Porsche is recalling about 1,700 of its most powerful 911s from 2010-11 because wheel hubs may wear prematurely, resulting in a compromised wheel-retention system that could lead to a crash, the automaker told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In a filing posted on the agency’s Web site Thursday, Porsche said the 911 Turbo and Turbo S, the 911 GT3 and GT3 RS, and the GT2 RS equipped with the center locking wheel and hub assembly were affected.
Though it did not identify a clear cause of the problem, Porsche’s statement suggested that wheel hubs might wear prematurely if the affected models are driven on racetracks.
“Porsche is aware that some customers of the affected vehicles occasionally operate them on a racetrack or under similar conditions,” the statement said. “From Porsche’s own racing experience with vehicles using the same central wheel lock components, Porsche has developed new components as well as additional instructions for the use of such components when the affected vehicles are operated under racing conditions.”
Dan Engelman, a spokesman for Porsche Cars North America, said he was unaware of any accidents relating to the condition. “No wheels came off at the track or otherwise,” he wrote by e-mail. “Wear was found at the mounting hub when changing the wheels/tires from track to street.”
Porsche said dealers would replace the central locking hubs and wheels on the affected 911s.
Thankfully no centerlocks on my SC