Porsche to Recall 22,000 SUVs Under German Government Orders

Issue involves faulty software in diesel-powered Cayennes that were sold in Europe. The recall begins in the fall.

Volkswagen’s Dieselgate saga doesn’t seem to have an end in sight, as regulators continue to track down diesel-powered machines that have questionable devices. The latest issue involves 22,000 Porsche Cayenne TDI models that were sold in Europe. The German Government ordered the automaker to recall the SUVs after the German Federal Motor Transport Authority found the defeat devices on the vehicles.

According to Alexander Dobrindt, Germany’s transport minister, the German Federal Motor Transport Authority found the devices on Cayenne models fitted with the 3.0-liter TDI engine.

In a press statement, Porsche said: “In agreement with the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrtbundesamt – KBA), Porsche has recalled Cayenne 3.0-litre V6 Diesel models in the EU6 emissions class. The sports car manufacturer discovered irregularities in the engine control software during internal investigations and has actively passed on its findings to the KBA. As part of the recall, a software update was agreed with the authorities as a corrective measure.”

 ‘Subject to the approval of the proposed technical software update, the recall is expected to begin in autumn 2017 and will be completed as soon as possible.’

Out of the 21,500 vehicles that are affected by the recall, 6,000 of the vehicles are located in Germany. Some of the vehicles are on the road, while others haven’t been delivered to customers yet.

Dobrindt says the defeat device could also be fitted on the Volkswagen Touareg, but that information has not been confirmed.

The issue, while another blow to Volkswagen and the other companies under its arm, should be an easy fix. In fact, the company says that fixing the issue takes around an hour and will be handled free of charge. Vehicle owners will be contacted directly by their Porsche dealer to set up an appointment.

“Porsche does not develop or manufacture diesel engines itself,” adds Porsche in its press statement. “However, as a vehicle manufacturer, Porsche accepts full responsibility towards its customers. It is of great importance to Porsche that customer expectations regarding quality, integrity, and service are met to the fullest extent. Subject to the approval of the proposed technical software update by the KBA, the recall is expected to begin in autumn 2017 and will be completed as soon as possible.”