Porsche Panamera may briefly lose power steering assist

NHTSA campaign 18V898000 · Reported 2018-12-19 · Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

high How serious is it? About this label

Steering that goes heavy without warning can lead to a crash, and while the notice does not tell owners to stop driving, the free software update should be scheduled soon.

What's wrong, in plain English

A software problem in certain 2017-2018 Panamera models can cause the power steering assist to cut out for a moment. Losing the assist does not mean losing steering, but the wheel can suddenly feel much heavier without warning, and that surprise can make the car harder to steer the way you meant to. No parts are replaced. A dealer plugs in and reprograms the power steering control unit with corrected software, free of charge.

What you should do

1. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your Panamera is part of recall 18V898000.
2. Contact a Porsche dealer about recall AJ13, or call Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243.
3. Have the power steering control unit reprogrammed — there is no charge.

Affected vehicles (1)

2018 Porsche Panamera

Who to contact

Porsche — official Porsche recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-767-7243

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

Official notice

Component: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Summary: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Porsche Panamera, Panamera 4, Panamera 4S, Panamera Turbo, Panamera 4S Executive, Panamera Turbo Executive, 2018 Panamera 4 Executive, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Executive, Panamera S E-Hybrid Executive, Panamera 4 Sport Turismo, Panamera 4S Sport Turismo, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo, Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo, and Panamera Turbo S Sport Turismo vehicles. A software failure may result in an intermittent loss of electric power steering assist.
Safety risk: An intermittent loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the power steering control unit, free of charge. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AJ13.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.