Recall 19V533 covers 7,517 2016-2017 Porsche 911, Boxster, Cayman, and Panamera vehicles for air bag ECU defects. Free repair at franchised Porsche dealers.
Porsche is recalling 7,517 2016-2017 Boxster, Panamera, 911, and Cayman vehicles under recall 19V533 because a defective air bag ECU power-supply capacitor can deactivate the air bags or trigger unintended deployment. Deactivated air bags increase injury risk, and unintended deployment increases crash risk; the Porsche dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The air bag control unit in affected 2016-2017 Porsche Boxster, Panamera, 911, and Cayman vehicles is the module that decides when the restraint system needs to act. It reads crash sensor information and controls air bag deployment. Inside that unit, a power supply capacitor helps keep the module's electrical power stable so the system can respond correctly.
The problem is an out of specification KEMET capacitor inside the air bag control unit. Porsche identified vehicles equipped with control units that contain that capacitor. If the capacitor fails, the control unit can lose the power stability it needs. That can deactivate the air bags or trigger an unintended deployment of the air bags.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall does not list a driver symptom to watch for, so the VIN decides whether your Porsche needs the dealer repair.
Who's affected?
Spans 4 Porsche models across the 2016-2017 model years, all tied to the air bag system.
| 2017 Porsche Boxster | air bag system |
|---|---|
| 2016 Porsche Panamera | air bag system |
| 2016 Porsche 911 | air bag system |
| 2017 Porsche 911 | air bag system |
| 2016 Porsche Boxster | air bag system |
| 2016 Porsche Cayman | air bag system |
| Units affected | 7,517 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
An air bag system that is deactivated leaves occupants with less crash protection. Air bags that deploy inadvertently can also startle the driver and increase crash risk. Confirm whether your VIN is included and schedule service soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Porsche dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Porsche Boxster, Panamera, 911, or Cayman is included in this recall.
- Watch for Porsche's repair notice if you have not received one; the owner notice date listed for this recall was February 12, 2020.
- Contact a franchised Porsche dealer only after confirming the remedy is open for your VIN.
- Ask for the software update and air bag ECU inspection that fixes the risk of air bag deactivation or unintended deployment.
- Bring the recall notice if Porsche mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V533 when you call.
What happens at the repair
Porsche's filing describes a dealer software installation for the air bag system. When the final remedy is available, a Porsche technician will install the new software and replace the air bag ECU if inspection shows it needs replacement. Parts and labor will be free under the recall. Porsche lists a general reimbursement plan on file. If you already paid for an air bag ECU or related software repair before the recall work, ask Porsche customer service or the dealer how to submit documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 17, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 15, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| September 15, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 15, 2019 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 15, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 12, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V533?
Recall 19V533 covers 7,517 2016-2017 Porsche Boxster, Panamera, 911, and Cayman vehicles with an air bag ECU power supply capacitor defect. The defect can deactivate the air bags or trigger unintended air bag deployment. Porsche dealers install new software and replace the air bag ECU when required, free of charge.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Porsche Boxster, Panamera, 911, or Cayman is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Porsche is included in recall 19V533. If it is, contact a franchised Porsche dealer to schedule the software installation and air bag ECU replacement when required. Reference recall number 19V533 or Porsche recall AKB4 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Porsche says dealers will install new software and replace the air bag ECU when required free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Porsche dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 19V533?
The safety risk is tied to the air bags. In NHTSA campaign 19V533, Porsche reports that deactivated air bags increase injury risk, and unintended air bag deployment increases crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the dealer repair if your vehicle is included.
When did Porsche notify owners about recall 19V533?
Porsche mailed interim safety-risk notices on September 13, 2019, and the recall began on February 12, 2020. Owners received a second notice when the repair opened. If you bought the vehicle used or missed the letter, check your VIN and call Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V533000 |
|---|---|
| Porsche customer service | 1-800-767-7243 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V533 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V533000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- 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 →