Porsche has issued a recall for 2,941 of its electric Macan SUVs from the 2024 and 2025 model years due to overly bright headlights. The excessive brightness can impair the visibility of oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Recall Details
The affected vehicles were manufactured between March 15, 2024, and November 4, 2024. Porsche discovered that the headlight-control software in these vehicles was programmed to European brightness standards rather than those specified by the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108. This resulted in headlight beams exceeding allowable brightness levels.
Porsche has already corrected the programming error for vehicles produced after November 4, 2024. However, the automaker estimates that 100% of the recalled vehicles are affected and will require a fix.
Free Dealership Fix
Unlike some modern software issues, this error cannot be resolved via an over-the-air update. Owners of the recalled vehicles will need to visit a Porsche dealership to have the headlight-control software reprogrammed at no cost. Porsche plans to mail notification letters to owners starting January 24, 2025. For more information, customers can contact Porsche’s customer service.
Background on the Electric Macan
The Porsche Macan Electric debuted for the 2024 model year as one of the first vehicles based on the new Premium Platform Electric (PPE), developed in collaboration with Audi. This platform, which also supports the Audi Q6 E-Tron SUV and A6 E-Tron sedan, incorporates advanced technology first introduced in the Porsche Taycan, such as an 800-volt charging system capable of a peak rate of 270 kW.
Gas vs. Electric: Transition by 2026
Initially, the electric Macan lineup included dual-motor Macan 4 and Macan Turbo variants. For 2025, Porsche expanded the range by adding a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive base model to lower the starting price and introduced the dual-motor Macan 4S, positioned between the Macan 4 and Turbo trims.
Porsche is currently selling both the gasoline-powered and electric versions of the Macan. However, the company plans to fully transition to the electric model by 2026, signaling its commitment to an all-electric future.
The Macan Electric recall underscores the importance of regulatory compliance in adapting global standards to specific markets, ensuring safety remains a priority as the automotive industry shifts toward electrification.
