All models after 2013 equipped with the satellite anti-theft system VTS are affected
Hundreds of Porsche cars in Russia have stopped working due to a malfunction in the satellite anti-theft system, local media reported, quoted by the Independent.
Owners of the luxury vehicles are complaining that they cannot start the engine or that it turns off immediately after starting. In some cases, they cannot even unlock the car.
The reason for the mass failure is still unclear. A representative of the largest Russian dealer group Rolf told RBC that it may be “sabotage”, but without providing evidence.
After the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022, Porsche suspended its official operations in Russia, which means that affected owners do not have access to official support from the manufacturer. So far, there are no reports of problems with Porsche cars in other countries.
According to dealerships, all models after 2013 equipped with the Vehicle Tracking System (VTS) – an anti-theft function that uses a satellite signal – are affected. If the connection is lost, the system assumes that the car has been stolen and immobilizes the engine.
“Currently, there is no connection for all models with internal combustion engines,” explains Rolf service director Yulia Trushkova. “Any car can be blocked. For now, the blocking can be bypassed by resetting the factory alarm system and disassembling it.”
Dealers report that the first sharp jump in the number of complaints was registered on November 28. It is not yet clear whether the problem can be permanently fixed without intervention from Porsche.
Illustrative Photo by Esteban Gilles: https://www.pexels.com/photo/luxury-car-interior-with-leather-seats-and-gear-shift-34311077/
