German manufacturers issue safety and emission recalls

22 May 2018

German vehicle manufacturers are being forced to instigate a number of recalls based around emission and safety needs.

Porsche has been ordered by Germany’s motoring authority the KBA to recall around 60,000 Cayenne and Macan models, due to potential defeat device software being fitted. The carmaker shares technology with Volkswagen (VW) and other group brands, and follows VW and Audi in issuing recalls due to this issue.

Affected models include the Macan 3.0 TDI and Cayenne 4.2TDI and recalls will be issued across Europe. ′Due to the built-in defeat device may result in the operation of the vehicles to increased NOx emissions,’ a report in German online publication Spiegel Online quotes a spokesman for the Ministry of Transport. Both models comply with the limits of the Euro 6 standard according to their papers.

Porsche has already issued a recall for the Cayenne 3.0-litre diesel engine model and informed the KBA over ′irregularities’ concerning potential emission manipulation software. The automaker does not build its own engines but buys them from sister brand Audi. However, the company has announced it is to phase out diesel powertrains for the time being.

Audi has already had to recall A6 and A7 models with diesel engines as authorities had discovered defeat devices. VW and its brands have been compliant with requests for recalls and information and is looking to move away from the Dieselgate scandal, investing heavily in electric vehicle technology in an effort to rebuild its reputation. Audi too, is planning large electric vehicle (EV) sales by 2025.

Meanwhile, BMW has issued a recall of all of its 3 Series saloons built between December 2004 and July 2011 due to potentially faulty wiring between the battery and heater fan. The move affects 294,000 cars in the UK and follows a US recall of 670,000 vehicles. There is a fear the issue could cause a fire in the vehicle.

This latest action follows a previous recall earlier this month, which saw 312,000 examples of the 1 Series, 3 Series, Z4 and X1 recalled over fears a connector between the battery and fuse box could wear prematurely, causing the cars to stall.

A BMW spokesman told the Financial Times: ′We are taking the opportunity of the existing recall to proactively check and replace the wiring harness of the blower regulator. In doing so, we are taking every precaution in terms of safety while minimising disruption and inconvenience to affected customers.

′This affects BMW 3 Series models manufactured between December 2004 and July 2011. BMW has notified the UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) this morning of its intention to recall and will begin the recall process immediately.’

Earlier in the year, BMW was also forced to recall vehicles following the discovery that the wrong emissions software was installed, meaning pollution levels from vehicles may be higher than regulations require.