2010 Porsche Panamera S 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 2010 Porsche Panamera S, 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
- Engine457.1%
- Fuel system114.3%
- Powertrain (other)114.3%
- Steering114.3%
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
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2010 Porsche Panamera S. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, an unknown warning message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine had failed, however, the mechanic informed the contact that they could not repair the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the engine made abnormal knocking sounds. The contact stated while making a turn, the engine seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who informed the contact that they could not repair the vehicle free of charge because the warranty had expired. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V368000 (Engine) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
CAMSHAFT CONTROLLER RECALL. ON 9/8/2015, MY VEHICLE ABRUPTLY STOPPED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 60MPH AND SUDDENLY HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE CAR WENT COMPLETELY DARK. ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS WERE DEAD. I COASTED OVER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND WHEN I TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE NOTHING HAPPENED. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE PORSHE DEALER, I WAS TOLD THAT THE "CAMSHAFT" BROKE OFF IN THE ENGINE AND THE REPAIR WOULD COST OVER $5,000. AS I HAD OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND IT WAS THOROUGHLY MAINTAINED AT THE DEALER, I INQUIRED AS TO HOW SUCH A MAJOR REPAIR COULD HAPPEN. THE CAR WAS ONLY 3/4 YEARS OLD AT THIS TIME. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO REASON AND THAT SOMETIMES "THINGS JUST BREAK". MY PORSCHE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY SO I WAS FORCED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR OUT OF POCKET. WHEN I CONTACTED THE SERVICE MANAGER TO COMPLAIN THAT THE ISSUE MUST HAVE BEEN A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT, THEY AGREED BUT WOULD NOT COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR. I COMPLAINED DIRECTLY TO PORSCHE HEADQUARTERS AND RECEIVED $500 OFF OF THE COST OF THE REPAIR. MIND YOU, I STILL HAD TO PAY OVER $5,000 TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. ABOUT A YEAR OR SO LATER, I RECEIVED A NOTICE IN THE MAIL THAT THERE WAS A RECALL PENDING ON THE EXACT ISSUE THAT I PAID FOR. I HAVE CONTACTED PORSCHE HEADQUARTERS SEVERAL TIMES TO OBTAIN REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPAIR, HOWEVER I KEEP BEING TOLD THAT I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THEY SEND OUT AN "OFFICIAL NOTICE" OF THE RECALL AND ONLY THEN, WILL I BE ABLE TO SUBMIT FORMS TO RECEIVE REIMBURSEMENT. I'M AT A LOSS AS TO WHY I, AS A CUSTOMER, HAVE TO JUMP THROUGH HOOPS TO GET MY MONEY. ESPECIALLY SINCE THE REPAIR WAS DONE AT AN AUTHORIZED PORSCHE DEALER & THEY HAVE ALL OF THE DOCUMENTATION IN THEY SYSTEM. I ALSO HAVE A COPY OF THE INVOICE AND CAN PROVIDE IF NECESSARY.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, HIGH PRESSURE SENSOR, AND IN TANK FUEL PUMP ALL HAD A FAILURE. ALL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TO THE TUNE OF $2500. READ THERE IS A RECALL ON MOST OF THESE PUMPS BUT NOT THIS YEAR MODEL, WHICH USES THE EXACT SAME PUMP THAT IS BEING RECALLED. THERE HAVE BEEN HUNDREDS IF NOT IN THE THOUSANDS OF THESE HAVING TO BE REPLACED DUE TO FAILURE WHICH CAN CAUSE A SAFETY HAZARD AS THE CAR WILL CUT OFF UNEXPECTEDLY. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL BY PORSCHE NORTH AMERICA THAT COVERS ALL VEHICLES WITH THESE FUEL PUMPS.
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
ON FRIDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2017 A SMALL FAMILY OF 4 WAS TRAVELLING ALONG INTERSTATE 5 (SOUTH) IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AT 8:03PM CRUISING AT 65 MPH IN THE FAR LEFT PASSING LANE WHEN THE DRIVER FELT A HEAVY VIBRATION AND BEGAN TO LOSE COMPLETE POWER OF THE VEHICLE INCLUDING ALL STEERING, ENGINE, AND BRAKES. THE DASHBOARD DISPLAYED: "REDUCED ENGINE POWER", "CHECK ENGINE OIL PRESSURE" , 'PSM FAILURE', 'START/STOP DEACTIVATION' FOLLOWED BY 'CHECK ENGINE"-WHICH BEGAN BLINKING LEADING TO COMPLETE SHUTDOWN OF ENGINE WHILE TRAVELING AT 45-50 MPH. WITHOUT ANY CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IN THE SAME OCCURRENCE A LOUD SUCTION NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FOLLOWED BY A LOUD DEAFENING NOISE. UPON REVIEW OF THE MANUFACTURE AND CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS THE CAR WAS DIAGNOSED AND IT WAS DETERMINED THE CRANK SHAFT BOLT PULLEY WAS SHAKEN OFF THE CAR CAUSING A COMPLETE CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE RESULTING IN A COMPLETE ENGINE REBUILD. THE PROBLEM LIES IN THE ALUMINUM CAMSHAFT ADJUSTER BOLTS WHICH HAVE A TENDENCY TO SHEER OFF, WHICH PREVENT THE CAMSHAFTS FROM RUNNING. IF THIS OCCURS IN THE CAMSHAFT THAT OPERATES THE VACUUM PUMP, THE POWER BRAKING WILL ALSO FAIL, WHICH WILL RESULT IN AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION ESPECIALLY IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT HAVE THE STRENGTH TO BRAKE THE CAR WITHOUT THE VACUUM POWDERED BRAKES. THE BOLTS THEMSELVES MAY ALSO DROP INTO THE ENGINE AND CAUSE THE ENGINE TO FAIL. THIS LACK OF ATTENTION WILL EVENTUALLY LEAD TO FATALITIES IF THIS ISSUE IS NOT RESOLVED!!! PLEASE HELP!!!!
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
ON FRIDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2017 A SMALL FAMILY OF 4 WAS TRAVELLING ALONG INTERSTATE 5 (SOUTH) IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AT 8:03PM CRUISING AT 65 MPH IN THE FAR LEFT PASSING LANE WHEN THE DRIVER FELT A HEAVY VIBRATION AND BEGAN TO LOSE COMPLETE POWER OF THE VEHICLE INCLUDING ALL STEERING, ENGINE, AND BRAKES. THE DASHBOARD DISPLAYED: "REDUCED ENGINE POWER", "CHECK ENGINE OIL PRESSURE" , 'PSM FAILURE', 'START/STOP DEACTIVATION' FOLLOWED BY 'CHECK ENGINE"-WHICH BEGAN BLINKING LEADING TO COMPLETE SHUTDOWN OF ENGINE WHILE TRAVELING AT 45-50 MPH. WITHOUT ANY CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IN THE SAME OCCURRENCE A LOUD SUCTION NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FOLLOWED BY A LOUD DEAFENING NOISE. UPON REVIEW OF THE MANUFACTURE AND CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS THE CAR WAS DIAGNOSED AND IT WAS DETERMINED THE CRANK SHAFT BOLT PULLEY WAS SHAKEN OFF THE CAR CAUSING A COMPLETE CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE RESULTING IN A COMPLETE ENGINE REBUILD. THE PROBLEM LIES IN THE ALUMINUM CAMSHAFT ADJUSTER BOLTS WHICH HAVE A TENDENCY TO SHEER OFF, WHICH PREVENT THE CAMSHAFTS FROM RUNNING. IF THIS OCCURS IN THE CAMSHAFT THAT OPERATES THE VACUUM PUMP, THE POWER BRAKING WILL ALSO FAIL, WHICH WILL RESULT IN AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION ESPECIALLY IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT HAVE THE STRENGTH TO BRAKE THE CAR WITHOUT THE VACUUM POWDERED BRAKES. THE BOLTS THEMSELVES MAY ALSO DROP INTO THE ENGINE AND CAUSE THE ENGINE TO FAIL. THIS LACK OF ATTENTION WILL EVENTUALLY LEAD TO FATALITIES IF THIS ISSUE IS NOT RESOLVED!!! PLEASE HELP!!!!
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 .