Car recalls are not uncommon across the vehicle industry. When vehicles go through the manufacturing process, errors can occur which are not caught before models are distributed to consumers. Automobile companies are constantly monitoring the performance of their vehicles on the road as well as gathering feedback from their customers in case a recall is necessary. These recalls are important to ensure the safety of drivers on the road.
Porsche recalls vehicles over headlights
The iconic sportscar brand has recently issued a recall over their famous 911 models for vehicles which have the updated HD-Matrix LED lighting system. First introduced in 1964, the 911 is one of the most recognizable vehicles on the road due to innovative design by Porsche. The 911 Turbo S features an 3.8 liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine which can produce not only a 640 horsepower output but can reach speeds up to 60mph in under three seconds.
The recall by Porsche over the HD-Matrix LED lightning system. The recall affects the 992.2-genration 911. The 992.2-generation replaces the 991-generation of Porsche models. First introduced in 2018, it went through a midcycle update in 2023. This midcycle update included slight changes to the 911’s power, improved infotainment systems and aerodynamics, as well as introductions of new variants of the 911.
878 models recalled by Porsche
878 models have been potentially identified by Porsche for the headlight glare problem. When the rear fog headlights are activated in the affected vehicles, the low-beam headlights produce a glare. This is dangerous for other road users, as it can impair the vision of an oncoming driver. If you are driving in low-light conditions such as rain or fog, this further impairs an oncoming driver’s ability to see.
The glare is a result from the 911’s front light functioning all being integrated into s single unit. When the rear fog headlights are activated, the side low-beam lowers by 0.57 degrees. This then violates federal safety standards of vehicle lights and visibility. However, of your 911 has been affected by this problem, the solution is very straightforward. All your 911 needs is a software update for a front body-control module. According to Porsche, dealers are to be notified of the recall this week and Porsche owners with affected vehicles will be notified in April.
Not the first recall by Porsche
Porsche recently issued a previous recall to vehicle owners regarding a seatbelt issue. 279 911 vehicle were affected, where the rear seatbelt bolts of the car were coming undone. This is a significant safety issue, as in the event of a car crash, the seatbelt would fail to keep you in your seat and being ejected from the vehicle. The problem occurred due to an aluminum sound-deadening panel being installed in the wrong location within the vehicle, and putting it into contact with the bolts. The vibrations absorbed by the panels were responsible for loosing the bolts.
As a luxury brand, Porsche needs to be incredibly meticulous in monitoring their vehicle recalls. Porsche owners can spend over $200,000 on a vehicle, and thus expect high standards for their vehicles. Porsche always relies heavily on brand reputation as a premium luxury company, and recalls of their vehicles can affect this. It also can affect customer loyalty and satisfaction.
Porsche’s recall of just under 900 vehicles pales in comparison to the recent recall by Toyota of 147,000 vehicles. Toyota recently had to issue a recall also due to seatbelt issues, but also regarding brake mechanical issues. Toyota will also notify vehicle owners by April this year if your vehicle is one of the 147,00 which needs to be updated. If your vehicle is recalled, you will not need to pay for the update, you will just need to bring your vehicle in to a dealer.
