30 of the
163 complaints filed about the Porsche Panamera
are about the electrical system —
18% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2011.
The contact owns a 2023 Porsche Panamera. The contact stated that while stopped at a red traffic light, the vehicle independently shifted from drive(D) to neutral(N), and the instrument panel failed to display critical safety information. The messages "Speed Limit Display Limited”, “No Navigation Data Available", "Left Taillight Fault - Check Taillight", and "Right Taillight Error”, and “Service Necessary" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the failure was not duplicated. The CPU was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #11732782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2025 Porsche Panamera. The contact stated that on several occasions, the Forward Collision Avoidance system activated without an object or vehicle nearby. The vehicle abruptly shut off, and the Forward Collision Avoidance message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer on two occasions, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was forwarded an accident form by email, even though the vehicle was never involved in a crash. The contact forwarded an email to the manufacturer that the vehicle was not involved in a crash. The contact had not yet received a response from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100.
NHTSA complaint #11721419 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The main water pump on my 2018 Porsche Panamera 4S failed prematurely. This is not a simple external coolant leak; the internal seal failed, allowing pressurized engine coolant to migrate into the vehicle's vacuum system. The coolant traveled through the vacuum lines and contaminated the vacuum solenoids and change-over valves. This failure mode presents a significant safety hazard because the vacuum system controls critical engine components, including turbocharger wastegates and exhaust flaps. Contamination of these components can lead to sudden loss of power, "limp mode" activation while driving at highway speeds, or unexpected engine behavior, increasing the risk of a crash. Cross-Reference to Known Defects: This vehicle utilizes the EA839 V6 engine platform, which is shared with Volkswagen and Audi vehicles (specifically the Audi S4, S5, SQ5, and Q7). Audi and Volkswagen have already acknowledged this specific manufacturing defect in the class action settlement Fiscina v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Case No. 2:21-cv-11251). Under that settlement, Audi extended the warranty on this water pump to 10 years/80,000+ miles for the exact same failure mode (coolant migration into the vacuum system). Despite my vehicle using the same engine and suffering the exact same mechanical failure, Porsche refuses to offer coverage or acknowledge the defect. I am requesting an investigation into why Porsche models equipped with the defective EA839 engine are excluded from the safety remedies and warranty extensions provided to Audi owners.
NHTSA complaint #11703784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own a 2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid (VIN XXX). I experienced repeated hybrid system warning lights and high-voltage battery fault codes. I brought the vehicle to Porsche Atlanta Perimeter for a safety inspection. The dealership did NOT perform the required PIWIS Hybrid Battery Test Plan, did NOT check individual cell voltages, and did NOT assess the hybrid battery control unit. Instead, they provided a basic code scan and immediately recommended a $37,000 battery replacement without verifying the root cause. This is a high-voltage system handling 300+ volts, and an improper or incomplete diagnosis is a safety concern. Porsche headquarters was contacted by the dealership, but the dealership stated they received no technical support or guidance. Porsche appears unable or unwilling to diagnose early-generation hybrid vehicles properly, leaving customers without accurate safety assessment of the high-voltage system. I am filing this complaint because improper hybrid battery diagnosis can lead to thermal events, sudden loss of power, or misinterpretation of critical battery faults. I am requesting that NHTSA review Porsche’s handling of hybrid diagnostics for this model. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11699476 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own a 2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid (VIN XXX). I experienced repeated hybrid system warning lights and high-voltage battery fault codes. I brought the vehicle to Porsche Atlanta Perimeter for a safety inspection. The dealership did NOT perform the required PIWIS Hybrid Battery Test Plan, did NOT check individual cell voltages, and did NOT assess the hybrid battery control unit. Instead, they provided a basic code scan and immediately recommended a $37,000 battery replacement without verifying the root cause. This is a high-voltage system handling 300+ volts, and an improper or incomplete diagnosis is a safety concern. Porsche headquarters was contacted by the dealership, but the dealership stated they received no technical support or guidance. Porsche appears unable or unwilling to diagnose early-generation hybrid vehicles properly, leaving customers without accurate safety assessment of the high-voltage system. I am filing this complaint because improper hybrid battery diagnosis can lead to thermal events, sudden loss of power, or misinterpretation of critical battery faults. I am requesting that NHTSA review Porsche’s handling of hybrid diagnostics for this model. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11699480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Porsche Panamera. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the vehicle's mileage was 80,000. It was later discovered that the mileage was approximately 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #11696604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2011 Porsche Panamera 4 has water coming through the AC vents. I noticed that the passenger rugs are wet and possibly shorting out my electrical modules.
NHTSA complaint #11680216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The design of this car incorporates something called a "rear hatch drain". This drain can be clogged with debris over time, which leads to a situation in which rainwater drains into the battery hold area. There is no warning for this occurrence; I only discovered it once the tail lights and liftgate began to malfunction. This quickly deteriorated into not being able to start the car at all. This is unsafe because it creates a situation wherein the lights and battery can malfunction/die without any warning. This public safety defect also erodes consumer confidence, as electrical issues are incredibly expensive to repair. Porsche does not even include what should be a basic point of inspection as part of the $300 that they charge anytime they touch of look at the vehicle that the consumer brings in.
NHTSA complaint #11666096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
A message appeared on the dashboard indicating a "Critical Electrical Failure" and "Park Safely" when I turned the key to start the car. This car is a plug-in e-hybrid (my 3rd of this model) and I always assumed that in case of a major failure, I could either use the engine or the electric propulsion system. This was not the case. Although the instruments had power the transmission could not be moved from park and the steering was inoperative. The vehicle was totally immobilized. And the advice to "Park Safely" is ridiculous because there was no way to move the vehicle. Fortunately I was parked when this occurred. But if I was at a traffic light or this happened while I was underway, the safety implications are frightening. The vehicle would have been an immovable obstacle on the roadway. Plus there is not any kind of emergency "neutral" release so the vehicle could at least be pushed. The flatbed tow truck sent by Porsche Connect had to drag the vehicle on to its bed. And if I had not been in a nose in space as I was, even towing would have been nearly impossible.
NHTSA complaint #11534599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Porsche Panamera. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V033000 (Electrical System) 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 and advised the contact to park the vehicle outside the garage until parts became available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11520904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Porsche Panamera. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V033000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 #11512989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Received a recall notice from Porsche yesterday regarding a potential wiring problem with the climate control coolant pump that, under certain humid conditions, could result in an electrical short and engine fire. In the notice, they recommend “out of an abundance of caution” to “park the vehicle outside and away from other vehicles or structures”. Sounds serious. Called my Porsche dealer in Atlanta to schedule an appointment ASAP to get the problem repaired. The repair parts are unavailable and they don’t know when they will be shipped. Was told that it could be a month or more before they know. My complaint is not the defect (which Porsche identified); but, the manner in which this is being handled. Parts for a defect that sounds this serious should be available before sending ominous-sounding recall notices to customers.
NHTSA complaint #11512043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Technology change from 3g to 5g. This discontinues the safety notifications including crash /location alerts. Porsche offered a free replacement, and after dealers had difficulty in installing, Porsche offers a minimum compensation, instead of fixing problem. this will affect all Porsche from 2018 and prior that were set up for 3g network connection . Thank you
NHTSA complaint #11454836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND YELLOW SMOKE BEGAN BILLOWING OUT FROM UNDER GLOVEBOX ON PASSENGER SIDE FOLLOWED BY FIRE FLAMES BETWEEN DASH AND WINDOW. AND UNDER GLOVE BOX MELTING ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE UNDER GLOVE BOX AREA ABS FLOOR. FORE REIGNITED AFTER BEING PUT OUT ICOMPLETELY INITIALLY.
NHTSA complaint #11415683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE AC/HEATER BLOWER WAS BLOWING WEAK MAKING A SCREECHING NOISE AND NOT BLOWING WELL. PORSCHE CHECKERED IT OUT AND GENERATED A REPORT STATING I NEEDED A NEW BLOWER. AFTER OBTAINING MY CAR BACK FROM THE DEALER WATER WAS LEAKING INSIDE OF MY CAR ( DOES SO WHILE STATIONARY AND DRIVING, ON RAINY DAYS OR WHEN SNOW HAS MELTED ) UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THE BLOWER STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY. THE REPORT FROM PORSCHE DID NOT STATE ANY LEAKS WERE FOUND. A FORMER PORSCHE MECHANIC INSPECTED THE BLOWER AND FOUND WATER ENTERING THE A/C BLOWER CONTROL UNIT, CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT IN BOTH THE BLOWER AND RESISTOR, AND ALSO OBSERVED THE EXTENT OF THE LEAK IN OTHER AREAS OF THE VEHICLE. THE BELOW DAY IS AN APPROXIMATE DAY IN JUNE WHICH IT OCCURRED. ALSO, THE HORN JUST STOPPED WORKING.
NHTSA complaint #11287962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 PORSCHE PANAMERA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V322000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED CAPITAL EUROCARS (3705 W TENNESSEE ST, TALLAHASSEE, FL 32304, (888) 701-6470) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER UNTIL JANUARY OF 2020. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11265576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 PORSCHE PANAMERA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V322000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT CALLED PORSCHE DOWNTOWN LA AT 213-536-4354 (LOCATED AT 1900 S FIGUEROA ST, LOS ANGELES, CA 90007) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11256421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 PORSCHE PANAMERA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V322000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT CALLED PORSCHE OF ARLINGTON (LOCATED AT 3100 RICHMOND HWY, ARLINGTON, VA 22202) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11241711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 PORSCHE PANAMERA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V322000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. PORSCHE LARCHMONT (2500 BOSTON POST RD, LARCHMONT, NY 10538, (914) 750-4206) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11232858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.