Despite Porsche’s growing production numbers, their quality remains strong. In fact 5 Porsche models were honored in the 2015 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study and the marque itself ranked 2nd overall in 2016. That’s why, whenever we hear of a recall, no matter how small, we take note.
In this instance, the seat mounted side air bag inflator of certain 2017 sports cars may fail to ignite during a crash. In paperwork filed with the NHTSA, Porsche identifies 85 vehicles that may be affected across the following model lines:
- 2017 Porsche 718 Boxster and Boxster S
- 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman and Cayman S
- 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera, Carrera S Coupe/Cabriolet and Carrera 4S Coupe/Cabriolet
- 2017 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe and Cabriolet and Turbo S
Porsche Describes the Defect as Follows
It has been reported to Porsche that there may be a defect in certain vendor supplied airbag products. Porsche understand that under certain manufacturing conditions, on two separate production lines operated by an Autoliv Group company, there were deviations in the generant mix ratio of some initiators. Some of these products were supplied to Porsche. If the generant mix ratio does not meet specification, the initiators may not function properly, possibly leading to a “non-deployment” condition in the event if a vehicle crash.
In other words, the air bag located in the front seat backrests may not deploy in the event of a lateral crash.
How Porsche Will Make Things Right
Porsche’s supplier, Autolive, will provide replacement components to Porsche. Once that happens, the small number of cars affected will be recalled to the dealer to have replacement components installed.
The recall notice itself was issued on December 22, 2016. At the time, Porsche said it would notify affected customers within 10 days. So, by now if you were one of the small number to have had this issue you should have heard from your dealer/Porsche by now.
If you want to check the affected VIN numbers for yourself, to ensure you don’t have one of the affected models, you can see the full listing of VINs in this report. Alternatively, you can contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche’s number for this recall is AG10.
