Rust spot on inside of wheel arch (2017 model)

[Porky70]

Anybody had had an issue with rust appearing inside the wheel arch. My Cayman is 2017 and immaculately maintained so was disappointed to spot this rust spot during a hand wash the other week. I’ve been to my local OPC to claim against warranty, anyone had a similar issue or claim?

 

[s999sws]

Very common, stone rash. Just rub it down and paint over with some touch up paint, or mask off a line and use some hammerite or similar. SWS

 

[Porky70]

I’ve not had this issue with any other previous cars and am a bit disappointed tbh. Im looking to claim against the warranty as feel Porsche should be the ones fixing this not me after just 2.5yrs.

 

[DWaldie]

I'd assumed (especially as it's VAG) all thge steel panels would be galvanised. Just checked my 2013 981 and there is plenty of stone chipping, but no sign of rust. I'd be chasing Porsche too if I was in your position. Is it the same on the other side?

 

[Porky70]

No, other side is fine, but rear arch drivers side also shows some signs, very disappointing but will update forum on how Porsche respond to my warranty claim.

 

[Porky70]

Hey folks,

Just to update as promised I finally heard back from my OPC today and my ‘rust’ claim has not been accepted under warranty. I’m disappointed and tbh now a LOT less likely to seek an extension to my soon expiring warranty as this is the kind of issue I would anticipate cropping up with a 3+ yr old car and if Porsche are not willing to cover then I question the VFM tbh.

 

[carnaby35]

Very poor show for a supposedly top quality car. I thought rust on most vehicles was a thing of the past. Perhaps you could ask for confirmation of the rust warranty. Perhaps it only covers perforation of a panel so is really not worth the paper it’s written on!

 

[911hillclimber]

That would drive me mad when found, but the OPC response is really weak.

Can't you take it further?

My 2009 Boxster has similar issues at the front leading edge of the sills, both sides.

The panel is right in line for everything off the front tyres, yet there is noting more than stone chip.

As above, rub back and paint, but surely not on such a young car. My 2014 Skoda Superb (61K miles) is free of any such damage, a car made for the real world.

Porsche MODERN QUALITY/DESIGN IS REALLY BAD.

 

[Motorhead]

I'm sure that like most manufacturers Porsche's paint warranty only covers corrosion of the metal itself beneath the paint and not damage caused by perforation of the paint, which is what's happened in your case.

The 987-series cars are better protected in that area than the 981 since the sills are covered in a mastic material. Cost-cutting again.!

Jeff

 

[Porky70]

Thanks for the responses folks, yes overall very poor and disappointed, cant see me extending the warranty tbh if I’m left picking up the tab for issues such as this.

 

[PaulJ]

That looks horrendous! My 2014 981 has stone rash in that area but no signs of rust after 41,000 miles. The dealer has offered a poor response on what, to me, looks like a manufacturing problem. I was vaguely speccing up a new GTS 4.0 on the configurator as part of my lockdown therapy, but maybe I'll stick with what I've got.

 

[Scrounger]

it may be worth taking it to another OPC for a second opinion.

 

[JohnCRS]

I think I would push this again with Porsche UK, perhaps through another OPC as suggested above. I have seen plenty of stone rash in this area, but not rust. It is odd that it is just on the driver’s side, as the passenger side usually gets the extra hammering in the UK.

Despite what I have said above, if you want a thorough job done to protect this area, you may be better off doing it yourself. It would be worth checking behind the arch liners and clearing the crud out at the same time.

Good luck.

 

[Motorhead]

I doubt that you'll have much luck with the Dealer network. Best to raise the issue with Porsche Cars (GB) in Reading for a definitive response.

Jeff

 

[Porky70]

Official complaint lodged, will update on outcome.

 

[Porky70]

Further (and final) update, complaint / appeal on my warranty claim for the rust spot has also now been rejected citing it had been assessed by the “technical department as an outside influence due to it being stone damage, therefore will not be covered under warranty”.

 

[Motorhead]

Disappointing news, but I’m not surprised.

I’d try the DIY route as outlined above. At least you’ll make a better job of it than Porsche did.!

Jeff

 

[GBee]

I had similar gravel rash on my 987R but without the rust (I might add) so touched it in and let it harden properly then used a clear stick-on stoneguard, left over from my Caterham days, to make some protective strips to stick over the inner edge of the sill and lower wheel arch section where it catches the worst. Seems to have worked so far and I've had the car for 3 years

 

[Porky70]

Just fixed with Hammerite and overpainted with Porsche white paint chip kit.