993 Door strap metal fatigue

[Used Porsche]

Ok its time to own up, I have been driving around with drivers door strap fatigue for 9000 miles. My motor has 40k miles on the clock. So that means for the period since 31k miles my door strap (drivers side naturally) has been defective. As in a peice of poo defective. If Vauxhall and Peugeot can get a simple door strap right why can't Porsche?
Is this a problem lurking to catch out 997 owners later? Are there queues of 996 and 997 and Boxter and Cayenne owners outside Porsches new shiny showrooms with door straps disconnected?
I think not.
Did Porsche issue a recall for this obvious design fault (a Friday afternoon job for a work experience or community service kid perhaps?).

I think not.

Photographs of all cars owned by my neighbours show that all manufacturers of hatchbacks know how to design a door strap that lasts 250000 miles. Mercedes taxis have straps that last for several trips to the moon. And back.

But not Porsche.

How much have you been charged for fixing this clear Porsche design problem?

Migration info. Legacy thread was 43959

 

[Paul Keebl]

Stevo, I have the same problem with my 97 Targa, will be getting it fixed in the summer when I return to U.K. - the guy repairing mine said he wants the car for one week to do the weld job then paint. Have seen on past links to the problem that Porsche can charge 500 quid but others have had the fault rectified for 50. Interested to hear how many other people suffer the same.


Migration info. Legacy thread was 43961

 

[Charlie heeley]

Yep Mine has gone as well and there are many many of us who suffer the same problem. Its something like 1 in 3 have this or have had it. Quotes for getting it sorted are from like you say £80 but you would see the weld lines on the inside or around £400 to get it done so you cant see the difference.

Migration info. Legacy thread was 43967

 

[Will Statt]

Mine was faulty (knackered) when I bought the car, but the supplying dealer fixed it foc. Two of the 4 cars I viewed prior to purchase had the same fault.

I posted a thread on here some time ago about the various similar 'minor' faults that our supposedly brilliantly engineered cars have. Creaking screens; crap lights; leaking oil seals; stiff gearboxes etc etc and questioned whether we were all a little blinded by the myth of Porsche engineering. (mine 'only' had the strap problem luckily)

I love my 993 for its unique character and its classic appeal, but agree with you Stevo; there's something wrong when they can't even design a working door strap!

Will


Migration info. Legacy thread was 44061

 

[Lawrence K]

It truly is an inexcusable fault, particularly from a manufacturer who has earned a reputation for good quality.

Nothing short of a recall and decent remedial work would suffice. Hell, there are 15 year old cheap £5k cars with faultless door straps after years of abuse.

Migration info. Legacy thread was 44077

 

[Mark911]

Has anyone seen the profile of the bracket behind the door pillar as I wonder if a sound one could be reinforced with a heavy duty rivet while the bracket is still attached and in good working order?


Migration info. Legacy thread was 44092

 

[Maxy M]

IIRC there's a 'proper' fix for £00s and an 'OK' fix for £100-150 (but you can see it's been done).

Touch wood, mine are OK. I am VERY careful about not letting the door open the full way - and I instruct my passengers the same...


Migration info. Legacy thread was 44354