Skip to main content

Hands Up Don't Sell!: Porsche issues stop-sale order for Cayenne Diesel

2015 Porsche Cayenne Diesel
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Porsche issued a stop-sale order for the Cayenne Diesel after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) levied additional accusations of emissions-test cheating against Porsche parent Volkswagen Group.

Sales of 2014 through 2016 Cayenne Diesel SUVs are being halted until further notice, in light of the “unexpected” EPA finding that the vehicles were equipped with software that allowed them to cheat on emissions tests, a terse Porsche statement disclosed. Dealers will not be able to sell any new or used Cayenne diesels they might have in stock until Porsche ends the stop-sale order.

Recommended Videos

Earlier this week, the EPA said that Volkswagen Group models using a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine were equipped with the same “defeat device” software previously found on 482,000 2009 to 2015 models in the U.S. equipped with a different, four-cylinder powertrain. Although Porsche is stopping sales of 2014-2016 Cayenne Diesels, the EPA only cited the 2015 model, along with the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI, as well as the 2016 Audi A6, A7, A8, and Q5 TDI.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

As with models implicated in emissions cheating back in September, the EPA said these Audi, Porsche, and Volkswagen models were equipped with software that allowed onboard systems to detect an emissions test, and adjust vehicle parameters. On the road, emissions controls are bypassed, meaning these vehicles could be emitting up to nine times the legal amount of pollutants, the EPA said.

Porsche initially said it was “surprised” by the finding, and claimed that it believed the Cayenne Diesel was “fully compliant” with emissions regulations. The carmaker notes that all affected vehicles are still safe to drive, and that owners can continue doing just that. Porsche did not discuss a timeline for a recall, or any potential fixes.

While it deals with accusations of additional cheating, Volkswagen also admitted this week that it understated the levels of carbon emissions in certifications for 800,000 cars worldwide. It said it uncovered “unexplained inconsistencies” in reporting of emissions levels during an internal investigation relating to the ongoing diesel scandal. The company estimates this latest issue could cost it $2.2 billion.

The affected cars are “mostly diesel” models from Volkswagen and other brands like Audi, Seat, and Skoda, implying that some gasoline models may be affected as well. VW said a recall will not be necessary in this case, which is not related to the “defeat device” software.

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Honda unveils sleek electric sedan and SUV prototypes at CES 2025
Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV prototypes.

Honda’s next-generation electric vehicles are a step closer to production. At CES 2025, the automaker unveiled prototypes of the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV, the first two of its 0 Series EVs that will start rolling off assembly lines in Ohio next year.

The two EVs follow 0 Series concept cars Honda unveiled at CES 2024. These are closer to what buyers can expect to see in showrooms, hence the label of “prototype” rather than “concept.” How close exactly? When Honda unveils a prototype, that vehicle generally makes the transition to production with minimal changes. But that would be particularly remarkable here.
They still look like concept cars

Read more
Digital Trends’ Top Tech of CES 2025 Awards
Top Tech of CES

Las Vegas is overrun. Every billboard in town is shouting about AI, hotel bar tops now sport a sea of laptops, and after hours The Strip is elbow to elbow with engineers toting yard-long beers.

That means CES, the year’s biggest tech bacchanalia, has come to town, and Digital Trends editors have spent the last four days frolicking among next year’s crop of incredible TVs, computers, tablets, and EVs. We’re in heaven.

Read more
Sony and Honda’s Afeela 1 EV makes more sense at CES than in the real world
Afeela 1 front quarter view.

The Sony car is almost here. After its creation via a joint venture with Honda in 2022 and two years’ worth of prototypes, the electronics giant’s Afeela brand is finally taking reservations for its first electric vehicle, with deliveries scheduled to start in 2026.

But will it be worth the wait? Coinciding with the opening of reservations, Sony Honda Mobility brought updated prototypes of the Afeela 1 (as it’s now officially known) to CES 2025, representing what California customers (Afeela is only taking reservations in that state) who put down a $200 refundable deposit can expect when they take delivery.

Read more