996 Long-Life Guarantee

[ickle_monster_au]

Am just about to go in to bat against my UK OPC for rust on my 99 C4 Cab.

It’s bubbling the paint from under the door strikers and spreading outwards on both doors.

1. Has anyone tackled their OPC for rust and won?

2. Has anyone else seen this problem?

I was given a vague statement that this is a mechanical defect (striker plate causing damage) not body defect so I am starting to think that this will not be honoured under the terms of the Guarantee.

All advice or parallel history appreciated.

Peter

Edited April 18, 2005 by ickle_monster_au

[c928jon]

Hi Peter..

My 99 C2 Coupe is doing exactly the same thing, no sign of the strikers ever having moved or replaced but some rust blisters between the striker and the door seal.

Good Luck!

[Tool Pants]

Porsche issued a bulletin about this years ago for the Boxster - not sure about the 996. A plastic gasket was placed between the striker and door sill to avoid it.

There are several complaints on the UK boards, boxa.net and maybe porschaforum.com If you search there for 'rust' you will see the complaints. One of the owners was trying to get 911 & Porsche World to do an article.

[Loren]

Refer your OPC to Service Bulletin 4/99 5726 New Door Latch Striker (dated 12-17-99).

As of the VINs below, a new door latch striker plate was installed in production to prevent corrosion buildup between the striker plate and the vehicle body. The new striker plate is equipped with a film (on the side that contacts the body) to prevent corrosion.

When addressing corrosion problems or performing other work that requires striker plate removal on vehicles produced prior to the below VINs, the new style striker plate should be installed.

Production change as of VINs:

99 _YS 62 0622 Coupe

99 _YS 65 1073 Cabriolet

[jo996]

Hi Peter..

My 99 C2 Coupe is doing exactly the same thing, no sign of the strikers ever having moved or replaced but some rust blisters between the striker and the door seal.

Good Luck!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hello Peter,

I have only just discovered that my 99 C4 Coupe has the same problem. I have (as yet) very small rust blisters between the striker and the door seal. You said you would address your OPC and refer to Porsche's Long-Life Guarantee. What about the outcome of your talk with your OPC. Have they agreed to solve the problem and ,of course, at their expense?

I intend to visit my Porsche Centre some time next week and show them this problem. I hope you have been successful.

Please let me know.

Jo996 (The Netherlands)

[ickle_monster_au]

Hey all…

Thanks for the good oil as usual. The car is in, awaiting verdict so to speak and not yet aware of the formal response. Given what I now know however I am going to be making it blunt and obvious that I am aware of the shortcomings of their design and the impact on Long Life. Humph…

I have found a new tactic that tends to get progress with them.. Put the car in for a service and refuse to pay or collect until they address the warranty issue.. Here’s hoping it works this time. News soon.

Peter

[ickle_monster_au]

Right..... Now I am really angry.

As suspected. They have declared it a "mechanical fault" caused by the striker plate. If the rust had not happened under the striker plate they would have covered it. For good measure they spotted a bit on my hardtop so they are doing that for free. Not amused!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1. They claim that Service Bulletin 4/99 5726 New Door Latch Striker (dated 12-17-99) was not issued in the UK.

2. They claim that at no time have they conducted this repair under LLG.

3. They claim that this is effectively a user mediated problem.

Does anyone know.

A. If this SB was released in the UK.

B. Where else I can look for real evidence of P-car's approach.

Sympathy or legal fighting fund contributions appreciated.

PL

[Scouser]

I have a similar problem.

But mine is on the pillar under, and at the very bottom of where the door latches on the latch plate. My OPC said to take it down to their spray shop and get a report then report back to them with it.

Will have to wait a few weeks though.

[JimPDX]

Hi Peter..

My 99 C2 Coupe is doing exactly the same thing, no sign of the strikers ever having moved or replaced but some rust blisters between the striker and the door seal.

Good Luck!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Do you have a picture or could you take a picture I'd like to see what has been talked about in this thread...

Thx...

Jim