We don’t know what it is about German automakers that they can’t get their emissions under control but in the shadow of Volkswagen’s Dieselgate comes the latest. This time it is Porsche. It seems that Porsche has made errors in its emissions testing of certain years of 911. Because of this Porsche can’t sell certain models due to excessive emissions. It has ordered a stop-sale until the emissions discrepancies can be corrected.

Buyers are being turned away interested in certain Porsches

Porsche buyers are being turned away that are interested in certain models. Specifically, it affects some 911, Panamera, Boxster, Cayman, and Cayenne models built between 2011 and 2016 can’t be sold. “Not every model line we’ve tested is affected, so it really goes down to us testing every model derivative,” says a Porsche spokesperson. “We’re being cautious.”

The stop-sale began in November 2020, so it has been imposed for at least the last three months. Since that time Porsche has been working on a software update that will correct the problem. But there has been no announcement of if and when the software “fix” will start. And there has been no word on when these affected models will be able to be sold. 

“My dealer won’t sell me a 911 Carrera 4S with Sport Chrono package”

Business Insider first reported on Porsche buyers being turned away from Porsche dealerships. One potential customer wrote, “My dealer won’t sell me a 2014 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S with Sport Chrono package due to a stop-sale, which applies to a ton of cars Porsche makes.”

The Sport Chrono Package is an optional extra that allows the driver to select different driving modes, including “Normal” for everyday driving, “Sport” for a livelier response, and “Sport Plus” for track use. Specifically, the Sport Chrono option has been found to emit more nitrogen oxide emissions than was first reported. 

 On some Porsche forums, more about what sellers and buyers are experiencing is coming to light. “I have had my 2016 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet at my local dealer for a consignment sale,” user Teambell wrote. “Today I was told they have to take it off the market as a corporate stop-sale campaign related to the Sport Chrono package.”

“We have no indications that cars currently in production are affected”

An official with Porsche explained more about the stop-sale. “Porsche proactively informed authorities and continues to work to review the issue,” the spokesperson said. “Both the ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’ modes were found to be compliant with all known emissions standards based on testing performed by the company — as was ‘Sport Plus’ mode on many models tested. In any case, we have no indications that cars currently in production are affected.”

So are dealers not taking in trades or consignments on these specific Porsches? “I can understand why some would be concerned,” the spokesperson said. “To be clear, our dealer partners are buying all used Porsche cars as they usually would, and the cars in customers’ possession remain safe to drive. What the dealers have paused is selling the specific cars in their inventory affected by this until the software on these cars can be updated.”