Porsche's Urgent Recall: Is Your Prized 718 At Risk? Understand the Transmission Safety Flaw
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If you own a Porsche 718 Boxster or Cayman, it's time to pay attention. A new recall in the United States has been issued due to a safety concern involving the PDK transmission shift cable. Specifically, certain models may have an improperly installed safety clip, which can prevent the gearbox from locking in the park position. This increases the risk of a rollaway, making it a critical issue for affected owners.
What's the Real Problem?
This recall potentially impacts 14 units of the 718 series, all produced for the 2024 model year between July 6, 2023, and March 21, 2024. Porsche Cars North America revealed that the safety clip might not have been correctly fitted during the production rework process. Although the recall documents do not specify whether these vehicles were assembled in Porsche's Zuffenhausen or Osnabruck factories, the concern is serious. Overflow production of the 718 began in Osnabruck in 2023, while Zuffenhausen is preparing to shift focus to the all-electric successor to the 718 lineup.
Porsche's Plan for Resolution
How is Porsche addressing this? Dealers will perform a pull test on the locking shift cable, and if any damage is found, the shift cable will be replaced. After any rework, each vehicle will undergo a roller test to ensure that the park position of the seven-speed PDK double-clutch system actually holds. Talk about thorough! The faulty part in question, identified as part number 982713266B, is supplied by Kuster, a company based in Slovakia.
Two Isolated Incidents and a Comprehensive Investigation
Two rollaway incidents reported at the end of April 2024 triggered an investigation by Porsche, leading to this recall. Although only 5% of the potentially affected vehicles are believed to actually have this issue, Porsche's preemptive action aims to leave no stone unturned. Vehicle owners will receive notification letters starting around June 12, 2024.
The Spectrum of Porsche 718
While it remains unclear which specific Boxster and Cayman models are recalled, a little detective work reveals that both the four-cylinder and six-cylinder versions of the 718 series are affected. The most affordable model in this line currently produced for the U.S. is the 2.0-liter Cayman, starting at $68,300 before additional fees and options. On the other end, the Cayman GT4 RS and Spyder RS models, each featuring a 4.0-liter six-cylinder boxer engine, come with a price tag of $160,700. Although these vehicles are slightly detuned compared to their 911 GT3 and 911 GT3 RS counterparts, they still offer impressive performance with 493 horsepower, hitting 60 miles per hour in a swift 3.2 seconds.
High Stakes in the Mid-Engine Arena
The Cayman GT4 RS and Spyder RS take center stage with their dynamically balanced mid-engine layouts, making them favorites among enthusiasts. Maximum speeds favor the GT4 RS at 196 mph compared to the Spyder RS's 191 mph, making it a battle of titans in Porsche's mid-engine arena. Amidst the excitement, it's essential for Porsche owners to heed this recall seriously, ensuring their treasured sports cars remain both high-performing and safe.
Final Thoughts
While recalls are never pleasant, Porsche's swift action is commendable. By addressing the issue head-on, they aim to maintain their stellar reputation for safety and performance. If you own one of these cherished 718 models, make sure to follow through with the recall procedures to keep enjoying your drive with peace of mind.