Porsche Safety and Occupant
Restraint System Warnings Explained

Understanding Porsche Safety and Restraint System Dashboard Warning Messages

If you see a message or warning light on your Porsche dashboard related to seat belts, restraint systems, airbags, lane change assist, and other driver aids or safety systems in your Porsche, it’s important to take the appropriate action.

Common Porsche Safety System and Occupancy Restraint Dashboard Messages and Warnings

This section covers what to do when common messages associated with the safety systems in your Porsche appear on your dashboard. Safety systems are paramount given the number of crazy fools able to drive cars. If you have a warning message do not ignore it. Check our guide below to see how to react and what to do.

Seek the expert help of one of our recommended Porsche specialists. And, if you see a message we have not covered please contact us and share it with us. If we helped you, please help us.

Porsche Safety and Restraint System Warning Messages

Restraint System Malfunction

This message is newer and more descriptive than many of the older versions. Your Porsche has detected a condition that may not allow it to operate the safety restraint of an occupant in the event of an emergency.

Here’s what to do – This does not stop you driving your car but it should not be ignored. While it seems dramatic, it may be a simple sensor that has malfunctioned. The system requires a diagnostic scan to identify the component causing the issue.

In this particular case, it would appear the passenger is at risk. Do you like your passenger!

Airbag Warning Light

This is a red symbol that looks like a seated person with large ball on their knees! The airbag warning light is a simple red symbol that is an indication that the safety system that controls seat belts, airbags, restraints, belt tension, etc, has detected a problem. Don’t just assume it means there is an airbag issue.

Here’s what to do –  The system requires a diagnostic scan to identify the individual component causing the issue. As this is a safety system it is important that you diagnose and find a solution quickly. You can continue to drive the car but you must be aware of the danger if the car was involved in an accident.

LCA – Lane Change Assist Warning – Service Required

This is a more recent addition on later cars and has proved to have a number of problems. This message indicates that the lane change assist system is unable to detect objects.

Here’s what to do – There are a number of potential solutions – the simplest is cleaning the detection sensors in the rear bumper. However, it may require component replacement. Scan the vehicle and identify the component reporting the fault. Porsche has updated this system multiple times, so check your software and hardware revision levels before replacing components. This doesn’t stop you driving your Porsche but you should not trust the lane change assist.

Airbag System Error Visit Workshop

This is the later vehicle airbag warning message. This version of the message does typically relate to a failure in the airbag safety system.

Here’s what to do – you can continue to drive the car being aware that in the event of an accident an airbag may not deploy correctly.

We recommend you visit a Porsche specialist as soon as possible to identify the cause of the error.

Lane Change Assist Currently Unavailable

This message can be intermittent and seemingly appear randomly. The lane change assist system has had a number of revisions and updates since it’s introduction.

Here’s what to do – This message is usually an indication of the need for a software update to the main detection system. A diagnostic scan is needed.

This doesn’t stop you driving your Porsche, but you should be aware that the detection system for lane changing is not functioning as expected. You’ll have to use the mirror!

Comparing Porsche Safety System Warning Messages

There are many more messages and warning lights that can appear that are related to Porsche safety and restraint systems. We have a page dedicated to explaining Porsche dashboard warning lights and symbols. Contact us or a recommended Porsche specialist to help you further.