Drivers have just days to claim one-time $7,500 payment from settlement – failing to take action will affect your rights

THE clock is ticking for thousands of drivers to grab their payment after a manufacturer settled a lawsuit complaint.

Porsche agreed to the one-time payment , which could pay drivers up to $7,500 if they owned or leased one of six models.

Getty

Getty

Porsche agreed to the undisclosed settlement but didn’t admit wrongdoing, according to Top Class Action .

The luxury sports car company received a complaint alleging they installed defective audio and communications hardware.

In the class action lawsuit, drivers reported their car’s systems would unexpectedly reboot.

The cars used Porsche Communication Management, or PCM 3.1, as of May 20, 2021.

The vehicles listed in the lawsuit had an XM radio antenna.

PCM systems integrate Porsche models’ communications, navigation, and audio functions.

They were standard features on several models.

Here are the cars and model years listed in the complaint, per Top Class Action:

• 2010-2016 Panamera
• 2011-2016 Cayenne
• 2012-2016 911 Carrera
• 2012-2016 Boxster
• 2012-2016 Cayman
• 2015-2016 Macan

Drivers in these cars may be eligible for a $7,500 payment to cover out-of-pocket expenses incurred while fixing the communications system.

The payment can include vehicle repairs from the system and towing costs.

Drivers can also get some cash for alternative transportation, compensating when their vehicle was in the shop.

Eligible Porsche drivers must have documentation of their reboot expenses.

Class members who didn’t fix the equipment system may still be eligible for a smaller payment.

What's a class-action settlement?

Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or 'classes,' a way to band together in court.

These suits are often brought by one or a few people who allege a company or other entity has wronged a large group of people.

When a suit becomes a class action, it extends to all “class members,” or people who may have similar complaints to those who filed the suit.

Companies often settle class actions – offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue further legal action by accepting money.

These payout agreements frequently include statements by the defendant denying wrongdoing. Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.

Pollution, discrimination, or false advertising are a few examples of what can land a class action on a company’s doorstep.

Porsche is sending a $25 payment to drivers in the class cars who didn’t need to fix the communications hardware.

Drivers can opt for a $50 dealer credit if their cars aren’t impacted.

Leasees and car owners can check their VIN for eligibility via this link .

The eligibility for the payment ends on August 20, 2024.

After the deadline has passed, drivers are no longer eligible to receive their payment.

The U.S. Sun contacted Porsche to comment on this article, but the company didn’t immediately respond.