Porsche Adheres to Safety Regulations, Recalls Boxters and Cayman with Active Rear Wing Extending Too Far

Dec 14, 2023 11:32 PM EST

The German automaker is now making all necessary move to recall some Porsche models manufactured for the U.S. The said units included 53 Boxters and Cayman models. The reason for the recall is an altered code in the rear vehicle control unit, making the rear spoiler an extended version of the standard size. Thus, blocking visibility of the vehicle's center high-mounted rear stop lamp.

Recall Needed for Boxster and Cayman

The models were built between June 23 and September 5 for the U.S. market. A recall is need because drivers might not be able to see their center break light because the rear spoiler is too tall.

Autoevolution reported that the recall is needed because of a little snippet of code that makes these vehicles illegal to drive. The models in the list are the 2023-2024 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and the 2024 718 Boxster S. There are 53 models in total but data on the exact how many of each model are not available.

Furthermore, Porsche stated that aerodynamics and driving dynamics may be affected. This is another reason why the immediate recall of 53 Boxters and Cayman models is necessary. Porsche intends to fix this faulty code in its all 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and 718 Boxers S models manufactured within the mentioned period.

This extended active rear wing goes against the U.S. highway safety rules. It requires a visible center high mounted stop light, and such must be visually unobstructed for following vehicles at all times.

The company got the first report about this extended active rear wing issue in early October. As shared on Carscoops, Porsche was informed of a software error in the rear vehicle electronics control unit. Then, it discovered that a certain worker had manually altered it with the wrong values after the 718s had been produced with the correct code.

Nonetheless, the reason how such situation happened is still unclear. It might look a small problem for some. But when one gets familiar with a spoiler, they can instantly learn why a simple issue of size can create a big problem for drivers and other people on the road.

Motor1.com shared news about the recall. The National Highway Traffic Administration stated that the high location of spoilers can block the visibility of the center high-mounted rear stop lamp. This is against safety regulations.

How Porsche is Addressing the Issue

Technicians at the company will fix the extended active rear wing issue. Porsche is installing new code for the rear vehicle electronics unit. A simple software update that re-codes the rear car electronics control unit is all it takes to fix the problem and make sure the spoiler only rises to the right place.

Porsche will be sending notification letters owners of 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and the 2024 718 Boxster S. The letters are scheduled to be sent on February 2, 2024.

Owners are also advised to check the NHTSA's site if they think their unit is included in the recall. They must type in their VIN.