Porsche has agreed to resolve a multimillion-dollar class action lawsuit against its brand, which, if an agreement is not reached, could affect its image very significantly.
The Porsche class action lawsuit accuses the German company of having installed defective communications management systems in some of its vehicles. These systems, known as Porsche Communication Management (PCM) 3.1, would restart unexpectedly, affecting several key functions of the car. Although the company has not admitted any wrongdoing, it agreed to pay an undisclosed amount as part of the settlement.
Class Action Settlement for Porsche Owners: Receive Up to $7,500 if You Were Affected
The German luxury car brand’s agreement covers both owners and lessees of Porsche vehicles equipped with an XM radio antenna and the PCM 3.1 system until May 20, 2020.
Eligible vehicles, whose owners can claim compensation, are:
- Porsche Panamera 2010-2016
- Porsche Cayenne 2011-2016
- Porsche 911 Carrera 2012-2016
- Porsche Boxster 2012-2016
- Porsche Cayman 2012-2016
- Porsche Macan 2015-2016
What Was the Problem With the Porsche PCM System?
The PCM system is an essential component in Porsche vehicles, as it controls audio, communication, navigation functions, among others. However, according to the lawsuit, this system had a defect that caused it to restart unexpectedly.
Some owners, many of them extremely upset because they were paying high sums for luxury cars (that should not fail) were forced to cover the repair costs out of their own pocket, while others had to face additional expenses due to the system failures. This situation generated great discontent among consumers, who came together to carry out the class action lawsuit.
One of the plaintiffs noted that “the experience of owning a Porsche was marred by these constant problems with the communication system. “It is not what you expect when you buy a vehicle of this category.” Other owners shared similar experiences, claiming that the problem not only affected comfort, but also safety, as system failures interfered with critical functions of the car.
“One would not expect a Porsche car to fail in something as fundamental as the navigation system, communication, or audio,” commented another customer who joined the class action lawsuit.
Compensation and Options for Those Affected
As part of the agreement, Porsche has established a fund to compensate those affected. Class members may receive up to $7,500 to cover expenses resulting from PCM system issues, including replacements, repairs, battery changes, towing and alternative transportation costs. Those who did not incur costs, but took the time to resolve the issue, can opt for a $25 payment or a $50 credit at Porsche dealers.
The deadline to opt out of the settlement or file objections is May 19, 2023. The final settlement approval hearing will be held on June 21, 2023. For those who wish to receive a settlement payment, it is necessary to submit a claim form valid before August 20, 2024.
How to Know if You Are Eligible to Receive $7,500 From Porsche
Those people who have been owners or lessees of the mentioned models, until May 20, 2020, and whose vehicles were equipped with the XM antenna and the PCM 3.1 system, may be eligible to claim payments.
Those affected can look up their vehicle’s VIN number on the settlement website to confirm their eligibility.
Porsche has not admitted any wrongdoing or wrongdoing, but still agreed to pay up to $7,500 to those affected to put this scandalous class action lawsuit behind it.
Porsche is sending a $25 payment to owners of cars in the class that did not have to have their PCM 3.1 communications hardware repaired.
Lessees and car owners can check their VIN to determine eligibility through this link. Payment eligibility ends August 20, 2024 and, after that, you’re not enabled to claim more money from the same class action lawsuit.
What Is a Class Action Lawsuit?
In the United States, a class action lawsuit is a legal figure that enables two or more people to sue a company or person for a particular affectation, and claim financial compensation as compensation for the damages caused.
Usually, the plaintiffs do not know each other, and the class action lawsuit is managed by a law firm that looks after the plaintiffs’ rights but usually keeps a percentage of the profits from the lawsuit, and then distributes the rest among the qualifying plaintiffs.