Radiator Issue Input Needed
05-15-2015, 07:03 PM
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Radiator Issue Input Needed
Seeking input, thoughts, solutions, etc. from the Rennlist community...
Here's the story:
2015 Turbo. 15,000 miles. Meticulously cared for (don't we all?).
Drove home Wednesday after work, nothing unusual, typical highway and town road driving.
Repeat, nothing unusual.
A short time later, same evening, noticed large coolant puddle on garage floor with warning lights on dash upon start-up. Flat-bedded vehicle to dealership. Analysis today revealed ~1" hole in radiator secondary to "outside influence", such as a rock or stone causing a gash in the radiator, and therefore not covered under warranty!
$1,800 out of pocket expense to replace radiator on a 9 month old vehicle.
I have been driving for 35 years and have never experienced anything like this, much less on a Porsche SUV of which I've owned 2 previous Cayennes.
I am livid. Do I have any recourse? Is this a design flaw? Do I simply have to pay for a new radiator and hope it doesn't happen again?
Thanks guys.
Here's the story:
2015 Turbo. 15,000 miles. Meticulously cared for (don't we all?).
Drove home Wednesday after work, nothing unusual, typical highway and town road driving.
Repeat, nothing unusual.
A short time later, same evening, noticed large coolant puddle on garage floor with warning lights on dash upon start-up. Flat-bedded vehicle to dealership. Analysis today revealed ~1" hole in radiator secondary to "outside influence", such as a rock or stone causing a gash in the radiator, and therefore not covered under warranty!
$1,800 out of pocket expense to replace radiator on a 9 month old vehicle.
I have been driving for 35 years and have never experienced anything like this, much less on a Porsche SUV of which I've owned 2 previous Cayennes.
I am livid. Do I have any recourse? Is this a design flaw? Do I simply have to pay for a new radiator and hope it doesn't happen again?
Thanks guys.
05-15-2015, 07:43 PM
#2
Unique Title
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
This is why you have insurance on your car. Give your ins. company a call and see if they'll cover the damage. A rock or similar item kicked up by another vehicle is a "missile" and probably covered by your comprehensive insurance. Don't lie, tell them what you know, and see if they'll cover the damage.
Or, if you've been a good customer for a while you might ask Porsche for a goodwill repair. How likely this is to work depends on your relationship with your dealer, if you've been having them service your cars, buying them new, etc. No guarantees they will cover it to keep you happy though. I got PCNA to cover replacing the wiring harness on my 997 more than a year out of warranty, so it can happen.
And no, this isn't some design defect or a failure of the materials of your car so it shouldn't be covered by the new vehicle warranty. All cars have radiators, and there's always a small risk something can strike and damage them. Most strikes are small and just bend a few fins; bigger stuff can cause real damage. The risk is so small most people don't think about it because it rarely happens. If you're really worried, find someone to fabricate and install a mesh grill to go in front of your radiators and deal with the cosmetic changes to your car.
Or, if you've been a good customer for a while you might ask Porsche for a goodwill repair. How likely this is to work depends on your relationship with your dealer, if you've been having them service your cars, buying them new, etc. No guarantees they will cover it to keep you happy though. I got PCNA to cover replacing the wiring harness on my 997 more than a year out of warranty, so it can happen.
And no, this isn't some design defect or a failure of the materials of your car so it shouldn't be covered by the new vehicle warranty. All cars have radiators, and there's always a small risk something can strike and damage them. Most strikes are small and just bend a few fins; bigger stuff can cause real damage. The risk is so small most people don't think about it because it rarely happens. If you're really worried, find someone to fabricate and install a mesh grill to go in front of your radiators and deal with the cosmetic changes to your car.
05-15-2015, 08:16 PM
#3
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
This is why you have insurance on your car. Give your ins. company a call and see if they'll cover the damage. A rock or similar item kicked up by another vehicle is a "missile" and probably covered by your comprehensive insurance. Don't lie, tell them what you know, and see if they'll cover the damage.
Or, if you've been a good customer for a while you might ask Porsche for a goodwill repair. How likely this is to work depends on your relationship with your dealer, if you've been having them service your cars, buying them new, etc. No guarantees they will cover it to keep you happy though. I got PCNA to cover replacing the wiring harness on my 997 more than a year out of warranty, so it can happen.
And no, this isn't some design defect or a failure of the materials of your car so it shouldn't be covered by the new vehicle warranty. All cars have radiators, and there's always a small risk something can strike and damage them. Most strikes are small and just bend a few fins; bigger stuff can cause real damage. The risk is so small most people don't think about it because it rarely happens. If you're really worried, find someone to fabricate and install a mesh grill to go in front of your radiators and deal with the cosmetic changes to your car.
Or, if you've been a good customer for a while you might ask Porsche for a goodwill repair. How likely this is to work depends on your relationship with your dealer, if you've been having them service your cars, buying them new, etc. No guarantees they will cover it to keep you happy though. I got PCNA to cover replacing the wiring harness on my 997 more than a year out of warranty, so it can happen.
And no, this isn't some design defect or a failure of the materials of your car so it shouldn't be covered by the new vehicle warranty. All cars have radiators, and there's always a small risk something can strike and damage them. Most strikes are small and just bend a few fins; bigger stuff can cause real damage. The risk is so small most people don't think about it because it rarely happens. If you're really worried, find someone to fabricate and install a mesh grill to go in front of your radiators and deal with the cosmetic changes to your car.
Thank you very much for your insight.
1. I just spoke with my insurance agent and you're right. I can put in a claim as part of my comprehensive coverage. $1,000 deductible, but hey, better than the full nut.
2. Fortunately, I have an excellent relationship with my dealer -- purchased many vehicles, etc. As such, the service manager was sympathetic when he broke the news to me. He said he'd see what he could do and let me know on Monday. So, we'll see.
Headache not a heartache. Obviously rare; should have bought a lottery ticket Wednesday.
05-15-2015, 10:03 PM
#4
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Thank you very much for your insight.
1. I just spoke with my insurance agent and you're right. I can put in a claim as part of my comprehensive coverage. $1,000 deductible, but hey, better than the full nut.
2. Fortunately, I have an excellent relationship with my dealer -- purchased many vehicles, etc. As such, the service manager was sympathetic when he broke the news to me. He said he'd see what he could do and let me know on Monday. So, we'll see.
Headache not a heartache. Obviously rare; should have bought a lottery ticket Wednesday.
1. I just spoke with my insurance agent and you're right. I can put in a claim as part of my comprehensive coverage. $1,000 deductible, but hey, better than the full nut.
2. Fortunately, I have an excellent relationship with my dealer -- purchased many vehicles, etc. As such, the service manager was sympathetic when he broke the news to me. He said he'd see what he could do and let me know on Monday. So, we'll see.
Headache not a heartache. Obviously rare; should have bought a lottery ticket Wednesday.
05-16-2015, 12:25 PM
#6
I have had road trash puncture other radiators, let's face it, they are out in the open susceptible to damage. A mess could help but will change the overall cosmetic looks of the car. Hope the dealership does a goodwill for you.. Good luck and smile... You still drive a Porsche.
05-16-2015, 01:20 PM
#7
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Thanks fellas.
Will know more Monday.
In the mean time I have to drive my 997tt cab, so life doesn't suck.https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon7.gif
Will know more Monday.
In the mean time I have to drive my 997tt cab, so life doesn't suck.https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon7.gif
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05-18-2015, 12:10 PM
#8
You can get a good aftermarket shop install a screen, similar to what is used on the GT3 front bumper to protect it. It's something PAG should have done at the factory...
Not sure where you live? But if you're in the NY area let me know and I can send you some names to reach out to.
Not sure where you live? But if you're in the NY area let me know and I can send you some names to reach out to.
05-18-2015, 11:46 PM
#10
[QUOTE="lawjdc;12292280"]You should consider changing your comprehensive coverage to a $100 deductible. It will come in handy when your windshield gets pitted. And it will only cost a few dollars more per year.
05-19-2015, 12:23 AM
#11
Unique Title
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Crap happens. Deal with the small stuff and let insurance cover your butt when real disasters strike.
05-19-2015, 02:39 PM
#12
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Update:
10% goodwill only.
Therefore, filed insurance claim. Considered collision not comprehensive. Will pay $1k deductible for an $1,800 radiator. Hope my rates don't sky rocket. I hate insurance companies...
Great idea re: mesh. Want to prevent this from happening again.
Ideas?
10% goodwill only.
Therefore, filed insurance claim. Considered collision not comprehensive. Will pay $1k deductible for an $1,800 radiator. Hope my rates don't sky rocket. I hate insurance companies...
Great idea re: mesh. Want to prevent this from happening again.
Ideas?
05-19-2015, 07:12 PM
#13
Unique Title
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Well, at least you're getting a little relief. I know it sucks to have an expensive repair on a new car.
As to the mesh idea, I don't know where you live so all I can suggest is find a race or performance shop that specializes in Porsches. They've probably already done the mesh on a bunch of GT3s and other cars that see regular track time and will be used to fabricating stuff.
As to the mesh idea, I don't know where you live so all I can suggest is find a race or performance shop that specializes in Porsches. They've probably already done the mesh on a bunch of GT3s and other cars that see regular track time and will be used to fabricating stuff.