Large-Scale Porsche Malfunction in Russia
On December 1, hundreds of Porsche owners across Russia discovered that their premium German cars had suddenly stopped working, turning into immobile “bricks.” It is reported that the problem may be related to the manufacturer’s own Vehicle Tracking System (VTS).
It is currently unclear whether the cause was a software failure or a deliberate action by a third party. However, the result is the same: from Moscow to Krasnodar, drivers found themselves trapped with cars that do not respond to attempts to start.
Technical Details of the Problem
The problem affects Porsche models manufactured after 2013, which have the factory-installed VTS. If this system loses the satellite signal, it automatically activates the engine immobilizer and blocks the car’s operation. Yulia Trushkova, Service Director of the Rolf Group, reported that problems are occurring in “all models and all engine types,” and service centers are receiving waves of identical complaints.
Reaction and Speculation
Various speculations are already spreading within the country.
The Moscow Times quotes a dealer representative who stated: “It is quite possible that this was done intentionally.”
At the same time, he acknowledged that there is currently no direct evidence for this theory. Porsche’s representation in Russia refused to comment on the situation, and the manufacturer’s global headquarters has also not issued any statement.
Mechanics are trying to diagnose cars that appear to be completely functional but refuse to start. Owners describe sudden and unpredictable failures. One driver from St. Petersburg recounted that his Macan stalled a moment after he picked up a food order. Others report that their cars stalled immediately after starting the engine.
Attempts at Resolution and Context
Some owners are already resorting to radical methods, trying to cut the alarm system connectors to completely disable it. Others report success after removing the battery for at least ten hours. Porsche halted new deliveries to Russia after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, however, cars of this brand remain popular among wealthy buyers.
A post with a comment appeared on social media: “Porsches no longer drive in Russia. Many exclusive German cars across Russia have turned into ‘pumpkins.’ The standard alarm system shuts down the engines of Cayenne, Macan, and Panamera models. Porsche owners are complaining en masse.”
Now these owners are filling service centers and tow yards, convinced that their cars have fallen victim to satellite blocking or a deliberate action. Currently, there is no guaranteed solution, and the number of immobilized Porsches across the country continues to grow.
Another user noted: “Russian Porsche owners’ cars are immobilized across the country – fears of ‘intentional’ satellite signal interference.”
This situation vividly illustrates the dependence of modern high-tech cars on complex electronic systems and external infrastructure. The problem with the VTS, which was supposed to protect the car, paradoxically led to its complete immobility. The incident also raises questions about the long-term serviceability of complex imported goods under conditions of international isolation and the severing of official support channels from the manufacturer. For owners, this has turned an expensive asset into a serious puzzle, which may be extremely difficult to solve using local resources.