Porsche Issues Update on Cayenne Diesel Car Recalls

European-sold diesel Cayennes were recalled last year, and Porsche has the details on what to do next if yours was affected.  

Last year, Porsche recalled 22,000 European-sold Cayennes with a 3.0 liter V6 diesel engine. Porsche discovered irregularities in the engine control software in the course of internal investigations, and proactively communicated this to the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA). The authority ordered an adjustment by means of a software update within the scope of a recall. In October 2017 the KBA gave its approval for the software update for the Cayenne 3.0 liter V6 diesel vehicles of the Euro 6 emission class submitted by Porsche for review. Since that time, Porsche is bringing all affected vehicles into garages and dealerships to perform the software update, which is free of charge. Affected customers have been informed by their Porsche dealer, and have been asked to cooperate by agreeing to an appointment at a garage. The software update is free and will then take approximately one hour to complete. Where required, the Porsche center will be happy to provide an appropriate form of transport as a replacement while the required work is being completed.

Porsche released a number of frequently asked questions, with answers to aid all affected by the recall.

What do I need to do, as a Cayenne 3.0 liter V6 diesel owner, to get the free software update?

The plan is that Porsche dealers will get in touch with customers that are affected in order to arrange an appointment. The software update will then take approximately one hour to complete and is, of course, free of charge for customers.

Is the software update also available for other Porsche diesel models?

The only vehicles affected are Cayenne 3.0 liter V6 diesel vehicles of the Euro 6 emission. The software update was specially designed for these particular vehicles. The existing manufacturer specifications regarding fuel consumption, maximum engine performance, maximum torque, and CO2 emissions have been confirmed by the KBA. The software update also has no negative impact on the durability of the engine or the exhaust treatment system.

What exactly is the recall ordered by the German KBA about? Which vehicles are affected and how many of them are affected?

At the end of July 2017, in Germany Porsche recalled the type Cayenne 3.0 litre V6 diesel vehicle of the Euro 6 emission class. The background to this was that Porsche discovered irregularities in the engine control software, in the course of internal investigations, and proactively communicated this to the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA). The authority has ordered an adjustment by means of a software update within the scope of a recall. Around 21,500 vehicles built in the years 2014–2017 are affected across Europe, 6,000 of which are in Germany. All affected vehicles are technically safe and roadworthy.

In September 2017, Porsche submitted a proposed solution to the KBA, in order to ensure that all vehicles are fully in order, using a software update. The KBA’s approval for the new software now enables Porsche to begin with the recall program, which is free of charge for customers, and restores the affected vehicles’ compliance with the relevant rules and regulations.

What exactly is Porsche being accused of? What exactly does the KBA find objectionable?  How was the situation identified?

Porsche discovered irregularities in these vehicles’ engine control software, in the course of internal investigations, and proactively communicated this to the KBA.

Does the software update have an impact on the vehicles’ consumption? What impact does the update have on consumption, warranty, durability, pollutant emissions etc.?

The KBA has confirmed the existing manufacturer specifications regarding fuel consumption, maximum engine performance, maximum torque, and CO2 emissions. The software update also has no negative impact on the durability of the engine or the exhaust treatment system.

The suitability and effectiveness of the software update has been comprehensively tested and confirmed by Porsche itself and also the KBA.

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S.J. Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.