2014 Porsche Panamera

I own a 2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid (VIN XXX). I experienced repeated hybrid system warning lights and high-voltage battery fault codes. I brought the vehicle to Porsche Atlanta Perimeter for a safety inspection. The dealership did NOT perform the required PIWIS Hybrid Battery Test Plan, did NOT check individual cell voltages, and did NOT assess the hybrid battery control unit. Instead, they provided a basic code scan and immediately recommended a $37,000 battery replacement without verifying the root cause. This is a high-voltage system handling 300+ volts, and an improper or incomplete diagnosis is a safety concern. Porsche headquarters was contacted by the dealership, but the dealership stated they received no technical support or guidance. Porsche appears unable or unwilling to diagnose early-generation hybrid vehicles properly, leaving customers without accurate safety assessment of the high-voltage system. I am filing this complaint because improper hybrid battery diagnosis can lead to thermal events, sudden loss of power, or misinterpretation of critical battery faults. I am requesting that NHTSA review Porsche’s handling of hybrid diagnostics for this model. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I own a 2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid (VIN XXX). I experienced repeated hybrid system warning lights and high-voltage battery fault codes. I brought the vehicle to Porsche Atlanta Perimeter for a safety inspection. The dealership did NOT perform the required PIWIS Hybrid Battery Test Plan, did NOT check individual cell voltages, and did NOT assess the hybrid battery control unit. Instead, they provided a basic code scan and immediately recommended a $37,000 battery replacement without verifying the root cause. This is a high-voltage system handling 300+ volts, and an improper or incomplete diagnosis is a safety concern. Porsche headquarters was contacted by the dealership, but the dealership stated they received no technical support or guidance. Porsche appears unable or unwilling to diagnose early-generation hybrid vehicles properly, leaving customers without accurate safety assessment of the high-voltage system. I am filing this complaint because improper hybrid battery diagnosis can lead to thermal events, sudden loss of power, or misinterpretation of critical battery faults. I am requesting that NHTSA review Porsche’s handling of hybrid diagnostics for this model. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2014 Porsche Panamera. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a knocking sound and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast the vehicle off the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the camshaft adjuster central bolts from bank two failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, he heard a knocking sound at the hood of the vehicle and a loss of acceleration. The fault all-wheel drive system warning light illuminated, and the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated with the Auto START/STOP system deactivated. The vehicle was towed was back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the camshaft adjuster central bolts from bank one failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

The contact owns a 2014 Porsche Panamera. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle, the vehicle would unintentionally roll forward without warning. The contact also stated that the gear selector lights would flash during the failure. The contact stated that upon restart of the vehicle, the vehicle would temporarily operate as needed; however, the failure would return. The contact called the manufacturer and was referred to the dealer for assistance. The dealer informed him that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V446000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.

Car engine frequently stalls while driving, usually at stop or slow speed (e.g. intersection). Electrical system remains on; turning off and on ignition will restart car and allow driving. Had problem investigated and was told it was a transmission sensor which was repaired but failed to fix problem. Re-investigation identified transmission failure due to sensor in sealed transmission required replacement.

ON JUNE 21 I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR MY 2014 PORSCHE PANAMERA, FOR A DEFECT WHICH COULD CAUSE IT TO CATCH FIRE WHILE PARKED. PORSCHE NORTH AMERICA HAS NOT YET ISSUED A FIX AND CAN PROVIDE NO FORECAST OF WHEN THE FIX WILL BE AVAILABLE. WITH SUCH A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERN, THERE SHOULD BE MORE PRESSURE ON PORSCHE TO FIX THE PROBLEM.