Porsche is recalling 8,101 units of its 911 series in the U.S. as a result of a production error that could result in the front and rear windows not being properly attached to the vehicle and could detach. Apart from possible leaks, this issue poses a safety risk as the windows could detach from the vehicle, potentially endangering occupants.
The carmaker became aware of a potential safety concern in November 2023 when it received field reports of visibility issues in a 911. Upon further research, it discovered 15 warranty claims related to cloudy windshields and other “optical deficiencies.”
Through its investigation, Porsche determined that it’s possible that its supplier, Pilkington San Salvo, did not correctly carry out the cleaning process, leading to the windows not being manufactured to specification. Consequently, the lightweight glass in some 911s from the 2020 to 2024 model years may not have bonded correctly to the body.
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While Porsche has not received any formal complaints regarding windshields separating from the body, owners should remain vigilant for signs such as increased wind noise during motion or water leakage into their 911 vehicles.
The reason this is a safety recall, and not simply an annoyance is that Porsche can’t guarantee that the windshield will behave as expected if the vehicle is involved in a crash. In documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the automaker reports that under those circumstances, the glass might be too loose to “achieve the full protective effect of the airbags.”
Porsche plans to start reaching out to owners on April 26, and will ask them to return their cars to a nearby dealer. If necessary, both the front and rear windows will be replaced during this process. The new glass will undergo a modified cleaning procedure, incorporating pumice powder, to enhance adhesion to the vehicle.
