Panic Erupts in Russia as Numerous Porsches Suddenly Malfunction | Carscoops

      Porsche owners throughout Russia are experiencing unexpected immobilizations as their cars suddenly fail to function overnight, raising concerns about potential satellite interference or sabotage.

      Reports indicate that Porsche vehicles have ceased to operate across the country. Owners are reporting that engines are shutting down and alarms are not activating for unknown reasons. This phenomenon is possibly connected to Porsche’s Vehicle Tracking System (VTS) security feature.

      On Monday, December 1, numerous Porsche owners woke up to find that their beloved German cars had become inoperable. Investigations are now pointing toward Porsche’s VTS as the possible source of this issue.

      Whether this situation stems from a flawed software update or intentional interference by a third party, the result remains the same: drivers from Moscow to Krasnodar are left stranded with unresponsive vehicles.

      The problem affects Porsche models manufactured since 2013, all of which are equipped with the factory-installed VTS. If this system loses satellite connectivity, it triggers the engine immobilizer, rendering the car inoperative.

      Yulia Trushkova, service director at Rolf Group, informed the Daily Mail that “all models and all engine types” are impacted, with service centers inundated with similar complaints.

      Speculation is rife within the country, with the Moscow Times quoting a dealer representative suggesting, “It’s possible this was done deliberately.” However, they acknowledge the lack of direct evidence supporting this claim.

      Porsche’s Russian division has not commented, and the company's global headquarters has also remained silent regarding the situation.

      Mechanics are currently tasked with diagnosing vehicles that appear to be in excellent condition yet will not start. Owners report that the malfunctions occur suddenly and without warning. One driver from St. Petersburg noted that his Macan started moments after he picked up a food order.

      Porsches are no longer functional in Russia, and many high-end German cars have become non-operational, described as "pumpkins." The standard alarm system immobilizes the engines of models such as the Cayenne, Macan, and Panamera. Porsche owners are expressing their frustrations widely on social media.

      Others have experienced their cars dying shortly after they start up. Some have resorted to removing alarm system connectors in a bid to deactivate them entirely. A few have succeeded in restarting their vehicles after disconnecting the battery for a minimum of ten hours.

      Porsche ceased new deliveries to Russia following the invasion of Ukraine, yet the brand's vehicles remain prevalent among affluent buyers.

      Now, these owners are crowding service stations and tow yards, believing that their cars have been affected by a satellite failure or potentially something more deliberate. Currently, there is no guaranteed solution, and the number of immobilized Porsches continues to rise across Russia.