Porsche is recalling over 173,000 cars from multiple model lines including the 911 and Cayenne
Porsche execs have been doing a lot of looking backward lately, deciding that combustion engines are still a good idea and greenlighting new ICE models instead of more EVs. But at the same time thousands of existing Porsche cars are at risk of being unable to show drivers what’s behind them.
Yes, it’s yet another reversing camera glitch, a problem that seems to have forced a recall from almost every single brand operating in America in recent years. In this case Porsche is recalling 173,538 cars of all different shapes, sizes and power types.
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The recall includes 77,766 MY192-25 Cayenne and 11,044 Cayenne E Hybrid SUVs, 44,128 MY20-25 911 sports cars, 34,148 MY20-25 electric Taycan four-door coupes, 5,021 MY25-25 Panamera sedans and 1,431 MY25 Panamera Hybrids. That’s a pretty wide net for what is essentially a digital hiccup.
Software fix
As usual, the issue is not that the camera lens has gone cloudy or fallen off somewhere on the freeway. It’s a software problem that can prevent the image from displaying on the center screen when the driver hooks reverse.
The recall paperwork suggests Porsche hasn’t pinpointed the exact cause of the problem, but says it’s something to do with “transient signal noise between the control unit and the surround view cameras” interrupting the rearview camera image in “rare” instances.
Self-healing
Porsche says the fix is straightforward and involves applying a software update that is more resistant to signal noise and is also able to “self heal,” meaning that it can restored interrupted camera operation rather than throwing in the towel and demanding to be taken to a dealer multiple times.
There’s a good chance that the drivers of the 173,000 Porsches caught up in this recall haven’t experienced any issues with their cameras at all, so the first they’ll know about it is when the automaker contacts them in February about scheduling a dealer visit.
Those dealers are gearing up for the launch of the all-new electric 718 Boxster and Cayman this year, though Porsche recently revealed it has decided to offer high-end combustion versions to keep brand fans happy. It’s also given the go-ahead to a new ICE Macan, while a planned flagship K1 electric SUV will now come with combustion and hybrid powertrains, but no fully electric ones.
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Chris is a seasoned automotive journalist with over two decades of experience. He has worked… Read full bio
