28 of the
304 complaints filed about the Porsche Macan
are about the braking system —
9% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2017.
I drive a leased 2024 Porsche Macan that has been serviced exclusively by Porsche of [XXX]. In May 2026, I brought the vehicle in because the engine was revving/racing while I was driving locally at slow to normal speeds. I also reported that the vehicle initiated sudden collision-avoidance braking when no vehicles or obstacles were present. I was told no problem could be found or replicated. On the morning of XXX while driving about 25–30 mph, the engine again began revving loudly and continued even while I was stopped at a traffic light. This was the same issue I had reported in May. At the next light, I shifted into Park and then back into Drive; the revving temporarily subsided. I stopped briefly at a drive-through pharmacy and then drove directly home. As I pulled into my driveway with my foot on the brake, the vehicle suddenly accelerated sharply on its own and struck my home, causing significant damage to the house and vehicle. Smoke came from the front of the vehicle. Because I live in an attached home and my neighbors were inside, I attempted to back the vehicle a few feet away. With my foot on the brake, I shifted into Reverse, and the vehicle again accelerated sharply, traveling backward at high speed into the street. I steered away from a parked car and a brick wall, pulled the emergency brake, and shut off the vehicle. I exited and called 911. Police arrived within minutes, photographed the scene, and arranged for the vehicle to be towed because it was blocking the street. This vehicle has had unexplained problems repeatedly, yet I was told they could not be replicated. No one was physically injured, but this incident could easily have killed or seriously injured me, a pedestrian, another driver, or a child. I live next to a park and school. I believe this vehicle presents a serious safety risk and should not be returned to service without a complete investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11753351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving at a low speed, less than 30 mph, and was approaching a curve in the road. I attempted to slow down by pressing the brake pedal, but the vehicle did not decelerate. Instead, it seemed to accelerate. I panicked and repeatedly pressed the brake pedal several more times, but the vehicle remained out of control. The vehicle left the roadway, went down a steep slope, struck bushes and tree branches, and eventually came to a stop. All four airbags deployed, and I observed smoke that appeared to be associated with the airbag deployment. The front ,side,underside and lower portion of the vehicle sustained impact damage. At no time before the accident did I observe any warning lights or messages indicating a problem with the braking system or any other vehicle system. Based on my experience during the incident, I believe the vehicle experienced a brake malfunction, as the brakes did not respond when I attempted to slow or stop the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11752523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I had a red sign on dashboard saying:*chassis failure, park the car carefully.* the car was towed to Porshe. And, was released after one week as safe to drive and dismissed the sign as a glitch. The second day of releasing the car, I had a major accident while parking the car in the garage. The accident resulted in damage to the outer wall and to cabinets. I requested an investigation of the car and the results from Porshe weren’t convincing. I know I pushed the brake twice but the car jumped with acceleration twice and stopped because of the wreckage in front of it.
NHTSA complaint #11739807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On November 12, 2025 the transmission, power train, and/or other components on my Porsche Macan S failed. My Macan was parked (gear selector in "Park") on a level surface, the ignition turned off and the key removed from the ignition when it was tapped from behind by another vehicle that was exiting a residential garage. The Macan proceeded to roll over two hundred feet from the impact, jumped two curbs, crossed a street with active traffic, and finally stopped when it hit a tree. There was extensive damage to my vehicle but fortunately there were no injuries because the Macan was unmanned at the time of impact. If there were pedestrians and/or other vehicles crossing the path of the Macan they would have been hit. There were no warning signs prior to the failure. This incident has been reported to Porsche Cars North America, Inc. ("PCNA"). I requested an inspection of my vehicle at an authorized Porsche repair dealership but was told: "PCNA has determined that our involvement would not be required in this matter therefore, we are unable to investigate it further". PCNA has disavowed any responsibility for the manufacturer's defect that endangers other drivers, pedestrians and me, given the risk of reoccurrence.
NHTSA complaint #11711211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The car's power brake system stopped working. We did not incur an accident just because we found a side road before the upcoming traffic light; otherwise, it would have been a disaster. This car also had other software issues, but it was not as alarming. We believe driving is unsafe. The manufacturer is offering a payment to get back that car and drive it. Still, unless the competent authorities take responsibility for checking that the Porsche Macan EV is safe to drive, our family will not be Porsche's guinea pig. We did not get into an accident just for pure luck, but what will happen if the issue occurs again? The car is under warranty, but another power brake failure can be fatal. It is not an easy position to be in.
NHTSA complaint #11635396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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
NHTSA complaint #11621796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BREAKS FAILED WITHOUT ANY WARNING ALMOST GOT INTO NEAR FATAL ACCIDENT DUE TO FRONT BREAK HOSE LEAK/SNAP (without any warning) MECHANIC HAD ANOTHER PORSHE MACAN TOWED IN WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #11577902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving at approximately 40 mph, traffic began to slow. When I attempted to slow to match traffic conditions, my brake pedal offered almost no resistance and sank to the floor. The car did not slow. I pumped the brake pedal repeatedly but it had no connection to the cars brakes. A vehicle collision occurred as a result as I coasted into the car ahead of me.
NHTSA complaint #11551331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11524520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11490875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased this vehicle from The Collection Dealer Coral Gables, Florida. I brought the car in to have them check the brake pedal travel. It seems to me that the brake pedal response to applying the brakes is spongy or too much travel. It feels like the lines have air in them. The Service advisor says it is normal for this Macan S to feel that way. I still don't think is right. Also, it has been a few times when I am parking the car seems like it wants to accelerate all by itself and I have to apply the brakes not to go over the parking spot stopper or if inside my garage, not to go thru the wall and end up inside my living room.
NHTSA complaint #11444460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My daughter accidentally tried to reverse in auxiliary mode- she had the radio on and did not realize the engine was not on The car went into reverse and she had no brakes or steering to stop the car Mercedes - BMW- Range Roger - Tesla - we have checked these cars and it isn’t possible to do this scenario in those cars Porsche said the car is fine and if she was 6’3” and weighed 250 it would be difficult but possible to apply enough pressure to the brakes - she weighs 100 pounds so it wasn’t physically possible My husband has a Five year old convertible Mercedes - he tried to recreate this scenario in his car. The first thing that happens is the emergency brake won’t let him reverse . When he released the brake with the engine off and the radio on it did reverse but the brakes worked normally I have friends with Tesla / BMW / and Range Rover all check their cars and they all have safety features preventing the car to go in reverse or it still has normal brakes My daughter had an accident and luckily nobody was hurt This seems dangerous
NHTSA complaint #11436581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I wrote earlier today but now I found out the Porsche Cayenne and Porsche 911 all have safety feature lacking in the new macan - if u try to reverse with the engine off a message will come on that says to turn on the engine and engage the gear. The macan can reverse with no engine on and then you have no brakes and no power steering . There is a small window of one attempt according to Porsche to use the brakes but you would need to be a strong large man to accomplish the amount of effort required per the dealership - this was not reviewed at the time of purchase .. it seems this safety feature has been around for at least a decade and I am not sure why the macan hasn’t upgraded this important feature or let the customers know in advance We have $5,000 of damage to the car We have $5000 of damage to the house and we will be without a car for 4-8 weeks depending on if parts are here or in Germany
NHTSA complaint #11436721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE ISSUE IS THE SQUEAKING OF THE REAR BRAKES WHEN BACKING UP. THE WOULD HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN. THIS HAPPENS IN COLD OR HOT WEATHER. A FACTORY DEALERSHIP HAD LOOK AT THE ISSUE BUT FOUND NOTHING. THIS PROBLEM STARTED WHEN THE CAR WAS ABOUT TWO TO THREE MONTHS OLD. I ALSO HAVE A 2020 AUDI Q7, AND IT HAS ALMOST THE SAME ISSUE WHEN BACKING UP. HOWEVER, IT DOES MORE IN THE MORNING WHETHER THE WEATHER IS HOT OR COLD. WE VISITED AN AUDI DEALERSHIP BUT THEY FOUND NOTHING. A SEPARATE COMPLAINT HAD BEEN FILED UNDER MY NAME AS WELL. BOTH CARS HAVE THE SAME 3.0L V6 ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #11384179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 PORSCHE MACAN. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED THROUGH THE WALL IN THE CONTACT'S GARAGE. THE VEHICLE ENTERED THE LIVING QUARTERS OF HIS HOME. THERE WAS NO INJURIES. PRIOR TO THE CRASH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED INDEPENDENT ACCELERATION AND EXTRA EFFORT WAS REQUIRED TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO BODY SHOP TO BE REPAIRED. PORSCHE GOLD COAST (125 S SERVICE RD, JERICHO, NY 11753, (516) 758-0800) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000.
NHTSA complaint #11267380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.