executive SUVs produced between June 26, 2017, and May 4, 2018.
- 2018 Porsche Panamera 4S Sport Turismo station wagons produced between Oct. 10, 2017, and May 28, 2018.
- 2017-2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo SUVs produced between Nov. 22, 2016, and May 28, 2018.
- 2017-2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo Executive SUVs produced between March 3, 2017, and April 9, 2018.
- 2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid SUVs produced between Oct. 11, 2017, and June 4, 2018.
- 2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Executive SUVs produced between Oct. 12, 2017, and May 3, 2018.
- 2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo station wagons produced between Nov. 21, 2017, and May 24, 2018.
- 2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo station wagons produced between Sept. 4, 2017, and May 22, 2018.
The German automaker suspects all of the vehicles referenced in this action contain the defective suspension parts.
The Defect
Affected models contain rear-axle anti-roll bars with connecting links that are prone to wear and detachment. In the event that these components fail, the anti-roll bar could come loose and make contact with other suspension parts, increasing the likelihood of an engine fire.
This defect therefore poses a serious hazard to occupants. However, Porsche has yet to receive reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.
Timeline of Events
Porsche engineers identified a vehicle with defective rear-axle anti-roll bar connecting links during an internal stress test conducted in 2017. The vehicle in question had been subjected to considerable wear and tear, leading the links to detach. Despite this discovery, the automaker did not take action, believing the issue was an aberration. On top of this, the vehicle seemed to perform as expected.
In March 2018, Porsche conducted additional tests to better understand the impact of connecting link detachment. This inquiry revealed that this condition could damage nearby suspension components and cause an engine fire. Quality assurance teams initiated a production record review to determine whether other vehicles might be susceptible to connecting link detachment.
Members of the Porsche Product Safety Committee convened June 6, 2018, to review these findings, which indicated that the problem was widespread. The group launched a voluntary safety recall as a result.
The Solution
Porsche intends to direct dealers to replace the rear-axle anti-roll bar connecting links in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. However, the car maker has not yet released a dealer or owner notification timetable.
Owners in need of immediate assistance can speak with Porsche customer service personnel by calling (800) 767-7243. Callers should use the internal recall identification code AJ06. Owners can also connect with the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.
