My car burned today
10-20-2007, 11:41 AM
#76
Could you explicitly say in a reply to this post that your insurance company feels, after a formal expert investigation was done, that either/both loose connections to the power steering fluid or an issue with the power steering fluid reservoir/pump/valve is what caused your fire and total car loss.
It would help with a lot of us getting PCNA to do the right thing. While not "legally binding", you have no reason to lie to the net, etc. Hopefully, someone at PCNA will see this (if not already monitoring this) and decide to do the only smart business thing: take care of the customer(s).
Thanks.
Jeff
It would help with a lot of us getting PCNA to do the right thing. While not "legally binding", you have no reason to lie to the net, etc. Hopefully, someone at PCNA will see this (if not already monitoring this) and decide to do the only smart business thing: take care of the customer(s).
Thanks.
Jeff
10-21-2007, 05:46 PM
#77
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As far as the official report. I have not seen it yet. The forensic engineer and the ins co said that it the power steering was belived to be the cause, but I havent got the report in hand. They are in the process of dismantling the car and comparing it to one that was not burned.
Here is my official statement. I was driving and heard a whining noise, then the winning got bery loud. AsI stared to pull over, smoke and flames were almost immediate. When I tried to push the clutch in, it was solid as a rock. I cut the car off, jumped out and ran like hell. In less than 3 minutes the entire car was engulfed.
I cant comment on other actions at this time. We have filed a nhtsa report, and if you have had a simliar incident, please file one with them also.
To date, I have not been contacted by the dealer or PNA or anyone representing them. I did go to the dealer to get the records for ins, but all i got were condolences, no offers of any kind.
I had to buy a daily driver.. so untill we figure out whats going on with further action, I picked up an S55 AMG to ease the pain.
Last edited by dave1200; 10-21-2007 at 06:16 PM.
10-21-2007, 06:35 PM
#78
I still don't understand why you would sue Porsche, presumably to get them to recall the car for this issue, when you don't own it any more. Sounds like the insurance company made good on compensating you for the car. What am I missing here?
10-21-2007, 06:45 PM
#79
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Also, there is more to this story than I have posted also. I dont feel it is right to air dirty laundy without the other partys having an opp to respond. So as I have said, I wont discuss futher action.
I think what others (kevin and the other gurus) are saying is, Get your freaking car checked out before it happens to you. Thats why I posted here in the first place, not to discuss litigation.
10-21-2007, 06:49 PM
#80
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Glad to see this came to a happy ending for you (as far as being able to get your $ back)...
Now... the question is... what is going to replace it??
10-21-2007, 07:30 PM
#81
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Guys, After a few PM's I think I need to clarify.
My car was given the OK to drive after I heard the noise by folks at a dealer. Then it burned.
You need to INSIST that they repalce the pump and check the fittings. Dont take no for an answer. Even If they wont cover it, its worth paying to get it fixed.
My car was given the OK to drive after I heard the noise by folks at a dealer. Then it burned.
You need to INSIST that they repalce the pump and check the fittings. Dont take no for an answer. Even If they wont cover it, its worth paying to get it fixed.
10-21-2007, 07:31 PM
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Gobble: It's really not an issue of him suing Porsche....it's more of an issue being pushed by the insurance company to recoup the costs of paying him off for the loss of his car. I'm sure that the insurance company has had more than one instance of fires in a Porsche....and if they can show that there's any common denominator, it's to their distinct advantage.
That in turn could result in Porsche either settling in private with the insurance company for this and potentially other losses....or a public disclosure of a potentially dangerous condition...in which case it would immediately elevate to the NTSB and become a positive thing for all Porsche owners who have this particular car or possibly others that use the same parts. This is what usually forces recalls. From a business perspective, recalls cost the parent companies millions of dollars, so they surely don't do these sorts of recalls out of the goodness of their hearts. It's all driven by the threat of fiscal liabilitiy and additional monetary losses through other individeual lawsuits or perhaps a class action suit.
That in turn could result in Porsche either settling in private with the insurance company for this and potentially other losses....or a public disclosure of a potentially dangerous condition...in which case it would immediately elevate to the NTSB and become a positive thing for all Porsche owners who have this particular car or possibly others that use the same parts. This is what usually forces recalls. From a business perspective, recalls cost the parent companies millions of dollars, so they surely don't do these sorts of recalls out of the goodness of their hearts. It's all driven by the threat of fiscal liabilitiy and additional monetary losses through other individeual lawsuits or perhaps a class action suit.
10-21-2007, 08:28 PM
#83
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People need to read and re-read Dave's post #81
He goes into the Porsche dealership to have them check the noise... Driving home the car catches on fire... Whether the dealer will warrant this part, as David said, just get it replaced..
He goes into the Porsche dealership to have them check the noise... Driving home the car catches on fire... Whether the dealer will warrant this part, as David said, just get it replaced..
10-21-2007, 08:47 PM
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So almost as Kevin stated, but just wanted to be clear. And Yes, my ins co knows the WHOLE story, track and all.
10-21-2007, 08:54 PM
#85
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This must have been at Kershaw - I was supposed to go to this event, but my wife gave birth early on the 24th and I couldn't make it.
Just for clarity, is this power steering problem unique to the 996 Turbo, or could any 996 have this problem? I did see the notice above, which states 2003 Turbo, but just want to make sure if anybody knows.
Just for clarity, is this power steering problem unique to the 996 Turbo, or could any 996 have this problem? I did see the notice above, which states 2003 Turbo, but just want to make sure if anybody knows.
10-21-2007, 09:22 PM
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It caused me to spin into a drift. I never left the track and recovered and came in.
10-21-2007, 11:43 PM
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Dave,
I think your answer is what I was looking for. I think this thread is unique in the sense that it plainly tells of a lurking danger, documents the mechanical and the legal outcome, and puts Porsche on notice for other owners. Thanks, and good luck with your next ride. AS
I think your answer is what I was looking for. I think this thread is unique in the sense that it plainly tells of a lurking danger, documents the mechanical and the legal outcome, and puts Porsche on notice for other owners. Thanks, and good luck with your next ride. AS
10-25-2007, 04:32 AM
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i remember following a similar chain of events for the 1995 993's that started as a TSB and ended in a recall. In many ways it was a similar situation. The wiring harness had a plastic connector that was not compatible with the wiring. It tended to erode and ultimately caused fires in several 993's. It took Porsche quite a while (too long in my opinion) to issue a recall!
For what it's worth, i also well understand the financials of a recall. They are incredibly costly & it is unfortunate but sometimes it is cheaper to pay out a couple of insurance claims than issue a recall. But when cars catch on fire, you are involving life not just numbers. I hope Porsche learned its lesson on the 1995 993. Don't wait too long, bean counting is a profession and sound business decisions should be made, but not at the expense of people's lives!
Cheers,
Boris
For what it's worth, i also well understand the financials of a recall. They are incredibly costly & it is unfortunate but sometimes it is cheaper to pay out a couple of insurance claims than issue a recall. But when cars catch on fire, you are involving life not just numbers. I hope Porsche learned its lesson on the 1995 993. Don't wait too long, bean counting is a profession and sound business decisions should be made, but not at the expense of people's lives!
Cheers,
Boris