Recall 18V898 affects 17,667 2017-2018 Porsche Panamera vehicles for intermittent loss of power steering assist. Repair is free at any franchised Porsche dealer.
Porsche is recalling 17,667 2017-2018 Panamera vehicles because a software failure can cause intermittent loss of electric power steering assist. Loss of assist makes the car harder to steer and can increase the risk of a crash, and Porsche dealers will update the software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The electric power steering assist system on a 2017-2018 Porsche Panamera uses software-controlled assist to help turn the front wheels. When you steer, the system adds electric assist so the wheel does not require the full force of manual steering, especially at low speed or during parking maneuvers.
On affected Panamera vehicles, the control software is not the optimized version Porsche later put into production. A software failure can interrupt electric steering assist. The steering still has a mechanical path, but when assist drops out, the driver has to use much more force to turn the wheel.
The warning sign is a sudden increase in steering effort. If the wheel feels much heavier than expected, that is the issue Porsche identified, and the vehicle needs the recall software repair.
Who's affected?
Covers Panamera sedans from 2 model years, with the same power steering system component listed for both.
| 2018 Porsche Panamera | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Porsche Panamera | power steering system |
| Units affected | 17,667 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific sedan.
What's the safety risk?
Intermittent loss of power steering assist makes the Panamera harder to steer and increases the risk of a crash. If steering effort suddenly gets heavier, slow down, move out of traffic when safe, and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Porsche dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Porsche Panamera is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Porsche dealer to schedule the free power-steering-control-unit software update that fixes the intermittent loss of electric power steering assist.
- Bring the recall notice if Porsche mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V898 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and get service promptly if steering assist cuts in and out.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Porsche technician reprograms the power steering control unit so the electric power steering assist software is updated under recall 18V898. The recall repair is free, including dealer labor for the software update. Porsche lists a general reimbursement plan for this campaign. If you already paid for a related power steering control unit software repair before the recall work, contact Porsche customer service or bring documentation to the service desk for review.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 19, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 17, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| February 17, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 17, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 21, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V898?
Recall 18V898 covers 17,667 2017-2018 Porsche Panamera vehicles with software that can cause intermittent loss of electric power steering assist. Loss of assist makes the vehicle harder to steer and can increase crash risk. Porsche dealers will reprogram the power steering control unit for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Porsche Panamera is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Panamera is included in recall 18V898. If it is, contact a franchised Porsche dealer to schedule the power steering control unit reprogramming. Reference recall number 18V898 or Porsche recall AJ13 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Porsche will reprogram the power steering control unit free of charge at a franchised Porsche dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 18V898?
The safety risk is harder steering when electric power steering assist cuts out intermittently. Recall 18V898 says loss of power steering assist can increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer reprogramming and ask the dealer what to do if steering assist fails before your appointment.
What if I bought my Porsche Panamera used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2017-2018 Panamera is included, then contact a franchised Porsche dealer and reference recall 18V898 or Porsche recall AJ13.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V898000 |
|---|---|
| Porsche customer service | 1-800-767-7243 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V898 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V898000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →