Porsche Macan problems
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Porsche Macan model years
Common Porsche Macan problems
Based on the complaints from Porsche Macan owners, several common problems have been identified:
- Engine Concerns:
- Oil Leaks: Owners have reported oil leaks, particularly from the timing case cover and lower oil pan, often due to original aluminum screws snapping from over-torquing. Replacing these with more durable steel screws is a common remedy.
- Coolant System Issues: Concerns with the coolant pump, reservoir, and breather line between cylinder heads have been noted, leading to coolant leaks and engine overheating if not promptly addressed.
- Electrical Glitches: Instances of the window switch's chrome ornament peeling, PCM system malfunctions affecting the reverse camera and air conditioning system leaks have been reported.
- Transfer Box Problems:
- While not officially recalled, some Macan owners have experienced issues with the transfer box, which can be a costly repair if not covered under warranty.
- Fuel Leak and Brake Servo Concerns:
- A faulty fuel connector in certain models could lead to fuel leaks, and some cars built within specific dates may have brake servo issues affecting assistance under light braking.
- Passenger Side Mirror Fault:
- Some owners have observed the passenger side mirror moving up instead of aiming downward when shifting into reverse gear, impacting visibility during parking maneuvers.
- Back-Up Camera Issues:
- Complaints about the back-up camera being blurry or out of focus have been raised by drivers, with solutions including upgrades in later models or third-party camera installations.
- PDK Transmission Problems:
- Owners have reported issues with the PDK transmission, including rough gear changes, transmission faults, and the transmission failure light illuminating, potentially requiring costly repairs.
These common problems highlight various mechanical and electrical issues that Porsche Macan owners may encounter. Addressing these concerns promptly through proper maintenance and timely repairs can help mitigate potential risks and ensure a smoother driving experience.
How reliable is the Porsche Macan?
Our data suggests the Porsche Macan is a reliable car. In our most recent What Car? Reliability Survey, the Macan came 12th out of 24 cars in the large SUV class. Its reliability score was 94.1% and that allowed it to rank higher than the Jaguar F-Pace and Range Rover Evoque.
Is a Porsche Macan expensive to maintain?
Estimates from RepairPal put the average annual repair and maintenance cost for a Porsche at $1,192 per year, which is 83% higher than the industry average for all vehicles.
What is the life expectancy of a Porsche Macan engine?
A well-maintained Macan is expected to last for 8 to 10 years, potentially reaching over 150,000 miles.
What is the Porsche Macan known for?
The Porsche Macan is a compact luxury crossover SUV (D-segment) produced by German manufacturer Porsche, a luxury car marque of Volkswagen Group, since February 2014. It is the smallest SUV from Porsche below the Cayenne.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Porsche Macan years
We have researched Porsche problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Porsche Macan cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Porsche Macan model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Porsche Macan model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Porsche Macan years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Porsche Macan car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Porsche Macan , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Air bags problems
- Service brakes problems
- Steering problems
- Engine problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Porsche Macan vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Macan model years
A total of 8 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Macan model years
There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Macan model years
There were a total of 4 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 127 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Porsche Macan . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Porsche Macan vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Porsche Macan 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-26
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: WP1AF2A58PL
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Brakes slammed on and hard left turn initiated. Collision warning light flashed. There was nothing in front of me. Action caused an artery to tear in my lung. Hospitalized with life threating injury. Car had recently received 1st year service. Called dealer service manager to report failure, he said the car could not do this. Car has not been inspected at this time. Lawyer advised not to drive car, but also said his team had no equipment to review failure, needed to be taken to dealer who would probably not work with him. There are many of these failures on the internet, Also have friends how have had similar issues multiple times. How do i proceed?
Porsche Macan 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: WP1AA2A54NL
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I was driving the car and warning light “possible R gear fault-driving permitted” came on. While driving on a highway at 50 mph, gear shift started malfunctioning and oscillating between 2nd and 4th gears and I could not change the gears. I lost control of the car speed and it would drop to 25-30mph even if I stepped on the gas pedal. It felt like the car would come to a complete standstill on a highway with other cars driving around me at 50-60+ mph. I had my car towed to Porsche dealership. They spent 2 weeks at the dealership and said that they have replaced a transmission valve body. They told me to take the car back. Based on suddenly losing the control of the car speed on a highway, I did not feel safe to put the car back on the road. Porsche company offered money to cover rental car cost but refused to repurchase the car and provide me with another lease car. Although they were not sure whether this incident could recur and I told them that, for the safety of myself and other drivers, this car should not be placed back on the road. There are several Porsche owner forums which reported multiple identical incidents but both dealership and Porsche company were ignoring the owners’ concerns and putting the problem under a rug. This is a serious manufacturer defect and Porsche cars are known to have these transmission issues but no recall has been made to address such significant safety issues that may cause multi-vehicle accidents. They are also refusing to issue a statement that they would be fully liable if a similar transmission failure recurs and results in accidents that could potentially endanger the drivers involved. I would be happy to provide the car for inspection.
Porsche Macan 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WP1AA2A54PL
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I was pulling into a parking space going 3-5 mph when the car suddenly accelerated, jumped the curb and wouldn't stop. Yes, available for inspection 2. Car wouldn't stop- heading into a storefront with people outside 3. Not yet 4. Yes, dealer and pending with insurance rep 5. None
Porsche Macan 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-04
- VIN: WP1AG2A52HL
- Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Not in a crash, but the leather on the dashboard is peeling off and airbags may not deploy properly because of it. I think this is a safety concern if not addressed early. Leather on dashboard is peeling off due to poor manufacturing.
Porsche Macan 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-28
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-18
- VIN: WP1AG2A57JL
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: OIl leak from "Brocken aluminum bolts" that do not hold up and are failing to hold up from basic car use. A safety recall on this manufacturing parts issue should have been mandatory back in 2015. When this issue started and Macan 2015-2022 all have this issue and are now been replaced with steel bolts. It is costing consumers $2000-$8000 in repairs do the safety issues of bad manufacturing of bolts used . [XXX] Sounds similar to the fiasco with the 958.1 gen Cayenne V8s using aluminum bolts for the Variocam adjusters in the engine which eventually resulted in a NHTSA mandated recall due to the bolt heads sometimes shearing off and causing all sorts of nastiness (my Cayenne Turbo had this recall). Of course the Cayenne's instance of using inappropriate aluminum bolts/fasteners resulted in much more serious consequences \than a just slow oil leak/seepage as is the case as its not been totally documented with the Macan V6s yet , but not good in either case.
should have recalled on all V6 MACANS also! A partial repair was done by Porsche in Sep 2023 and in [XXX] I have another oil leak from another aluminum bolt breakage . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Porsche Macan 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-02
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-30
- VIN: WP1AB2A5XFL
- Components: STEERING,AIR BAGS
- Summary: Steering wheel feels loose. able to wiggle the wheel top to bottom and side to side at leas 1/4-1/2 inch of play. According to research on the internet dues to a possible broken plastic bushing in the steering column [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Porsche Macan 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-25
- VIN: WP1AA2A58JL
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 265/45ZR20 104Y Tire shop has been unable to balance tire since there's a defect with the brand new tire itself. Vehicle vibrates excessively at highway speeds, feels unsafe to drive. I've reached out to vendor for tire replacement and hasn't made an effort to replace tire in a timely manner. I use my vehicle everyday. Tires were purchased from tireagent.com
Porsche Macan 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-24
- VIN: WP1AF2A53HL
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: The fuel flange failed causing gas to leak from the vehicle and subsequent fumes from the gasoline leaking. The part was recalled by Porsche and repaired, however Porsche was not able to tell me when the repair was done, what was done nor where it was done. I paid out of pocket for the same failure to be fixed, meaning their previous covered repair either was never completed, or Porsche's solution was put a band-aid on the problem instead of a complete fix. Keep in mind, the car was parked in my garage that filled with the stench of gas (which explodes in high pressure or a spark). I have paid for the repair and it still smells of gas. This is a safety issue of possible fire/explosion due to fumes/gas that leaks due to a failure of the flange.
Porsche Macan 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-28
- VIN: WP1AB2A55JL
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The leather on the dash board shrunk and the glue failed allowing the leather to buckel and block the passenger air bag top of the dash board. Porsche knows if this and refused to repair except at my costof $9,000. Also the flap of rhe dash block visibility forward
Porsche Macan 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-17
- VIN: WP1AF2A57LL
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: the rear view (and front and side) cameras work intermittently. This makes parking very difficult and when backing out of the driveway you cannot see if there is an object in the vehicle's path. Issue started several months ago and has been getting progressively worse (more frequent). Have noted that other owners have same issue reported on various forums.
Porsche Macan 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-03
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-10
- VIN: WP1AF2A55HL
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: When reversing the transfer case has failed causing it to lurch uncontrollably. also when driving at slow speeds in first gear it stumbles causing erratic driving. This has failed on a number of cars and the extended warranty is not long enough to cover cars that are always failing
Porsche Macan 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-21
- VIN: WP1AA2A56HL
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Fuel pump flange crack. It was a recall for 2015-2018 base model. My car is currently leaking fuel from that area
Porsche Macan 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-06
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-21
- VIN: WP1AB2A58ML
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The sunroof exploded outward as I was driving alone on the road. It was a loud bang and sounded like a gun shot. It scared me and I swerved. Luckily, I did not crash, and the sun visor was closed otherwise, the glass would have fell on me and possibly into my face and eyes - very dangerous! The dealer claimed that a rock probably hit it, but there was no rock that hit my sunroof and the glass blew outward - see attached pics. The sunroof was eventually repaired by the Porsche dealer and paid by my insurance with my deductible. No warning at all. It just blew out! Please check if there is a design flaw with the type of glass used which could affect the structural integrity of the glass with temperature changes and pressure created when opening and closing the doors of the vehicle. The Porsche dealer claimed that they were not accountable, yet I did absolutely nothing to cause this to happen. My insurance has gone up and I lost a lot of time dealing with this.
Porsche Macan 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-19
- VIN: WP1AB2A5XKL
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Failure of the front passenger side seat sensor failed causing the passenger seat belt to not be activated. Seems exactly like the 2015to 2018 recall.
Porsche Macan 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-09
- VIN: WP1AF2A55HL
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The front passenger seat occupancy sensor mat degraded and fails to detect a passenger in the front seat.
Latest 5 recalls Porsche Macan
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 18 recalls for different components of the Porsche Macan.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Porsche Macan 2017
- Report Received Date: 2023-06-26
- Manufacturer: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Macan S, 2017-2020 Macan, 2017 Panamera Turbo, 2018 and 2020 Macan Turbo and Panamera 4, 2018 Macan Sport Edition, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, and 2019 Panamera 4 Sport Turismo vehicles. The screw that attaches the lower seat belt anchor to the seat frame on the outboard rear seats may not have been tightened properly.
- Consequence: An improperly tightened seat belt anchor can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace and tighten the lower rear outboard seat belt anchor screws, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2023. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is APA9.
- Model: Porsche Macan 2018
- Report Received Date: 2023-06-26
- Manufacturer: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Macan S, 2017-2020 Macan, 2017 Panamera Turbo, 2018 and 2020 Macan Turbo and Panamera 4, 2018 Macan Sport Edition, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, and 2019 Panamera 4 Sport Turismo vehicles. The screw that attaches the lower seat belt anchor to the seat frame on the outboard rear seats may not have been tightened properly.
- Consequence: An improperly tightened seat belt anchor can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace and tighten the lower rear outboard seat belt anchor screws, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2023. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is APA9.
- Model: Porsche Macan 2019
- Report Received Date: 2023-06-26
- Manufacturer: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Macan S, 2017-2020 Macan, 2017 Panamera Turbo, 2018 and 2020 Macan Turbo and Panamera 4, 2018 Macan Sport Edition, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, and 2019 Panamera 4 Sport Turismo vehicles. The screw that attaches the lower seat belt anchor to the seat frame on the outboard rear seats may not have been tightened properly.
- Consequence: An improperly tightened seat belt anchor can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace and tighten the lower rear outboard seat belt anchor screws, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2023. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is APA9.
- Model: Porsche Macan 2020
- Report Received Date: 2023-06-26
- Manufacturer: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Macan S, 2017-2020 Macan, 2017 Panamera Turbo, 2018 and 2020 Macan Turbo and Panamera 4, 2018 Macan Sport Edition, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, and 2019 Panamera 4 Sport Turismo vehicles. The screw that attaches the lower seat belt anchor to the seat frame on the outboard rear seats may not have been tightened properly.
- Consequence: An improperly tightened seat belt anchor can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace and tighten the lower rear outboard seat belt anchor screws, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2023. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is APA9.
- Model: Porsche Macan 2020
- Report Received Date: 2022-08-30
- Manufacturer: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2020 Porsche Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, and Cayman S, 2001-2004 Boxster, Boxster S, 2004 Boxster 50 JAHRE SPYDER 550 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all affected models and model years. The caps that cover the low-beam headlight horizontal adjustment screws are missing, which can allow the headlights to be improperly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Consequence: Improperly adjusted headlights may not illuminate the road properly, or cause a glare to oncoming drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the headlights for sealing caps and install missing caps as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ANB4.
Latest negative Porsche Macan car reviews
Latest positive Porsche Macan car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2018
I purchased this vehicle in October 2015 and have primarily used it for highway driving and touring with a couple of golden retrievers. Although the Macan is a sports car with a hatch, it can easily handle a girlfriend (if she's low maintenance) and a couple of 70lb pups. The interior is top-notch, and the base hi-fi is just fine. Bluetooth and music (iPod) connectivity are flawless. When it comes to the seats, I recommend going for the middle package (Premium package) and sticking with 19-inch tires. The 20-inch tires may look cool, but they wear faster and add to the cost, in my opinion. I also chose the sunroof and rails. As for the ride, the car handles like a well-behaved sports car (I also have a 997 C2S and 996 GT3) and can get you in trouble when going from 70 to 100 in a flash... it's effortless. Although I also have an X5 and two X3's in the stable (kids and dog/beach mobile), they're great trucks... the Macan is not that. I would definitely buy it again when this one hits 150k and I give it to my daughter...
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Vehicle year: 2020
I'm so glad to hear that you've added a Macan GTS to your collection! It's amazing how well it handles and the mileage is impressive too. And when you put it in sport plus mode, it's hard to find anything that can keep up with it on the road.
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Vehicle year: 2019
I've owned the Macan for 6 months and just finished a 2500 mile West Coast road trip. The winding 2 lane roads through the redwoods were just as much fun as the long, flat, 'see for 50 miles in all directions', desert roads. I must say, the vehicle is an absolute blast to drive! Our average speed was 70 MPH and we managed to get a fuel mileage of 22 MPG for the trip. Although the Macan has a much smaller storage capacity than my previous Cayenne S with 120,000 miles, it is 100% more fun to drive. The fit and finish of the vehicle is of the highest quality.
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Vehicle year: 2016
Not only does the car look absolutely fabulous, but it handles and drives like a Porsche. The interior looks like the cockpit of an aircraft. We bought this car because a neighbor who is a car buff said it was the best car he has ever owned; he was spot on!
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Vehicle year: 2016
The Macan is a fantastic car in almost every aspect. While the purchase price may be high, it's worth it. However, routine maintenance costs can be a bit of a disappointment. For example, an oil change at the dealership can cost over $400, but if you shop around for a good repair shop, you can bring that cost down to about $250. The 30K maintenance at that same independent shop was $840. If you equip it with the optional 20 or 21
Are you having problems with your Porsche Macan?
Dagmar Dibbert 2025-04-06
Vehicle year: 2016
The transmission failed at 22k, resulting in poor sound quality. Despite purchasing a new hood, it was clear that it had been painted. As a result, I made the decision to sell the vehicle back to the dealer.
Omari Wilderman 2025-03-15
Vehicle year: 2022
Just a friendly heads up, I wanted to share my experience with our Macan. We've had some issues with it and have had to take it to the dealer a few times. If you're considering buying one, I would recommend getting an extended warranty and trading it in before the warranty expires. I noticed some cheap plastic components under the hood which was a bit disappointing. Just wanted to share our experience, but of course, everyone's experience may differ!
Merritt Marks 2025-03-11
Vehicle year: 2015
My experience with this car has been unfortunate. Every major system has failed and Porsche has refused to replace it. However, I am confident that the problem can be solved with the right approach. I believe that Porsche has the expertise to fix the issue and I am looking forward to working with them to find a solution. While the customer service has not been up to my expectations, I am confident that we can work together to resolve this issue.
Andy Barrows 2025-01-27
Vehicle year: 2016
I have owned my 2015 Macan S since new and it has been a great car. However, it has been at the dealer for almost 6 weeks now due to a known issue with the transfer case. Porsche has extended the warranty on Macans for 7 years, which is great, but unfortunately, my car has needed 3 transfer case replacements already. The latest replacement cost me $3,200, which was unexpected. Although Porsche has not covered the costs of the repeated repairs on the same part, I still believe that they make great cars. I understand that sometimes issues arise, but I wish Porsche would acknowledge the problem and work with their customers to find a solution. I have also had some issues with the coding of the modules in my car, which has been frustrating. Despite these issues, I still think that Porsche makes a great car and I would recommend getting an extended warranty for as long as you plan to own it. I hope that Porsche will continue to improve their quality and customer service in the future.
Mose Kuphal 2025-01-20
Vehicle year: 2019
I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share my experience with the car. Overall, it's a good car and we purchased it in Florida where the roads are smooth. The ride was smooth and enjoyable. However, when we returned to Wisconsin, where the roads are rough, we noticed that the ride was quite noisy and rough. The suspension transferred the road imperfections sharply, which made the ride less comfortable. Although it's not as forgiving as some other cars, it has a sporty feel to it. We also own a 2018 BMW X3, which has a much smoother ride. While I'm not completely dissatisfied with the Mecan S, I prefer to drive the Bimmer 10 out of 10 times. Thank you for listening to my experience!