Automobile manufacturers Porsche and Bentley Motors will be contacting the owners of certain 2017-2021 model vehicles because of a problem with the external coolant pump in the climate control system of their vehicles.
Porsche became aware of this problem at the end of December 2022, when they were contacted by their coolant pump manufacturer about a potential malfunction of the electric external coolant pump used in the climate control system. An investigation was opened and Porsche reviewed whether there were any possible common influences that could have contributed to the problem. (e.g. Extreme Temperatures, A Corrosive Medium, Special Driving/Customer Behavior, etc.) In January, Porsche determined a safety defect existed and decided to recall the subject vehicles. During this time, Porsche informed Bentley of their investigation because certain Continental GT and GTC vehicles were manufactured with the same pump.
The vehicles affected include:
2020 Bentley Continental GT |
2020 Bentley Continental GTC |
2017-2021 Porsche Panamera |
2017-2021 Porsche Panamera 4 |
2017-2021 Porsche Panamera GTS |
2017-2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo |
According to the defect report, some 2017-2021 Porsche Panemera and 2020 Bentley Continental vehicles may have been manufactured with an electric climate control coolant pump that could experience humidity ingress. The humidity could cause a short circuit and, in some instances, thermal damage to the external coolant pump. In rare circumstances, the thermal damage to the harness could progress into a fire.
On the affected vehicles, vehicle occupants may notice an issue with the Climate Control system or reduced performance when using the Residual Heat function. (This allows the vehicle to be heated after the ignition has been switched off, using the remaining heat in a warm engine). On vehicles fitted with a W12 engine, an Engine Management Light could also illuminate.
Dealers will replace the external coolant pump and will inspect and replace the plug-in connection, as necessary.
Porsche’s number for this recall is APA1and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-033
Bentley’s number for this recall is RE23/02 (RC67) and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-034.