54 of the
304 complaints filed about the Porsche Macan
are about the airbag system —
18% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2017.
The dashboard has a clear outline of the passenger side airbag and the seam is ripping which is the structural/interior area. I took it to Porsche on June 24, 2026 and they are replacing the dashboard as of today August 17, 2026 they are telling me the dashboard will be here September 28, 2026. They are also claiming this isn't a safety issue. When it clearly is. This appears to the same issue as the 2022–2023 Porsche 911 dashboard/airbag recall (NHTSA campaign ANB7) involving the exact same core issue: the adhesive bonding between the leather dashboard cover and the passenger airbag lid/chute. I have told them I am not taking the car back until the new dashboard arrives as I do not feel safe. They don't seem happy about that response.
NHTSA complaint #11757479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Air bag light turns to "off" despite passenger sitting in seat. Took car to dealer (Bill Pearce Motors) who "verified customers concern" and "found fault present for passenger seat mat resistance to high" with a recommendation to replace "seat mat and module." This is at our expense (quote of $3700) and two trips to the dealer, being charged diagnostic fee each time. It is noted that a previous recall exists for this issue, however, it did not cover this vehicle. NHTSA ID 21V-131
NHTSA complaint #11721323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My airbag light has remained on, uninterrupted, for over about one month now. I had the fault code read by an independent shop and they informed me that the fault was the occupant sensor for the passenger seat (BodySense front passenger seat occupancy sensor mat). They also informed me that this was the subject of a recall. Recall 17V-133/AMA2. I contacted a Porsche dealer as to the problem, made an appointment and took the car to the dealer. The dealer informed me that the recall on this part had already been completed. I expressed my concern that the recalled part obviously failed again, but the dealer indicated that corporate would not allow them to replace it again under the prior recall. I then filed a claim with Porsche NA. After weeks of back and forth with Porsche NA, they denied my claim, despite the fact that a previously recalled part had failed again. Performing some investigation since, I have learned that I am not alone and that the previously recalled Generation 1 seat occupancy sensor mat was replaced with a generation 2 mat, but that those were also failing. In fact, in January 2021 Porsche investigated this matter and did conduct another recall in February of 2021. However, for whatever reason my car was not part of that recall, though it suffers the same issue as to the failure of the Generation 2 mat. Any assistance you are able to provide is appreciated. Thank you. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11704555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There was a recall on the passenger sideair bag sensor for previous years but the issue is still occurring in my 2021 Porsche macan turbo. The error code reports a faulty air bag sensor. The recall should be extended to later year models. Thank you
NHTSA complaint #11691471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dashboard has an issue where staples have come out, I am told this may impact the air bags in an accident. Dealer recommended selling the car. This is recurring issue that is very common.
NHTSA complaint #11672654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
On [XXX] at around 6pm the AIRBAG light displayed in instrument cluster and remained steady after vehicle was placed in motion. I called my nearest service dealer at Porsche Carlsbad and they ran a vehicle diagnosis using their scanning tool. The finding was that the Front Passenger Seat Occupancy Sensor / Module was defective and needs replacement. The dealer also said that a recall had been issued (for which my vehicle's VIN was not listed). I called Porsche Company North America and they said my VIN was not part of that campaign to fix this issue, but I feel that this recall related to vehicle safety should have included my vehicle since it was within the make/model/year and trim of those included in the recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11628935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11612699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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)
NHTSA complaint #11605486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
airbag light comes on and off intermittently I am aware there were some problems with the airbag sensor that year and recalls for other models, not my vin, I have called and confirmed there are none for mine. seems to act up more after or while I have a passenger so I suspect (almost positive) this is for the passenger airbag. also when I have a passenger the amber indicator that says airbag on off will randomly switch to off and I'll get the dash light. this makes me think its the airbag weight sensor pad that deteriorates easily that other cars had a recall for but not mine. no water was spilled on the seat before it started acting up the way it has been. as well, the engine motor mounts have a tendency to break fairly easily and fast causing vibrations and possible safety issues.
NHTSA complaint #11577431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The airbag light came on in the vehicle. We took it into the dealership, they said we need a passenger airbag sensor mat and seat cushion for the passenger seat airbag system. This item was recalled in 2018 Porche Macon NHTSA Campain ID 21V131000/Recall AMA2. Porche said since our VIN was not included in the recall we have to pay to fix it. They said the only way to get our VIN added was to contact NHTSA. The quote to fix an item that has been recalled was over $1,800. It doesn't seem fair to have to pay for something that has been recalled for this car and is known to be defective. The vehicle is ready for inspection anytime. The passenger safety is at risk as defined by the recall. "The air bag will not deploy during a crash if a front passenger is undetected, increasing the risk or injury." The problem first appeared last year around May 2023 and it took a while to get an appointment at the dealership. I was not aware of this recall until today when I did a Kelly Blue Book value on the vehicle. I just called Porche and they said there is nothing they can do and to contact NHTSA to get our VIN added to the recall list. Attached is the repair estimate from the Porche dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11573773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The passenger airbag light always indicates that no one is sitting in the passenger seat even when it is occupied. This is apparently the same issue other 2018 Porsche Macan's have had but for some reason my car is not included. This is the same as the AMA2 airbag/SRS Fault - DTC B102204. recall.
NHTSA complaint #11570051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car sensor showed collision happening, without any external car onsite on a highway. And after pulling the car onto a safe place on the shoulder, upon hitting park gear the side rail airbags deployed. No accident happened to the car but airbags deployed unprovoked causing neck and face injuries to driver. Diagnostic report showed no damage to externally or undercarriage damage, with airbags deploying 18sec after sensor malfunction
NHTSA complaint #11567819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own a 2018 Macan GTS and the passenger airbag sensor was defective. My VIN was not covered by the NHTSA’s recall (21V131000) thought it is the same part that was defective and is the same make/model/year. I have submitted a request to Porsche for reimbursement for the repair, but they have denied my request without explanation.
NHTSA complaint #11558577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.