Porsche has issued a recall order for their 2021 models, Boxster GTS 4.0, Cayman GTS 4.0, Cayman GT4, & 718 Spyder. They have also halted sales on all unsold models. Reportedly, models with a flat 6-cylinder engine may have a faulty connecting rod. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall document (linked below), the connecting rods “were not manufactured according to specification” and have a defect on the surface of the rod. The connecting rod is part of the piston and connects the piston to the crankshaft. This rod can potentially crack, disabling the engine, and possibly lead to a vehicle fire. Hoeckle Austria GmbH manufactured the rod.

Currently, this affects 190 vehicles, 20 of which have already been sold to consumers.

Is There a Safety Risk?

According to the NHTSA, there is a safety risk associated with the defective connecting rod. Cracks in the rod can lead to a loss of preload on the connecting rod screw connection. A loosening of the connecting rod screw connection can lead to “potential engine damage, stalling, loss of power, and potential oil leakage from a damaged engine block” while driving at high loads. These problems have the potential to cause a dangerous engine fire.

Warning signs of a failure in the connecting rod include noises from the crankshaft while driving and an oil pressure warning.

Click here to review the recall statement from the NHTSA.

What to Do If You Are Affected by the Porsche Recall?

If you own a Porsche vehicle affected by this recall, you should reach out to your dealer right away. Currently, dealers will assess the problem and either replace the connecting rod or replace the engine on the 20 vehicles already sold free of cost. Meanwhile, they will also make repairs on all other affected, unsold vehicles. As of now, there have been no reports of accidents or engine fires associated with this recall.

How Do I Know if My Porsche Is Affected by a Recall?

To find out if your car is affected by a recall, you can enter your 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) into the safety issues and recalls tool on the NHTSA website. This tool provides information regarding vehicle safety recalls over the past 15 years. Your VIN is typically located on the lower-left corner of your car’s windshield. You can also find your VIN on your registration card. After entering your VIN, the tool will show you if there are any unrepaired recalls associated with your specific vehicle.

Do I Have a Lemon Law Case Against Porsche?

We are still in the early days of this Porsche recall. Before a consumer can file a Lemon Law claim, they must give the manufacturer a reasonable number of repair attempts. According to Porsche, all current owners who have taken delivery of an affected vehicle have been notified. Those who have ordered one of these models but have not yet received it can expect a delay in delivery while Porsche evaluates each vehicle and makes repairs.

If you have a Porsche that you believe is a lemon, reach out to the attorneys at Norman Taylor & Associates for guidance.