Porsche has issued an urgent recall to thousands of its luxury car owners, advising them to stop driving their vehicles due to a serious risk involving the wheels potentially falling off.
The affected owners, mostly in the UK, have received warnings via letters and emails, urging them to avoid using their cars until further notice.
Affected Models and the Seriousness of the Issue
The recall affects high-end models such as the Porsche 718, 911, and Panamera, which have a unique wheel design.
Unlike most cars that use five-bolt wheels, these Porsches feature centre-lock wheels secured with just one bolt.
This design flaw could cause the wheel attachment to become loose, posing a major safety risk.
The cost of these vehicles ranges between £100,000 and £200,000, making the issue even more alarming for their owners.
Drivers’ Outrage and the Manufacturer’s Response
Many Porsche owners have voiced their frustration over the recall, with one driver describing the situation as “wheelgate.”
After an inspection of their car, they were told their Porsche should not be driven, calling the situation a rush of poorly built, expensive cars without a fix.
Porsche’s notice to customers explains that the wheel attachment might not meet safety standards, leading to the possibility of the wheel becoming detached, which could cause a loss of control while driving.
Solution and Timeline for Repairs
Porsche has confirmed that only certain models are affected, specifically those manufactured between September 1 of last year and October 23 this year.
While the company is working on a solution, it has been noted that a replacement part will be available for most of the affected cars by February.
Until then, owners are advised to keep their vehicles off the road for safety reasons.
A History of Recalls and Ongoing Concerns
This isn’t the first time Porsche has had to deal with recalls.
Earlier this year, the company recalled 27,000 Taycan vehicles over a battery fire risk, and a global recall was also issued for the Taycan in the summer due to brake system issues.
Porsche’s parent company, Volkswagen, is no stranger to controversy either, having been embroiled in the “dieselgate” scandal in 2015 for using illegal software to cheat emissions tests.
Wider Industry Concerns: Dieselgate 2.0
Meanwhile, new reports suggest that the automotive industry may be facing another scandal akin to dieselgate.
A Department for Transport investigation is underway, with 47 models from 11 different manufacturers under suspicion for exceeding pollution limits.
While the specific models affected remain under wraps, it’s feared that a large number of vehicles, including some popular brands, could be involved in this new emissions controversy.
The ongoing investigations highlight the continuing scrutiny and challenges faced by the automotive industry regarding safety and environmental compliance.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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