Porsche has announced that they will be recalling almost 300 Panamera and Cayenne vehicles for a manufacturing error that could lead to a fire. According to Porsche, a casting defect of the turbocharger turbine wheel could cause it to fracture resulting in damage to the turbine shaft. If the shaft should fracture, oil could be drawn into the exhaust system resulting in smoke and the risk of a fire. Porsche will be notifying owners of the problem, this month, and will replace the defective turbine wheel, free of charge. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Porsche at 1-800-767-7243. The vehicles involved in this recall include:

Volkswagen (VW) has announced that they have reached an agreement to acquire the remaining 50.1% of sports car maker Porsche, after a seven year battle between the two German automobile manufacturers. In 2005, Porsche began buying up VW in an attempt to protect both car makers from corporate takeover. By 2008, Porsche had already owned 42.6% and admitted to a complete takeover of VW as they try to buy up 75% of the company. The plan was put on hold because of legal problems and tax hurdles that ended up putting Porsche almost $12.5 billion in debt. The failed takeover has allowed VW to turn the tables, and the complete takeover of Porsche by VW is expected to be finalized by August 1st, 2012.

Under the current agreement, Volkswagen will take over Porsche’s sports-car operations, leaving Porsche SE a stand alone holding company. By completing the deal this year, instead of in 2014 the companies said they would save an extra $400 billion in costs through the integration. According to Volkswagen Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn, the agreement will allow both companies to move forward and become stronger, something they have not been able to achieve the last three years as the takeover left both car makers in limbo.

Porsche has announced a recall for certain 2012 Carrera S 911 vehicles for a potential fuel leak. According to the recall filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), interference between a coolant line and a fuel line could cause the fuel line to be disconnected. A fuel leak could lead to a misfiring engine, stalling, and in the presence of an ignition source a potential fire. Porsche will be notifying owners starting in April, and will replace the fuel line with one that does not have a quick disconnect connector. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Porsche at 1-800-767-7243.

Porsche has announced a recall on certain 2011-2012 Cayenne sport utility vehicles (SUV) because the headlamps could become loose and detach from the fender. The driver of the vehicle may experience loss of visibility, and/or the detached headlight could become a road hazard. The vehicles affected by the recall were manufactured between March 08, 2010 to January 31, 2012 and include:

Porsche has already started notifying customers and will replace the headlamp locking assemblies free of charge. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Porsche at 1-800-767-7243.

Porsche has announced a recall for certain 2011 and 2012 vehicles, because of a problem with the seat belts. In a report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Porsche said there is a possibility that the mounting holes in the seat belt anchor plate are too small. The anchor plate may not rotate around the fastening bolt and may not give occupants the proper protection during a crash. Porsche dealers will inspect and replace defective seat belts free of charge. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact Porsche at 1-800-767-7243. The vehicles involved in this recall include: