2020 Porsche Macan problems

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2020 Porsche Macan

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Common 2020 Porsche Macan problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 2020 Porsche Macan, several common problems have been identified:

  • Porsche Communication Management (PCM) Issues:
    • Many owners have experienced problems with the PCM system, including random restarts, map loading issues, language problems, and screen malfunctions. The PCM3.1 system, in particular, has been a common source of complaints, with software updates potentially causing instability in its operation.
  • Passenger Side Mirror Fault:
    • Some owners have noted that the passenger side mirror does not adjust correctly when shifting into reverse gear. Instead of aiming downward towards the curb, it may turn upward, obstructing the driver's view and potentially causing safety concerns. Porsche has released a software revision to address this issue.
  • Back-Up Camera Issues:
    • Complaints have been raised about the back-up camera being blurry and out of focus, hindering the driver's ability to see clearly while reversing. This issue has sparked debates online, with some suggesting upgrades or third-party solutions to improve camera quality.
  • PDK Transmission Failure:
    • Owners have reported problems with the PDK transmission, including failure lights, rough gear changes, transmission faults, and emergency warnings on the dashboard. The PDK transmission, known for its performance, can experience issues with the electronic and hydraulic clutch sections, leading to operational issues and potential failures.

These common problems with the 2020 Porsche Macan highlight various mechanical and technical issues that owners have encountered. Addressing these issues promptly and through proper maintenance can help ensure the optimal performance and safety of the vehicle.

2020 Porsche Macan engine

What is the common problem with Porsche Macan?

The Macan's most common issues were cited as non-engine electrics and these accounted for 9.9% of issues. Bodywork issues racked up 5.6% of complaints, while 2.8% related to interior trim and another 2.8% to suspension.

Is 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.

Is Porsche Macan a reliable SUV?

J.D. Power – Reliability: The 2024 Macan boasts a predicted reliability score of 84 out of 100, placing it firmly in the “Great” category. This score surpasses the segment average and even outshines many mainstream SUVs.

Is Porsche Macan fuel efficient?

2022 Porsche Macan: Up to 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. 2022 Porsche Macan S: Up to 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.

2020 Porsche Macan car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Porsche Macan problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Back over prevention problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Fuel/propulsion system problems
  • Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2020 Porsche Macan vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2020 Porsche Macan complaints

The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Porsche Macan.

2024-06-17

BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-03-01
  • 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.
2023-09-18

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-09-16
  • VIN: WP1AA2A57LL
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: As I was stepping on the accelerator, I heard two pops and somehow the car lost its torque/pull. Check engine light came on. Went to the dealership and they said the high pressure fuel pump is broken and it cracked. There seems to be a recall for 2015 to 2018 models, but not 2020 models. My car only has 13000 miles too. Safety wise, I felt endangered since the car couldn't accelerate properly.
2023-05-30

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-03-30
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Porsche Macan. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and depressing on the brake pedal, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the issue was due to wear and tear on the rotors and brake pads. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated the brakes and rotors were not under warranty. The failure mileage was 20,000. The VIN was not available.
2023-03-07

STRUCTURE,AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-03-07
  • VIN: WP1AA2A59LL
  • Components: STRUCTURE,AIR BAGS
  • Summary: A terrible drain design that has plugged drains emptying rain water into the car. The water from rear drain will fill into then Battery & Sub woofer compartment under under the spare. The drains are not easy to access for cleaning either. you have to be pulling off wheel liners and yanking/cleaning the plugs just so my car doesn’t flood itself. Porsche should modify the plugs so water does not flood into the car. This water damaged caused over $6,500 worth of damage. The main factor is the Airbag Sensors were faulted by the water damage. Might have effects the Airbag function if I was in an accident. That is what scares me
2022-11-15

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-10-01
  • VIN: WP1AA2A55LL
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: MY 2020 PORSCHE MACAN FROM DELIVERY NEW ON 10/2/2020 HAS EXPERIENCED FAILURE OF BACK-UP CAMERA SYSTEM (A DOT REQUIRED PIECE OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT). MANY TRIPS TO DEALER, BEING TOLD IT IS SOFTWARE PROBLEM AND I SHOULD JUST WAIT A FEW YEARS FOR A FIX AS PORSCHE HAS NONE AND REFUSES TO SPEND ANYTHING TO MAKE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT. I AM AWARE OF OTHER SIMILAR VEHICLES WITH SAME PROBLEM WHEREIN PORSCHE IS NOT DOING A FIX, BUT TELING OWNERE TO WAIT A COUPLE OF YEARS! SOMETIMES HITTING REAR BUMPER WITH SOFT MALLET RESTARTS CAMERA!!!
2022-10-25

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-10-24
  • VIN: wp1aa2a5xll
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: The 2020 Macan developed extreme shakes with 14,000 miles. I had to replace rear brakes and rotors at 14,000 and fronts brakes and rotors at 21,000 at a cost of $3,000.00. Porsche has denied payment for these defective parts. They should recall and fix this ridiculous brake and rotor failures before someone is killed.
2022-04-11

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-01-13
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Porsche Macan equipped with Continental Tires, Tires Line: ContiSportContact, Tire Sizes: 265/40/R21, DOT Number: HW43D3JM4320 and 295/35/R21, DOT Number: HW7DD3JK4820. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-35 MPH, the front passenger's side and the rear passenger's side tires experienced blowouts, causing the vehicle to spin out. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and a diagnostic report was sent to the manufacturer. The manufacturer sent a letter to the contact, stating that the tires experienced impact damage on the sidewall, which caused the tire blowouts overtime; therefore, they could not assist. The contact stated that the tires were brand new replacement equipment. The tires were not replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure and she had previously replaced tires 8 to 10 times. The tire failure mileage was unknown. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 18,000. VIN was not available
2022-02-18

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-10-12
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: WP1AA2A54LL
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: I was involved in an accident October 12, 2021 in which the passenger side of my car was hit. The damage was from the front passenger door to the rear bumper. The total damage to date 02/18/2022 is approximately $25K. In the incident - not one single air bag deployed. I suffered a concussion as I hit my head upon impact. I reported the incident directly to Porsche within 2 weeks of the accident. I was transparent with all information and provided all requested documents to Porsche. However, I was advised in December that their engineers weren't able to inspect the airbags and the car worked as it was supposed to in the accident. Strangely enough - I am still waiting as of today 02/18/2022 for my car repairs to be completed by the body shop. So there was ample time for Porsche to inspect the airbag system - 4 months to be exact. Porsche touts it's safety as a top selling feature and I am yet to receive a resolution to the incident of the airbags not deploying during the accident.
2021-12-19

BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-12-18
  • VIN: WP1AA2A59LL
  • Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
  • Summary: Rear back up camera distortion makes it virtually unusable and like unsafe. Porsche is aware of the issue as it is disclosed on their legal notice at https://www.porsche.com/usa/legal-notice/
2020-12-08

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-12-01
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: WP1AG2A52LL
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2020 PORSCHE MACAN GTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED OVERNIGHT, THEY HAD RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD COMPLETELY BURNED DOWN. THE CONTACT HAD CONTACTED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, DUE TO THE VEHICLE STILL SMOLDERING. THE FIRE HAD ALREADY DISSIPATED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ALONG WITH THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE HAD CONCLUDED THE FIRE HAD STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. A FIRE REPORT WAS MADE. THE VEHICLE DEEMED TOTALED. THE CONTACT CONTACTED THE DEALER (PORSCHE NAPLES 3147 DAVIS BLVD, NAPLES, FL 34104; (239) 227-2800) WHO WERE INFORMED OF THE ISSUE, HOWEVER, NOTHING HAD COME OF IT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE HOWEVER NO ONE HAD REACHED BACK OUT TO THE CONTACT REGARDING THE MATTER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,500.
2020-09-30

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-10-01
  • VIN: WP1AA2A55LL
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: BACK UP CAMERA FAILS INTERMITTENTLY SINCE CAR WAS NEW A YEAR AGO. PORSCHE USA AND DEALER PORSCHE OF SAN DIEGO HAVE REFUSED TO EVEN LOOK INTO PROBLEMS AS I HAVE NOT SUCCEEDED IN BRINGING IT TO DEALER WHEN CAMERA DOESN'T WORK! I HAVE FIXED IT MYSELF TWICE BY HITTING CAMERA ABOVE BUMPER WITH MY HAND. THIS IS DANGEROUS, AND CAR CANNOT SAFELY BE DRIVEN WITHOUT A BACKUP CAMERA. I NOTE FORD IS RECALLING 700000 VEHICLES FOR SIMILAR PROBLEM! WHAT DO I DO? OCCURS WHEN PARKED.

2020 Porsche Macan recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2020 Porsche Macan.

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.
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.

Negative 2020 Porsche Macan car reviews

  1. Johnathon Mraz 2024-10-10

    I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share my experience with the car. Overall, it's a good car. When we purchased it in Florida, the ride was smooth and enjoyable. However, when we returned to Wisconsin, we noticed that the ride was a bit rough and noisy due to the road conditions. The suspension could be a bit more forgiving, but it still has a sporty feel to it. We also have a 2018 BMW X3, and the difference in ride and smoothness is quite noticeable. While I'm not completely dissatisfied with the Mecan S, I do prefer driving the BMW 10 out of 10 times. Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts on the car!

  2. Fernando Stanton 2024-09-20

    My Macon Turbo recently had a complete brake job at 3500 miles. However, I have found that many of the features are not very intuitive or commonsense based. For example, the wipers work poorly in mist, the heat blower is unpowered, and an air vent constantly blows air in your face. Additionally, the Bluetooth is of an archaic design and must be re-set to your phone often, and the seats 'forget' to re-set. The trunk cannot hold golf clubs, and the lane change design is almost fatally dangerous in the Turbo with 20 Pirellis on. The in-lane warning works sporadically, among other inexplicable failures. It takes at least 6 tries to get the electronic outside finger-touch door lock to work. However, this car has one and only one feature that does not drive you angry: it can handle speeds up to 135 on the Pennsylvania Turnpike with almost no effort. The transmission is incredible and the only real reason to buy this car is simply because of that transmission and the experience that you get from it in manual. You can't buy it anywhere else. Because if you could, I would. I would advise caution when considering this car for any other reason than going really fast in a very fat hatchback. As someone who has owned 10 Porsches over 40 years, I can say that this car is not up to par.

  3. Lawrence Buckridge 2024-08-13

    Hello! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my 2020 Porsche Macan that I purchased from Greenwich Porsche on 4/21. Unfortunately, I've been having some trouble with the brakes. They make a loud squealing noise, almost like an 18 wheeler, especially in stop and go traffic. When I reached out to Greenwich and Fairfield Porsche, they told me that this is a common issue with high performance brakes. However, I'm not convinced as none of my friends who own Porsches have ever mentioned this issue, and I haven't read about it in any Porsche writeups. I'm feeling a bit frustrated and concerned for my safety, especially since I paid cash for this vehicle. I'm hoping to find some information or advice on whether this is a common issue with Porsche Macan 2020 brakes or any Porsche brakes in general. Thank you for your help!

  4. Antwan Hermiston 2024-02-06

    I hope you're doing well! I noticed that you mentioned your 2017 Macan GTS had a smoother and more refined ride due to its electronic air suspension. Since there was no GTS available at the time, you decided to go for the 2020 S instead. Living in New York, you've experienced that most roads have a brutally harsh ride quality, but on the highway at high speed, it's a true sports car. It's fast and very well built. Without the GTS suspension, you wouldn't have made the deal or paid much less for the base Macan, not the S.

Positive 2020 Porsche Macan car reviews

  1. Felix Erdman 2025-08-02

    I recently had the pleasure of driving the 2020 Macan S and I must say, it was an absolute joy. The quality of materials used in this vehicle is top-notch and definitely worth the investment. While some of the options may be a bit pricey, you truly get what you pay for. Although I have only owned it for a few weeks, I am excited to see how reliable it will be. The only minor issue I have encountered is with the daytime visibility of the analog tachometer. The grey dial on the S model can make it difficult to read the white numbers, especially when the backlighting is off. However, this is a small complaint in an otherwise fantastic driving experience. Overall, I highly recommend the 2020 Macan S to anyone looking for a high-quality and enjoyable ride.

  2. Philip Williamson 2025-07-28

    I've owned a variety of trucks and performance SUVs in the past, including an Explorer Sport, Edge ST, Jeep SRT, and an X5 45i. However, this Porsche surpasses them all. It has everything I could want and need, from AWD for Northern Winters to heated and cooled seats, premium soft and smooth leather, Apple CarPlay, Bose Sound, sport exhaust, spider wheels, and 18-way power and memory seats. This is one very well-equipped Porsche, and I absolutely love it. Unlike other manufacturers who modify base versions to create performance vehicles, Porsche simply builds Porsches. The car handles every bit as well as my buddy's 911 (he's test driven it and verified), and it's both quiet and comfortable. Even my girlfriend is in love with it and prefers to ride in it over her S5. This machine is incredibly capable, and I can drive it at 130mph with ease. I got mine CPO, which I would definitely recommend because the price can get very steep. However, the CPO warranty is amazing! It's 2 years and unlimited miles on top of whatever warranty is left. I've had zero issues, and it's as reliable as any Lexus on the road. I'm so happy I made this cool decision!

  3. Jon Marquardt 2025-07-26

    If you're looking for a car that offers great performance, handling, and quality of assembly, then it's definitely worth spending a little extra money. The Model S 3.0 L V6 is an absolute pleasure to drive, with an expertly engineered and configured cockpit of gauges, physical switches and knobs that make you feel right at home. The new high resolution 10.2” touch screen is also very responsive and intuitive to use, and comes with a complement of physical buttons as well. Surprisingly, the Model S 3.0 L V6 is more fuel efficient than you might expect. Of course, how you drive will affect mileage greatly, but it’s fairly easy to get about 25 mpg driving at a steady 70-75. The engine exhaust note is rather muted, but if you're looking for a sportier sound, you might want to consider getting the sport exhaust. If you're interested in the premium plus package, it's a great choice and a good starting point. If you choose the 20/21 inch wheels, I would recommend getting the PASM or air suspension. However, if you have 19 inch wheels, the standard steel springs are just fine.

  4. Lloyd McCullough 2025-07-19

    We have owned several vehicles in the past, including Audi A7, Cayenne, Q5, Boxster S, MB SL 550, but this one takes the cake. With over 50,000 miles and only 10,000 miles services, we have had no issues whatsoever. Although service costs can be high, most ordinary maintenance can be found on YouTube. I was able to complete the 40,000 mile service in my garage for about $500, compared to the dealer cost of $1,600. This car is perfect for highway driving and can easily cruise at 80+ MPH all day. In the city, it leaves most cars in the rearview mirror. Overall, this car is a great daily driver that provides a unique and enjoyable experience, unlike any other SUV. However, it's important to note that some options can be quite expensive, so it's best to be cautious!

  5. Ramon Haley 2025-07-14

    I have owned this car for 3 months and driven it for 5k miles as my daily driver to work. There are many pros to this car, including its comfort, ride quality, quietness, speed, amazing handling, ease of getting in and out, and overall fun factor. It can even handle two iPhones simultaneously and the WiFi is good. The initial fit and finish is excellent. However, there are some cons to consider. Some Porsche enthusiasts may look down on the car or assume you are wealthy. The active advanced safety options are not as good as my last car, and there is a bit of a learning curve since Porsche does things differently. It took me a while to learn how to accelerate with turbo lag, but now it's okay. There is also a lack of in-cabin storage, and ordering took me two weeks to figure out. As someone who is into cars, this is my first Porsche, and I now understand why they are so loved. My last car was a nightmare, a Jeep Grand Cherokee that cost about the same as the Macan but I only kept it for 18 months. I didn't want to deal with the same problems, so I went for the top of the quality list this time. If something happens to my Macan, I would definitely order another one. I was given one of the models with a bigger engine as a loaner, but I prefer this little 4-cylinder because it is more nimble and has plenty of acceleration. To the online trolls who told me to buy a Toyota when I asked about daily use questions, I'm glad I didn't listen to you. The

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2020 Porsche Macan problems:

Macan Reliability - Rennlist - Porsche Discussion Forums
Macan Reliability - Rennlist - Porsche Discussion Forums
https://rennlist.com/forums/macan/1337109-macan-reliability.html

Feb 16, 2023 ... All Macans are very reliable. Everything you read online is overstated. Most people go to car forums to see if their recent failure is common ...

Saying goodbye to the Macan S | Porsche Macan Forum
Saying goodbye to the Macan S | Porsche Macan Forum
https://www.macanforum.com/threads/saying-goodbye-to-the-macan-s.178947/

Mar 3, 2021 ... The only two major issues I had were (1) One of the rear suspension air bags developed a leak out of warranty - replaced it myself, about $600; ...

Any common issues with the Porsche Macan Turbo? - Porsche ...
Any common issues with the Porsche Macan Turbo? - Porsche ...
https://www.macanforums.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=9463

Jan 12, 2020 ... There's the issue of the timing chain cover oil leak. ... to the undertray and ultimately drips onto a garage floor. Typically owners, or their ...

[Discussion] Macan common issues? : r/Porsche
[Discussion] Macan common issues? : r/Porsche
https://www.reddit.com/r/Porsche/comments/yuecy6/discussion_macan_common_issues/

Nov 13, 2022 ... Are there any other items to be wary of? Option #1: 2018 Macan GTS - 25k miles - CPO warranty. Option #2: 2020 Macan S - 5k miles - balance of ...

2020 Porsche Macan Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2020 Porsche Macan Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/porsche/macan/2020/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2020 Porsche Macan? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.

Other years of Porsche Macan

porsche macan 2021 photo
Macan 2021
Porsche

5

1

25

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
porsche macan 2022 photo
Macan 2022
Porsche

3

0

29

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
porsche macan 2023 photo
Macan 2023
Porsche

4

0

33

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
porsche macan 2015 photo
Macan 2015
Porsche

20

2

24

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
porsche macan 2016 photo
Macan 2016
Porsche

0

1

36

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
porsche macan 2017 photo
Macan 2017
Porsche

52

6

26

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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