514/68 Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Hundreds of Porsche cars in Russia became inoperable due to a malfunction in the factory-installed satellite security system, which caused sudden fuel cut-offs and unexpected engine shutdowns. When the Vehicle Tracking System (VTS) module lost connectivity, the cars were at risk of being automatically immobilized. According to the Rolf service center, the issue affects all Porsche models equipped with internal combustion engines, and initial fixes include removing or resetting the device. The center reported a surge in service requests starting on November 28.
Some users were able to temporarily resolve the issue by disabling or rebooting the VTS system, or by disconnecting the battery for several hours. While there is no confirmed evidence of a deliberate cyberattack, dealerships noted that such a possibility cannot be ruled out. Specialists are currently conducting further investigations. Porsche halted sales and operations in Russia in 2022, but subsidiaries in the country-which cannot be sold or transferred-are still present, and the company has not issued an official statement regarding the incident.
This incident underscores the limitations and risks associated with internet-connected vehicles, which could undermine both safety and consumer confidence. Even if this case is not related to a cyberattack, remote-control systems capable of immobilizing a vehicle present an attractive target for malicious actors. If compromised, they could pose serious threats to public safety. Therefore, the automotive industry should prioritize secure system design and establish clear incident response frameworks to maintain user trust in modern vehicle technologies.
