41 of the
163 complaints filed about the Porsche Panamera
are about the engine —
25% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2011.
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.
The contact owns a 2018 Porsche Panamera. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the message "Engine Overheating - Park Vehicle" in red letters was displayed on the instrument cluster. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that there was a burning odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, but was not diagnosed; however, the contact was advised by the dealer that the failure could be related to the coolant pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11698937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This vehicle has an engine which has rocker arms that are known to fail. The manufacturer has not issued a recall to fix this issue which can result in a catastrophic engine failure. They have acknowledged the rocker arms in pre 2018 models to be defective and insufficiently reinforced to handle the strain of the valve train.
NHTSA complaint #11676431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am reporting an issue with the AH08 recall (NHTSA Campaign 17V368) for my 2011 Porsche Panamera 4S. I experienced the failure on December 27, 2024, while driving on the highway. I scheduled repair at Porsche Greensboro (Foreign Cars Italia) for Dec 31, 2024, but they kept my vehicle for 33 days without completing any recall work. They then advised me to contact another dealer. I arranged to have the vehicle towed to Porsche Southpoint in Durham, NC, for a February 3, 2025 appointment. As of June 2025, none of the recall repairs have been performed, and the dealer is requesting $12,000 to disassemble the engine for damage stemming from the AH08 issue—work that should be covered under the recall. I have not received any response from the dealership despite repeated requests. I am requesting NHTSA’s assistance in enforcing compliance with the recall requirement and investigating this prolonged failure to perform mandatory safety repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11669179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On [XXX], I experienced the failure associated with the AH08 recall while driving on the highway. I promptly scheduled an appointment at Porsche Greensboro (Foreign Cars Italia) for December 31, 2024, at 8:00 AM (Confirmation Code: [XXX]) to address recalls AH08, AKA7, AKB1, and ANB4. Despite keeping my vehicle for 30 days, Porsche Greensboro did not complete any of the recall services and ultimately informed me that they could not perform the work in a timely manner, advising me to contact another dealership. Following this, I scheduled an appointment at Porsche Southpoint for February 3, 2025, at 9:20 AM (Confirmation Code: [XXX]), and Porsche Greensboro arranged to have the vehicle towed there. However, as of today, Porsche Southpoint has not completed the recall repairs and is requesting $12,000 (50% upfront) for engine disassembly related to failures stemming from the AH08 recall. This is deeply concerning, as recall repairs should be addressed promptly and at no cost to the vehicle owner. To date, my vehicle has been out of service for nearly six months with no resolution. I respectfully request your immediate assistance to ensure that the recall repairs are completed without further delay or financial burden to me, in accordance with NHTSA and Porsche’s recall obligations. I have included correspondence with both Porsche Greensboro and Porsche Southpoint for your review. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to a prompt and satisfactory resolution. I can be reached at [XXX] or [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11662484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owned a 2018 Porsche Panamera. The contact stated that when he was parking the vehicle, as he had shifted from reverse (R) to drive (D) to straighten the vehicle in the parking spot, the vehicle had inadvertently accelerated at an unknown speed. The contact stated that the vehicle ran through an intersection and crashed into five parked vehicles. The contact stated that he had depressed the brake pedal and was not able to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that his vehicle was stopped by the last vehicle he had crashed into. The contact stated that the police had arrived and issued a report. The contact stated that the vehicle air bags had deployed and that he was transported to the hospital by ambulance. The contact stated that he had bruises on both his ankles and calves and that he had bruises on both wrists and hands. The contact stated that the driver's front fender, door, and quarter panel had been damaged by the crash. The contact stated that the driver's front wheel had sheared off the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle had been towed to an impound lot and his insurance provider had declared the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
NHTSA complaint #11657200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Due to a problem with my car engine, the car would not accelerate and would move slowly despite pressing on the pedal. The car screen indicated that it was PCM problem (the gas would not come up) and it was a reduced engine problem. The car not accelerating despite pressing the pedal can pose serious safety problems. I have not taken the car to a dealer to repair yet.
NHTSA complaint #11653314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
vehicle high pressure fuel pump is attached to and a part of the left camshaft in the engine. Although a major and critical component of the engine and propulsion, the fuel pump seized, exploded and shredded itself and the camshaft at the connected point sending shards of metal chunks and pieces into the engine causing catastrophic engine failure. The engine immediately went into limp mode on the highway at no less than 70 miles per hour while passing an 18 wheeler which, was a major safety issue and could have caused a crash causing serious bodily injury or death as a result. According to my research, this is a known problem. Porsche was contacted and ignored the complaint. The engine had to be completely replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11614224 — 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 2014 Porsche Panamera. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a knocking sound and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast the vehicle off the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the camshaft adjuster central bolts from bank two failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, he heard a knocking sound at the hood of the vehicle and a loss of acceleration. The fault all-wheel drive system warning light illuminated, and the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated with the Auto START/STOP system deactivated. The vehicle was towed was back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the camshaft adjuster central bolts from bank one failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11516479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
2011 PORSCHE PANAMERA. CONSUMER LETTER WRITES IN REGARD TO SLOW RESPONSE OF INTAKE CAMSHAFT. THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11514159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Porsche Panamera. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power, jerked, and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11511948 — 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.
Coolant warning light on - seeing leak Coolant warning light for coolant level comes on. Seeing a leak at a hose. Leaking at coolant bypass hose under intake. Coolant pipes in thermostat housing are coming loose at the epoxy joint. Chassis system failure, The car will stop abruptly on roads. And if here's that these problems that are reoccurring have been recalls before, That have not been addressed
NHTSA complaint #11468743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 PORSCHE PANAMERA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE, THE PSAM, THE SPORT AND COMFORT MODE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPORT AND COMFORT MODE NOT ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PORSCHE SOUTH SHORE (185 W SUNRISE HWY, FREEPORT, NY 11520) AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAMSHAFT ACTUATOR WAS FAULTY AND THAT METAL SHAVINGS WERE FOUND IN THE ENGINE, AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V368000 (ENGINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 118,000.
NHTSA complaint #11382843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 PORSCHE PANAMERA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLE FOR A FEW MINUTES, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PLACE THEIR VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND ACCELERATED FORWARD BUT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHOOK AND POWERED OFF. THE CONTACT HAD A MOBILE MECHANIC DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED AND THE DIAGNOSING CODES WERE RESET, HOWEVER, THE ISSUE PERSISTED. THE MECHANIC THEN STATED THE FUEL PUMP BODY CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT APPROXIMATELY 2 MONTHS AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE REOCCURRED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING THE TIME IN BETWEEN FAILURES THEY HAVE CONSISTENTLY SMELT A FUEL ODOR EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE MECHANIC, WHO RESET THE CODES. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AGAIN AND HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY ADDITIONAL REPAIRS SINCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED A CASE REGARDING THE MATTER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11351352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 PORSCHE PANAMERA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE INDICATOR TURNED RED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL AND SHUT COMPLETELY OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PORSCHE OF SILVER SPRING (LOCATED AT 3141 AUTOMOBILE BLVD, SILVER SPRING, MD 20904, 888-462-9925) AND PORSCHE OF ARLINGTON (LOCATED AT 3100 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY, ARLINGTON, VA 22202, 888-600-3538). BOTH DEALERS SERVICED THE VEHICLE SO THAT IT COULD BECOME OPERABLE AGAIN. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE REMEDIES THAT WERE PERFORMED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED FREQUENTLY OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.
NHTSA complaint #11257971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ON JUNE 21 I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR MY 2014 PORSCHE PANAMERA, FOR A DEFECT WHICH COULD CAUSE IT TO CATCH FIRE WHILE PARKED. PORSCHE NORTH AMERICA HAS NOT YET ISSUED A FIX AND CAN PROVIDE NO FORECAST OF WHEN THE FIX WILL BE AVAILABLE. WITH SUCH A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERN, THERE SHOULD BE MORE PRESSURE ON PORSCHE TO FIX THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11255303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.