Faulty sunroof drainage systems in various Porsche models have led to significant interior water damage, prompting a comprehensive settlement program to address owners' repair costs. The settlement covers multiple model years and includes both past repairs and future maintenance, ensuring Porsche owners can drive their luxury vehicles without worry of water intrusion.
The class action lawsuit Washburn v. Porsche Cars North America, Inc. addresses a critical design defect in Porsche’s sunroof drainage systems affecting multiple vehicle models. Filed on September 1, 2022, the lawsuit alleges systematic problems with sunroof drainage that can cause significant water damage to vehicle interiors. The case has now been settled.
Affected Vehicle Models
Precise Coverage Includes:
Porsche Cayenne: 2015-2023 model years
Porsche Macan: 2015-2023 model years
Porsche Panamera: 2014-2023 model years
Key Qualification Criteria:
Must have factory-installed sunroof
Vehicle imported by Porsche Cars North America
Sold or leased through authorized Porsche dealers in the United States
Settlement Mechanics
Compensation Provisions:
Recover costs for previous sunroof-related repairs
Percentage-based reimbursement depending on vehicle age/mileage
Free sunroof drain cleaning for nine years or 90,000 miles
Warranty Extension:
Porsche will extend new car limited warranty to cover sunroof-related repairs
Up to six years or 80,000 miles
Percentage coverage based on vehicle’s age and mileage
Applicable for repairs performed at authorized Porsche dealers
Critical Deadlines
Important Dates:
Repair Expense Cutoff: November 6, 2024
Claim Form Submission Deadline: February 4, 2025
Final Settlement Approval Hearing: March 27, 2025
Claim Submission Requirements
Documentation Needed:
Proof of repair expenses
Repair receipts
Potentially required affidavit
Verifiable sunroof drainage/leakage issues
Technical Problem Breakdown
Sunroof Drainage Defect Characteristics:
Water accumulation in sunroof channels
Improper water redirection
Potential interior water ingress
Risk of electrical system and interior component damage
Consumer Action Steps
Recommended Procedures:
Gather all repair documentation
Check vehicle’s model and year against settlement criteria