Porsche AG is a German automaker primarily focused on high-performance sports cars and sedans. Founded in 1931 by Ferdinand Porsche, the company began as a consulting company before stepping into auto manufacturing. Today, Porsche is one of the premier auto brands with more than 24,000 employees worldwide.

While not the largest manufacturer, Porsche has been highly successful in recent years by capitalizing on the luxury market both in Germany and worldwide. The company is highly profitable, boasting the most profit per car sold of any automaker in the world.

Popular Porsche Models

Some of the most iconic sports cars in the world carry the Porsche name. Out of all of the popular models offered by the company, the Porsche 911 is considered by many to be the most famous model. Manufactured continuously since 1963, the Porsche 911 is a high-performance two-door sports car with a rear engine. In 1999, the Porsche 911 came in fifth in an international poll to determine the Car of the Century.

Another popular model is the Porsche Boxster. A two-seater sports car, the Boxster comes in either a hardtop or as a convertible. First built in 1996, the Boxster is currently in its fourth generation.

While Porsche may be best known for its line of sports cars, the manufacturer has also successfully entered into the sports utility vehicle market with the Porsche Cayenne. The Cayenne is a mid-size crossover SUV that was first produced in 2002. In recent years, Porsche has introduced a hybrid model in addition to traditional gas-engine variants. The Cayenne earned the Car and Driver Editor's Choice Award in 2019 and has become one of the top selling models for Porsche.

Porsche has also had success with cars larger than their traditional two-seater sports cars. The Porsche Panamera is a four-door luxury sports sedan that has been in production since 2009. Originally offered only in a gas-engine variant, the Panamera now comes with options for hybrid or diesel engines. Now in its second generation, the Porsche Panamera was awarded Motorweek's award for Best Dream Machine in 2019.

Porsche Safety Ratings

While Porsche vehicles have earned a reputation for safety, that record can be hard to quantify. Unlike most automakers, Porsche does not submit their vehicles to testing with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. However, Porsche regularly wins awards and recognition based on dependability. In fact, the Porsche 911 was rated the Most Dependable Overall Vehicle by JD Power in 2019.

Recalls, Defects, and Safety Issues

Given the eye-popping price tag and sterling reputation, it may be tempting to assume that Porsche is above dealing with safety issues or defects. Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth. Just like with any automaker, Porsche has announced a variety of recalls over the years, with many stemming from serious safety issues. Curious if your Porsche is currently subject to a company recall? You can find out by searching its official site using your VIN.

Risk of Fire

According to a recall notice issued by Porsche, more than 33,000 Porsche Panamera hatchbacks from model years 2010 through 2016 were recalled in 2019 due to a risk of fire.

The problem that leads to the fire risk is a faulty air-conditioner blower control unit. Water from condensation could enter the blower unit, which could cause electrical shorts. This electrical issue has the potential of starting a fire. No accidents have been reported as a result of this issue, claims Porsche. 

Diesel Cheating Scandal

Known as "Dieselgate" by some, a scandal involving diesel emissions cost Porsche dearly in 2019. Porsche has also agreed to stop manufacturing diesel vehicles entirely. 

The scandal stems from the discovery that Porsche used falsified emissions data in its diesel models in order to convince regulators their diesel models met emission standards. The fines ended the German government's case against the automaker, but individual owners of diesel Porsche vehicles may still have valid claims against the company. 

Fuel Leak

In 2019, Porsche began to receive complaints of fuel leaks in Porsche Boxster and Porsche Cayman models. In total, the issue affected more than 14,000 vehicles from model-year  2017 through 2019. 

The cause of the fuel leak is purportedly caused by a detached cross-member from the luggage compartment bracket. In the case of a crash or other ignition source, this leak could lead to a fire. 

 In March of 2019, Porsche acknowledged the problem by issuing a recall. The automaker agreed to add additional rivets to better secure the cross-member. 

Brake Pad Failure

Most vehicles Porsche offers include warning systems that indicate when brake pads need to be replaced. However, nearly 30,000 vehicles have been found to not receive the brake pad warning due to a software error. 

In total, the issue has led to a recall of several 2017 through 2019 model year vehicles. The vehicles included in the recall are the Porsche Cayenne SUV and the Porsche Panamera sedan. 

The brake pad issue is potentially dangerous, given that enough deterioration of the brake pads could greatly increase the risk of a crash. What's more, if enough of the brake pads disintegrate, there is also a serious fire risk involved.

In response to the brake pad issue, Porsche offered to correct the glitch that caused the warning lights to fail. The necessary fix for the issue includes a software upgrade. However, Porsche has not offered to repair any potential damage that comes from deteriorated brake pads.

Porsche Problems? Discuss Your Options with an Attorney and Get the Help You Need.

Whether you face a recall, a repeated mechanical problem, or safety issues, you may have a legal claim against Porsche and may be entitled to a repurchase, a replacement or cash compensation. To learn about your options, contact The Lemon Lawyer right away. California's Lemon Law may provide you with legal rights you are not aware of. To learn more about your rights under California's Lemon Law, contact The Lemon Lawyer today for a free consultation.