Lukejt

Hello, I've got a 2017 718S with several months left of warranty under the Porsche CPO program. I'm getting the run around from my local dealer AND Porsche North America.

Some time ago, I noticed the headlights had some kind of strange crazing issue. I had the car in the dealer for a faulty Sirius XM antenna and asked them to look at my headlights. I was told that there is a problem with the headlights, but that it's because of something I did, that I used a chemical or somehow damaged the lenses and it would not be covered under warranty. I've seen pictures in a Porsche Facebook group of other 2017 Porsches with headlights that look exactly like mine. Another owner, on facebook stated that they were told by their dealer that this was a known issue, and they took care of the problem under warranty.

If there is already a thread about this problem, I wasn't able to find it here. I'd like to know if anyone else has had issues with their 2017 718 headlights? Or another model of Porsche (I think the guy on Facebook had a 911).

Here's a couple of pictures. The lenses are perfectly smooth on the outside, these are not scratches on the surface.




Daylight defect

2017 718S Headlight defect


Any help getting this issue sorted out would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Luke

balucipher

My 981 headlights started to look like this when I sold it

Chrismalberts

My 2015 981 had crazing on the headlights as well as some cloudiness. I also had a CPO warranty and was told that this was cosmetic and cosmetic items are covered under the b2b warranty but not CPO. Unless you have a ton of leverage with your dealer (ie you are a regular new car buyer) you will likely be on your own with this.

Having the lights polished and clearcoated helped with the cloudiness and the overall appearance but didn't resolve the crazing because it's below the surface.

Lukejt

This is inside the lens, a polish isn't going to make it go away. I agree it is cosmetic, for now anyway. I'm looking forward to seeing other people who had this issue resolved.. I may need to dig into Facebook because that's where I saw others saying they had this repaired under CPO warranty.

Thanks,

Luke

GregWormald

Take the statement from the dealer about "there is a problem" and forward to:
Porsche North America?
Porsche in Germany?
Better Business Bureau?

Lukejt

Yesterday I called the dealer that sold me the car. They’re in Florida, I’m in Maryland. He said he’s seen this issue, but Porsche will usually not warranty it because it is cosmetic, and not a safety issue. He said without seeing the car, he is unable to help. He is the first person I’ve talked to that works with Porsche that didn’t blow me off or insult my intelligence.

I think there is ample evidence that there is a run of defective headlights in the 2017 model years, perhaps others. Porsche isn’t going to put any money into making things right.

Just beware if you’re putting out money for CPO and you need anything, Porsche can simply refuse to take care of the problem. My local dealer told me that I’ve done something to damage the headlights, that I am at fault. This, and the email below is just irritating. They really need to improve their customer relations.

Here’s Porsche North America’s reply to my inquire. This person doesn’t even have the courage or common decency to speak with me over the phone. I’ve tried to call her, and also asked that she call me in response to her email. I’d like to get in touch with this person’s supervisor.

“Dear Mr. Tyssowski,

Thank you for contacting Porsche Cars North America. While we are sorry to learn of the situation that prompted you to reach out to us, we appreciate you taking the time to reach out to us.

We understand that you are concerned with the headlights. When a question of warranty exists, we do rely on our authorized Porsche dealerships as our technical resource. With factory-trained technicians and technical support from the factory, the Service Department would be in the best position to properly diagnose your vehicle and advise on warranty coverage.

Please know, we contacted Porsche Owings Millson your behalf. The Service Department confirmed that this concern is due to outside influence. While it is recommended to be replaced for optimal performance, the repair would not be covered under warranty. We do stand behind our dealers, and would be unable to provide a different resolution.

Mr. Tyssowski, I understand this may not be the answer you were seeking, and for that, I apologize. However, we must encourage you to continue working with your dealership regarding any vehicle repairs.

I appreciate your time and if you have any additional questions or concerns that arise, please do not hesitate to contact us again by responding directly to this email or calling 1-800-PORSCHE



Gina Sciarrino

Regional Specialist, Customer Relations Area South/East & Canada

Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

One Porsche Drive,

Atlanta Dr. 30354

Phone: 248-365-9240

Email: Extern.Gina.Sciarrino@support-porsche.com”
I suppose I need to see another dealer. I wish I could get to the selling Dealer in Florida, but it’s not practical.

sgreer78

My 981 GT4's headlights started peeling the UV protectant layer and were replaced under CPO. Find a better service manager at another dealer.

RENNLIGHTS

We have seen these defects occurring across all models of Porsches and unfortunately the replacement cost for new units is extremely expensive if not covered under warranty. Although it is only cosmetic, the defects are readily apparent and with no help from the dealerships we have developed a way for owners to have their headlights renewed to like new condition at a fraction of the cost.
Best of luck with the service manager and if nothing changes, we would be happy to offer our services to you.

-Paolo

Bob Z.

++++ on Rennlights - the way to go to get them fixed!

OldJedi

We had the lights on our 2017 718 Boxster replaced for the exact same thing. Our 2019 Macan is doing the exact same thing. I firmly believe that the Florida sun just deteriorates these clear lenses because Porsche does NOT use UV inhibitors in their clear plastic. If they are left outside on a daily basis the sun just eats them up. There are two reasons why I believe this theory.

1. Both the 2017 Boxster and the 2019 Macan are outside every day and both have the exact same cracking in their clear lenses. My 2018 Cayman GTS is always in the garage and the lights are perfect. After we had the lights replaced we brought the Boxster into the garage and the lenses were perfect when we traded it in on a 2022 Boxster 25.
2. My daily driver is a 2016 Chevy Colorado with clear lenses front and rear and they do not have ANY cracking, hazing, dulling on them. They are older and have seen more of years of Florida sun than the Porsche’s without any problems. I know that GM uses UV inhibitors in their plastics and they seem to work.

The 2017 lights were replaced under the four year warranty. The Macan is coming up on its fourth year and I will need to change out the lights soon.

I know that you did not do anything the lights to cause the issue, but it is a shame that the dealership is not backing you up. It would be interesting to see if the Porsche cars in Germany, Texas and Arizona that are daily drivers have the same problems.

Zman84

If an outside factor/impact is to be believed, file an insurance claim to cover the replacement under comprehensive coverage/deductible.

For a defective warranty claim, try as many different dealers as you can, towards the end of the month. They supposedly have monthly goodwill allotments and if you get lucky like I did, they will cover it and not even charge a deductible. Some dealers offer tow truck pickup and delivery at no charge, especially for customers outside of their immediate area.

Porsche is ruthless with warranty claims, perhaps to boost their quality records, but I think it’s shameful. They negotiated partial credit with me for premature front brake caliper coating wear (gloss sheen wore off within 6 months of the car being built and less than 2k miles, while the rear calipers remained perfect).

my 2017 BS always garaged has now had both headlights replaced, a couple years apart.

Lukejt

I suppose our Sun is an outside influence. Ha!

calves

Good evening,

Please see attached to assist in your case. I am a service manager at a Porsche dealer and it does looks like a warranty repair, just too far to help you out.

Best of luck.

Lukejt

This is awesome, thank you! I had given up. I’ll visit a different dealer.

gobble

Our 2017 didn't have this issue. It was kept garaged though.