Porsche Dashboard Glare Class Action Settlement

Porsche owners and lessees can get reimbursed for expenses related to excessive windshield glare under the terms of a recent class action settlement.

This settlement arose out of two consolidated Porsche class action lawsuits, one filed by plaintiffs Roy Jones and Alyce Rubinfeld and the other by plaintiff Ed Chan. These plaintiffs took issue with the excessive amount of glare coming off the dashboards of their Porsche vehicles.

The lighter-colored dashboards in these vehicles allegedly reflected an excessive amount of sunlight into the windshield, causing glare that impaired the driver’s ability to see the road. The glare was bad enough to create a “clear, unreasonable safety risk” for the driver and any passengers, the plaintiffs claimed.

Porsche moved for dismissal in September 2015, arguing the plaintiffs were suffering from nothing other than buyer’s remorse. The company claimed the plaintiffs had failed to show the alleged defect had prevented them from using their vehicles.

The parties reached the current Porsche class action settlement in December 2016. Under terms of the settlement, Porsche will reimburse owners and lessees of affected vehicles for out-of-pocket expenses incurred to lessen the effect of the dashboard glare at issue. Purchases of polarized sunglasses are covered under this reimbursement.

Payment amounts will vary depending on the vehicle’s model year and whether the Class Member still owns or leases the affected vehicle.

Porsche will also cover the cost of the plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees up to $790,000. Named plaintiffs will receive incentive awards of $3,750.

Porsche has also agreed to add a new notice to select vehicle model brochures and to the Porsche Car Configuator on the company’s website. The notice will alert potential drivers to the risk of glare associated with lighter-colored dashboards and will recommend that they arrange for a test drive in a variety of conditions.

The final fairness hearing is scheduled for Oct. 6, 2017.

Who’s Eligible

Class Members eligible to claim benefits include all current or former U.S. owners or lessees of a Porsche vehicle from model years 2007 through 2016 equipped with a Luxor Beige, Sand Beige, Cognac, Platinum Grey, or Natural Brown dashboard.

Potential Award

Up to $175.

Class Members who submit a valid and timely claim can receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs incurred to lessen or minimize dashboard glare.

Settlement benefits will be determined according to the vehicle’s model year and the Class Member’s current status as owner or lessee:

• Current owners and lessees of affected vehicles from model years 2011 to 2016 may receive a reimbursement worth up to $175.
• Current owners and lessees of affected vehicles from model years 2007 to 2010 may receive a reimbursement worth up to $75.
• Former owners and lessees of affected vehicles from model years 2007 to 2016 may receive a reimbursement worth up to $50.

Claimants who have already been reimbursed for out-of-pocket costs will receive no more than the difference between the above amounts and the reimbursement they have already received.

Proof of Purchase

In addition to the Claim Form, claimants must submit copies of proof of payment for out-of-pocket expenses incurred to lessen or minimize windshield glare. Claimants should also submit documentation, such as registration records or insurance documents, showing that they owned or leased the class vehicle at the time they incurred those out-of-pocket expenses.

Claim Form

CLICK HERE TO FILE A CLAIM PDF »

Claim Form Deadline

9/21/2017 or 6/25/2018

Claims for reimbursement for polarized sunglasses must be submitted by Sept. 21, 2017. All other claims must be submitted by June 25, 2018.

Case Name

Ed Chan, et al. v. Porsche Cars North America Inc., Case No. 2:15-cv-02106, consolidated with Roy Jones, et al. v. Porsche Cars North America Inc., Case No. 2:15-cv-05766, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey

Final Hearing

10/6/2017

Settlement Website

www.DashboardGlareClassAction.com

Claims Administrator

Porsche Windshield Settlement Administration
c/o GCG
PO Box 10311
Dublin, OH 43017-5911
Phone 1 (888) 371-9001
Fax 1 (855) 409-7131
Submission@DashboardGlareClassAction.com

Class Counsel

Jordan L. Lurie
Tarek H. Zodhy
CAPSTONE LAW APC

Stephen M. Harris
THE LAW OFFICES OF STEPHEN M. HARRIS PC

Robert L. Starr
THE LAW OFFICE OF ROBERT L. STARR

Defense Counsel

William F. Kiniry, Jr.
DLA PIPER LLP