Overview
- Since late November, owners across multiple Russian cities report cars that will not start after the Vehicle Tracking System triggers a theft lockout.
- Service staff describe engine shutdowns and fuel cutoffs affecting all model lines, with a surge in workshop requests.
- Some owners can briefly restore operation by disconnecting the battery or restarting the VTS, but the immobilization returns after the next shutdown.
- Dealers including Rolf are resetting or physically removing the VTS to restore drivability, though removal is reported to be costly.
- Porsche says the issue relates to country‑specific configurations and does not affect other markets, while the root cause remains under investigation with Russian media speculating about GPS interference and reports of rarer similar incidents at Mercedes.