2018 Porsche Macan

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

The contact owns a 2018 Porsche Macan. The contact stated that while driving or while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor inside the vehicle, and the odor was coming from underneath the rear passenger’s seat. The contact raised the rear passenger’s seat and became aware that the cover of the fuel pump was wet. The contact had stopped driving the vehicle due to the possible safety risk. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V077000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,558.

NHTSA ID

11758523

Incident

Aug 19, 2026

Mileage

85,558 mi

The vehicle is leaking fuel from the top of the tank, filling the cabin with fuel odor. I contacted the dealership due to the recall for the 2018 Macans with this exact issue and my vehicle matches ever symptom of the recall yet they are stating my vehicle is not included and I must pay out of pocket for towing, diagnostics and repairs.

NHTSA ID

11757599

Incident

Aug 13, 2026

A strong gasoline odor developed around my 2018 Porsche Macan while parked in a closed garage. Over several days, the odor became noticeable inside the passenger compartment and was strongest near the rear passenger seat. No check-engine light or other warning appeared. Because of the potential fire hazard, the vehicle was towed to an authorized Porsche dealer rather than driven. The dealer confirmed the fuel odor from the rear-seat area. After removing the rear seat, the Porsche technician documented: “FOUND TOP HAT FOR FUEL SUPPLY IS CRACKED AND LEAKING FUEL.” The dealer replaced Porsche part PAC-919-679, identified on the invoice as “FLANGE WITH FUEL FILTER,” along with associated seals/parts. I learned that NHTSA Recall 20V-077 / Porsche Campaign ALA2 involves certain 2015-2018 Macans and cracking/damage involving the fuel pump/filter flange that can result in fuel leakage, fuel odor, and increased fire risk. Porsche Cars North America states that my vehicle's VIN is not included in ALA2. However, an authorized Porsche dealer documented a cracked and leaking fuel-supply flange/top hat, which appears substantially similar to the failure addressed by ALA2. I asked Porsche to explain the technical or engineering difference between my vehicle's failure and the ALA2 condition. Porsche denied assistance because the vehicle is outside warranty and its VIN is not included in the campaign, but did not provide a technical explanation distinguishing the failures. I am reporting this because an actual fuel leak and gasoline fumes entering the passenger compartment created a serious fire/safety hazard without any dashboard warning. I am concerned substantially similar failures may be occurring in Macans outside the current ALA2 recall population and ask NHTSA to evaluate whether Recall 20V-077 adequately identifies all susceptible vehicles. The Porsche dealer invoice documenting the crack, active fuel leak, diagnosis and repair is available upon request.

NHTSA ID

11757171

Incident

Aug 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Porsche Macan. The contact stated that while the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's wife noticed an unusual odor in the interior and the exterior of the vehicle. In addition, the contact inspected the vehicle and noticed a fuel leak on the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. The contact stated that the vehicle was a fire hazard and unsafe to drive. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V077000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however the VIN was not included. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 44,920.

NHTSA ID

11742714

Incident

May 25, 2026

Mileage

44,920 mi

My fiancé was driving the car normally on the elevated interstate at about 130 in the morning central time on Monday, April 20 when the suddenly burst into flames! The entire vehicle is destroyed bumper-to-bumper the fuel pump on these models are apparently reason for recalls because of this exact reason.my fiancé's life was endangered because of this fire.thank Goodness there was no collision.police inspected and towed the vehicle

NHTSA ID

11732582

Incident

Dec 31, 1969

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 ID

11721323

Incident

Feb 18, 2026

I am writing to formally submit a safety complaint regarding my 2018 Porsche Macan. I have experienced a significant issue with the vehicle’s headlights, which I believe poses a serious safety risk. Description of the Issue: The headlights on my 2018 Porsche Macan have failed without any prior warning or indication. There were no dashboard alerts or error messages to notify me of a problem. The failure occurred suddenly while driving at night, resulting in a complete loss of forward illumination. This created a hazardous situation, as I was unable to see the road ahead and other drivers were unable to see my vehicle clearly. Safety Concerns: The headlight failure happened unexpectedly and without any warning. This issue significantly increases the risk of a crash, especially when driving at night or in low-visibility conditions. Upon inspection, I was told the entire headlight assembly would need to be replaced, which is costly and concerning for a relatively new vehicle. Request for Investigation: I am aware that other owners of the 2018 Porsche Macan have reported similar headlight failures. I urge NHTSA to investigate this matter, as it appears to be a widespread and potentially dangerous defect. Reliable headlight operation is essential for safe driving, and sudden failure without warning is unacceptable. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please let me know if you require any additional information or documentation.

NHTSA ID

11719315

Incident

Dec 11, 2025

Engine failure

NHTSA ID

11718308

Incident

Feb 2, 2026

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