Owners have filed 31 complaints
about the 2016 Porsche Macan with NHTSA between 2018 and 2025.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 9 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 49
Against the median year of the Porsche Macan. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
562.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
112.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
225.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2018peak 3Nov 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2016 Porsche Macan
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Recalls on the 2016 Porsche Macan
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
20V077000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Macan vehicles. The fuel pump service cover may contact the flow nozzle on the filter flange of the fuel pump, potentially causing cracks and a fuel leak.
Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202248758,856 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Issue: On certain vehicles, covers were not installed over the horizontal headlamp adjusters. As a result, the headlamps may be adjusted horizontally. Canadian regulations do not allow for horizontal headlamp adjustment unless the vehicle is equipped with a built-in aiming device. Safety Risk: Headlamps that are not properly adjusted could cause reduced visibility or glare for oncoming drivers, and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Porsche will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to install caps over the headlamp adjustment screws.
Recall 20211136,082 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, the front passenger seat occupant sensor mat could stop working over time. This could cause the airbag system to turn off the passenger-front airbag even when a passenger is seated. Note: The airbag warning light or passenger airbag OFF light will turn on if the sensor mat stops working. Safety Risk: An airbag that is turned off could increase the risk of injury to a passenger in a crash. Corrective Actions: Porsche will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the front passenger seat cushion and occupant sensor mat.
Recall 202005411,349 units in Canada
Fuel System
Issue: Over time, small cracks could develop in the fuel pump outlet. If this happens, there could be a fuel odour or fuel leak under the rear seat area. Safety Risk: A fuel leak can create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Porsche will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the fuel pump service cover. The fuel filter flanges will be inspected, and replaced if any cracks are found.
Recall 201919233,832 units in Canada
Label
Issue: Certain wheels were made without a marking that is required by Canadian regulations. Safety Risk: This small error does not affect safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. The company has made changes to include the required marking on all new parts.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Glassboro, NJ
ENGINE
Y shaped plastic Coolant line cracks and leaks do to manufactures poor choice of materials! Resulting in engine overheating, and sever loss of coolant! Spraying entire engine compartment under hood white dried up coolant over spay spots with empty coolant reservoir and no heat. You would think that line would be made from an aluminum as it beads to with stand high heat temperatures from being against and engine.
NHTSA complaint #11698440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shawnee, KS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Oil leak from Timming Cover, make oil smoking burn strong smell in to the cabin. My kids feel not good when breathing evrytime when they on the car.
NHTSA complaint #11691666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenwich, CT
ENGINE
Coolant Y pipe leak
NHTSA complaint #11680970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
STEERING
The steering felt loose as if the car can loose control
NHTSA complaint #11673849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
SUSPENSION
The steering felt loose as if the car can loose control
NHTSA complaint #11673849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The steering felt loose as if the car can loose control
NHTSA complaint #11673849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Northport, NY
AIR BAGS
Porsche dashboard leather shrunk and staples pulled out. I was told that if the vehicle was in an accident the airbag might not deploy correctly. The Porsche dealer said it needs replacing. This is a VERY COMMON issue and Porsche is not recalling to fix. Please investigate and make Porsche correct this serious issue. Thank You
NHTSA complaint #11659916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma City, OK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Vehicle speeds up and breaks uncontrollably. When stopped it displays several codes on the dashboard 1) power steering fail, increased effort, driving permitted, 2) GRA/ACC fault driving permitted 3) faulty windshield wipers No fault codes are found with a code reader.
NHTSA complaint #11620491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma City, OK
STEERING
Vehicle speeds up and breaks uncontrollably. When stopped it displays several codes on the dashboard 1) power steering fail, increased effort, driving permitted, 2) GRA/ACC fault driving permitted 3) faulty windshield wipers No fault codes are found with a code reader.
NHTSA complaint #11620491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma City, OK
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Vehicle speeds up and breaks uncontrollably. When stopped it displays several codes on the dashboard 1) power steering fail, increased effort, driving permitted, 2) GRA/ACC fault driving permitted 3) faulty windshield wipers No fault codes are found with a code reader.
NHTSA complaint #11620491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockville, MD
AIR BAGS
My Porsche Service Center advised that the front passenger airbag sensor of my 2016 Porsche Macan Turbo is not functioning properly. The identified fault was: Airbag (variant 002) B12251B "Seat occupancy sensor on passenger side (BOSE) - resistance too high" I have been advised that NHTSA has issued two recalls on this problem. My Porsche Service Center has advised that the originally installed passenger side occupancy sensor was replaced pursuant to one of the recalls. Despite the same problem affecting the presently installed passenger side occupancy sensor, my Porsche Service Center has advised that it is not subject to a recall. It has proposed repairing the sensor at a cost to me of $3,124.23. I believe that the repair should be conducted under the terms of the prior recalls, since the presently installed passenger side occupancy sensor is clearly defective.
NHTSA complaint #11597013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lithia, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
Front brake hoses rub between the steering knuckle and the suspension fork resulting in hose rupture and brake failure. Wear on the hose is visible on both sides.
NHTSA complaint #11532435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairfax, VA
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2016 Porsche Macan. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V131000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11508784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cave Creek, AZ
STEERING
My 2016 Porsche Macan Turbo steering column failed w/o warning at 7 years & 39,000 miles. November 2022. Porsche Dealer told me car is not safe to drive with steering column able to move up & down. So, I had to pay to have it towed to the dealer. PCNA denied Goodwill coverage of this manufacturing defect! The Service Manager offered to cover 50% & I accepted this offer. So, I had to pay out of pocket $1,643.50. It is not normal for steering columns to fail. The Porsche shop foreman said he has never seen this. Steering columns should last the life of the car.
NHTSA complaint #11497891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake line has ruptured and complete failure of brakes. This is due to faulty rubber securing grommet that has become detached from the brake line, allowing the line to rub against the strut tower. Your driver front brake line has ruptured, and your passenger brake line is wearing thin and likely to follow suit and rupture soon.
NHTSA complaint #11495307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fillmore, CA
SEATS
I need to replace or dismiss this so i can list my car on turo.
NHTSA complaint #11452771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fillmore, CA
AIR BAGS
I need to replace or dismiss this so i can list my car on turo.
NHTSA complaint #11452771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklin, TN
AIR BAGS
A SAFETY RECALL NHTSA ID 21V-131 WAS ISSUED FOR OUR VEHICLE IN OCTOBER 2021 INVOLVING AIRBAG SENSORS FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO HAVE THE DEALER ADDRESS THIS RECALL HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL AS THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO REMEDY THE ISSUE. THE LAST COMMUNICATION WITH THE DEALERSHIP INDICATES PORSCHE HAS PUT A HOLD ON THE REMEDY. WE ARE OBVIOUSLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THOSE RIDING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT.
NHTSA complaint #11447024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
AIR BAGS
A recall was issued for my vehicle in April of 2021. I have contacted my dealer several times to have this repaired, but have been told that the parts are not available. Last time I inquired, i was told to contact Porsche of North America directly regarding the availability of parts. I attempted to do so, but was told that I need to contact the dealer. As the recall relates to possible non-deployment of the passenger airbag, i feel that this issue needs to be addressed more expediently.
NHTSA complaint #11434180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Agoura Hills, CA
AIR BAGS
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2016 Porsche Macan. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V131000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11429621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,000 milesLansing, MI
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 PORSCHE MACAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 49,000.
NHTSA complaint #11390945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,500 milesMerrick, NY
AIR BAGS
I WAS INFORMED AT MY LAST SERVICE THAT I NEED TO HAVE MY PASSENGER AIRBAG SEAT SENSOR REPLACED AND ALSO MY TIMING CHAIN COVER IS LEAKING OIL. I NOTICED ON NHTSA WEBSITE THAT BOTH OF THESE ISSUES ARE DOCUMENTED. THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL FOR SIMILAR 2016 MACAN'S BUT MY VIN ISN'T LISTED. PART 573 SAFETY RECALL REPORT 17V-133. THERE IS ALSO A MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION (#D2000.1)RELATING TO THE OIL LEAK. NHTSA ID # 10182254. THESE ARE VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS AND UNCLEAR WHY THEY SHOULDN'T BE COVERED BY PORSCHE WHEN THEY ARE DOCUMENTED PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #11388915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,500 milesMerrick, NY
ENGINE
I WAS INFORMED AT MY LAST SERVICE THAT I NEED TO HAVE MY PASSENGER AIRBAG SEAT SENSOR REPLACED AND ALSO MY TIMING CHAIN COVER IS LEAKING OIL. I NOTICED ON NHTSA WEBSITE THAT BOTH OF THESE ISSUES ARE DOCUMENTED. THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL FOR SIMILAR 2016 MACAN'S BUT MY VIN ISN'T LISTED. PART 573 SAFETY RECALL REPORT 17V-133. THERE IS ALSO A MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION (#D2000.1)RELATING TO THE OIL LEAK. NHTSA ID # 10182254. THESE ARE VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS AND UNCLEAR WHY THEY SHOULDN'T BE COVERED BY PORSCHE WHEN THEY ARE DOCUMENTED PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #11388915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Voorhees, NJ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEADLIGHT LENSES ARE GETTING THOUSANDS OF SPIDER TYPE CRACKS ALL OVER THE LENSES, DIMINISHING HEADLAMP LIGHT OUTPUT. CAR IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD WITH 39,750 MILES. MANY OWNERS HAVING SAME ISSUE. PICTURES DO NOT SHOW THAT THE LENSE BECOMES 'WHITISH' DUE TO FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #11365559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,200 milesLOS Angeles, CA
SEAT BELTS
THE PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR MAT HAS FAILED AT 48K MILES. TAKEN TO DEALER THEY SAID IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS PART HAS BEEN RECALLED ON OTHER MACANS OF THIS YEAR, BUT THIS VIN IS NOT LISTED IN THE RECALL. RECALL # 17V133.
NHTSA complaint #11364300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.