2017 Porsche Macan Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 Porsche Macan, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags2128.4%
- Brakes1013.5%
- Engine810.8%
- Fuel system79.5%
- Steering68.1%
- Driver assistance56.8%
- Exterior lighting45.4%
- Visibility34.1%
- Powertrain (other)34.1%
- Electrical34.1%
- Interior & seats22.7%
- Body & structure11.4%
- Tires & wheels11.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was sold a vehicle with the incorrect front brakes, an open recall on airbag and bad transfer case all looked at and confirmed by a dealer .
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)
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was sold a vehicle with the incorrect front brakes, an open recall on airbag and bad transfer case all looked at and confirmed by a dealer .
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2017 Porsche Macan has a Timing Chain Cover Bolt Failure which has caused leaking oil and may lead to total loss of oil and engine failure. This is a known documented design and manufacturing defect affecting the 3.0L and 3.6L engines. The manufacturers original aluminum bolts for the cover suffer from premature failure leading them to break. Porsche has recognized this widespread defect and problem by issuing a technical service bulletin for this issue. Porsche has not issued a recall to fix this problem. I have contacted a Porsche dealer to address this problem but they refused to make the repair without my paying the cost to repair their defect.
Porsche is making use of aluminum fasteners for important engine components. These fasteners are substandard for the service. At 100,000 miles, two of the bolts for the timing chain cover simply broke in half during normal service, resulting in a substantial oil leak and an expensive repair (about $3000). At 120,000 miles, one of the bolts for the valve cover also simply broke in half, resulting in another oil leak and a repair bill of about $1000.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicle is currently leaking raw gasoline and active smoke is coming out from the fuel pump assembly directly beneath the rear passenger seat. This is the exact, identical catastrophic failure mechanism outlined in federal safety recalls NHTSA Campaign 20V077000 (Recall ALA2) and 17V-289 (Recall AH06).My vehicle is completely undrivable and constitutes an immediate fire hazard. While a local dealer stated my specific VIN is not currently showing on their active recall database, this is an identical manifestation of the fuel filter flange cracking defect. as this vehicle constitutes a severe risk to life and property.
Fuel smell filling the cabin due to cracked fuel pump. Likely associated with fuel pump cover recall notice (recall code AH06) Dealerships refused coverage.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving east on I-40 in North Carolina, my power steering catastrophically failed and I had to use all of my arm strength to steer the vehicle. The section of I-40 where this event occurred is extremely curvy (near the Haywood Rest Area) and there is no margin for error. If I had not been alone and totally concentrating on my driving, I could envision a severe accident as there were cars all around me. I managed to drive the vehicle to my Porsche dealer in Columbia, SC for repairs. They found multiple faults for the steering torque sensors and determined that the electric steering rack was faulty. They replaced the steering rack. Prior to this event, I had complained to the Porsche dealer about rubbing noises in the steering. The dealer replaced the steering shaft but the noise came back.
Driving north on Interstate 95 near Stafford, VA and took exit for lunch. Restaurant was right at exit and we entered the parking area. Went to turn and the steering was frozen. Caution light said Power Steering Malfunction and steering could only be turned slightly with maximum effort by driver and passenger. Managed to move car to parking area. Subsequently towed to Porsche dealership in Arlington VA for repair. If this frozen steering had occurred moments earlier on I95, we would have likely crashed with the vehicle suddenly unable to be steered. We were terrified and believe our lives were in jeopardy. The dealer identified the problem as a broken/defective electronic rack & pinion steering unit. Vehicle has approximately 20,000 miles and is always garaged. The failed parts will be available at the dealer when replacement parts are received. There were no warning lights or indication of any problem prior to the event.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
this is in regards to NHTSA TSB #ATI-1907. i had this issue repaired by porsche san antonio for over 1k. the problem came back and porsche is trying to charge me again saying there is a design flaw they are aware of but cannot perform work under warranty. This is very unfair and makes me think that everytime it rains i cant drive my car because ill have to spend another 1k for a rear camera and parking sensor fail. I hope i can get any kind of help or visibility on this problem. It is not only unsafe, but porsche as a brand has such bad customer service and no one wants to help
The specific concern pertains to the routing of sunroof water drains from the roof to the wheel well of several Porsche vehicles. In this case, the rear water drains are routed directly over fuses and other electronic components within the vehicle. One of the electronic components affected, a Park Assist Control Unit (part 95B 919 475 L), controls multiple vehicle safety functions including perimeter sensors and the backup camera. When this unit fails, the backup camera is blank and perimeter sensors that beep to notify the driver of potentially hidden objects (or people) close to the vehicle do not function. Such failure may jeopardize the overall safety of vehicle occupants and other road users and may affect safe operation of the vehicle. This Park Assist Control Unit has failed in my Porsche Macan on three separate occasions due to corrosion of the terminals. The Porsche Orland Park (Illinois) dealership where I took my vehicle for repair stated that the corrosion was due to leakage from the sunroof drain onto the unit. After the third failure of this unit due to corrosion, I contacted Porsche North America customer support. I was told that the corrosion of the terminals and subsequent failure of the Park Assist Control Unit was due to clogging of the sunroof water drain, causing “pooling and draining to places where it can cause damage.” Although other electronic components directly adjacent to this Unit have never had similar corrosion, there has never been evidence of water leakage inside the vehicle, and I regularly test the drains and have found no sign of blockages, I accepted Porsche North America’s explanation. They stated that “park[ing] a vehicle outside” or “driv[ing] where there are many trees” may exacerbate the issue. Unfortunately, subsequent concerns I raised regarding the tendency for these drains to clog at any time and Porsche’s decision to route a water drain in such close proximity to electronic vehicle safety systems were ignored.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Headlight casing is cracked throughout. Micro cracks
Headlight severe crazing/crackle and DLR module failure. Both Porsche NA and extended warranty fail to cover or take responsibility for this poorly mfr’d part that is dangerous as it limits visibility as well as others seeing you. I want Porsche NA to own up to this hazardous parts failure.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
It was noted there is fogging, spiderweb type cracks, and discoloration on the inside of each headlight lens. It was discovered through conversations at the dealership and online research that a chemical reaction between the factory lens coating and the gas emitted by the headlight bulbs was the likely cause. Lumen output has gradually decreased as the issue grows worse and both lenses become more opaque in appearance. The car is available for inspection. We are asking NHTSA to investigate this issue for the following reasons: 1) This is a growing safety issue as lumen output is steadily decreasing 2) This is unrelated to regular service/maintenance or any culpability on behalf of the owners 3) Absent replacement, this issue cannot be corrected by the owners 4) It has been reported to be a growing issue among numerous Porsche Macan owners. I asked Porsche if it was covered under the warranty, they stated it was not. They did examine the car. No warning messages.
Vehicle was driven to Porsche of Arlington (Virginia) for warranty service and a Virginia safety inspection. Service advisor reported that safety inspector informed him the vehicle passed inspection; however, it was noted there is fogging, spiderweb type cracks, and discoloration on the inside of each headlight lens. It was discovered through conversations at the dealership and online research that a chemical reaction between the factory lens coating and the gas emitted by the headlight bulbs was the likely cause. Lumen output has gradually decreased as the issue grows worse and both lenses become more opaque in appearance. Porsche of Arlington advised us the factory warranty had expired, as we had expected. They completed a thorough inspection of the headlight assemblies, took photos at the dealership, and further suggested we contact Porsche Cars North America to file a claim to ascertain whether a remedy could be made under 'good will' as this is undoubtedly a safety issue. Porsche Cars North America responded via e-mail and advised us that 'customer safety and satisfaction is our top priority.' They assigned a case number and informed us we would be hearing from a representative for additional information. After several weeks of phone calls, Porsche Cars North America determined that no 'good will' would be provided as this issue involves/is related to the vehicle's glass/lens and therefore excluded from any adjustments or consideration from Porsche Cars North America. We are asking NHTSA to investigate this issue for the following reasons: 1) This is a growing safety issue as lumen output is steadily decreasing 2) This is unrelated to regular service/maintenance or any culpability on behalf of the owners 3) Absent replacement, this issue cannot be corrected by the owners 4) It has been reported to be a growing issue among numerous Porsche Macan owners 5) We have exhausted our options with the dealership and Porsche Cars North America
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was sold a vehicle with the incorrect front brakes, an open recall on airbag and bad transfer case all looked at and confirmed by a dealer .
Porsche Macan has known transfer case problem. Should be recalled. I have a 2017 Macan with 15,000 miles and transfer case bad.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
this is in regards to NHTSA TSB #ATI-1907. i had this issue repaired by porsche san antonio for over 1k. the problem came back and porsche is trying to charge me again saying there is a design flaw they are aware of but cannot perform work under warranty. This is very unfair and makes me think that everytime it rains i cant drive my car because ill have to spend another 1k for a rear camera and parking sensor fail. I hope i can get any kind of help or visibility on this problem. It is not only unsafe, but porsche as a brand has such bad customer service and no one wants to help
The specific concern pertains to the routing of sunroof water drains from the roof to the wheel well of several Porsche vehicles. In this case, the rear water drains are routed directly over fuses and other electronic components within the vehicle. One of the electronic components affected, a Park Assist Control Unit (part 95B 919 475 L), controls multiple vehicle safety functions including perimeter sensors and the backup camera. When this unit fails, the backup camera is blank and perimeter sensors that beep to notify the driver of potentially hidden objects (or people) close to the vehicle do not function. Such failure may jeopardize the overall safety of vehicle occupants and other road users and may affect safe operation of the vehicle. This Park Assist Control Unit has failed in my Porsche Macan on three separate occasions due to corrosion of the terminals. The Porsche Orland Park (Illinois) dealership where I took my vehicle for repair stated that the corrosion was due to leakage from the sunroof drain onto the unit. After the third failure of this unit due to corrosion, I contacted Porsche North America customer support. I was told that the corrosion of the terminals and subsequent failure of the Park Assist Control Unit was due to clogging of the sunroof water drain, causing “pooling and draining to places where it can cause damage.” Although other electronic components directly adjacent to this Unit have never had similar corrosion, there has never been evidence of water leakage inside the vehicle, and I regularly test the drains and have found no sign of blockages, I accepted Porsche North America’s explanation. They stated that “park[ing] a vehicle outside” or “driv[ing] where there are many trees” may exacerbate the issue. Unfortunately, subsequent concerns I raised regarding the tendency for these drains to clog at any time and Porsche’s decision to route a water drain in such close proximity to electronic vehicle safety systems were ignored.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I receive a latter from Porsche Cars North America, Atlanta, Georgia, after that i went to the Porsche Dealer in Irvine, they told months ago that they where ordering the part, i went back and they just told me that they will call me when the part arrived, this is been before December of 2021.
The manufacturer was unable to remedy the defect in the past 6 months despite I followed up multiple times. The respective service was also unable to provide estimated fix date as they mentioned no clear date provided by the manufacturer as to when the part will be available
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WENT ON A TEST DRIVE ON THIS CAR AND THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE FROM THE ENGINE. I NOTICED AFTER THE FACT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE FOR FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTION THAT CAN CAUSE FIRE. I'VE CONTACTED PORSCHE ABOUT 15 TIMES AND THEY WONT RETURN MY CALL AT ALL. I ALSO STARED A CASE WITH THEM AND THEY WONT ANSWER BACK. THE VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY BURNT. NEED ASSISTANCE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
Tires ware original equipment new vehicle they ware so loud after 15k miles that I thought the front bearings ware bad took it to the dealer they said all good its a tire issue something about Porsche Macan and Pirelli tires I am not the first with the problem they recommend to buy Michelin tires insane.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .