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2012 Porsche Panamera

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
13
Latest Sep 12, 2024
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
5
Latest Aug 30, 2022
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

Overview

Our database contains 13 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Porsche Panamera, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and powertrain (other) categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 465 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine533.3%
  • Electrical213.3%
  • Powertrain (other)213.3%
  • Body & structure213.3%
  • Steering16.7%
  • Driver assistance16.7%
  • Fuel system16.7%
  • Exterior lighting16.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

5 campaigns cover this model year

View all 5

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
22V656000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Aug 30, 2022
222,858 units potentially affected
The defect: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2020 Porsche Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, and Cayman S, 2001-2004 Boxster, Boxster S, 2004 Boxster 50 JAHRE SPYDER 550 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all affected models and model years. The caps that cover the low-beam headlight horizontal adjustment screws are missing, which can allow the headlights to be improperly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk: Improperly adjusted headlights may not illuminate the road properly, or cause a glare to oncoming drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect the headlights for sealing caps and install missing caps as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ANB4.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc.Manufacturer number ANB4View on NHTSA.gov
19V446000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

Jun 12, 2019
99,665 units potentially affected
The defect: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, 2004-2010 Cayenne, 2006 Cayenne Turbo S, 2010-2016 Panamera S, Panamera 4 S, Panamera Turbo, 2011-2016 Panamera, Panamera 4, 2012-2013 Panamera Turbo S, 2013-2016 Panamera 4 GTS, 2014-2016 Panamera 4 S Executive, Panamera Turbo Executive, Panamera Turbo S G1 II, Panamera Turbo S Executive, 2013 Panamera 4 Platinum Edition, Panamera Platinum Edition, 2016 Panamera 4 Edition, Panamera Edition, Panamera Turbo S Executive Luxury Sports vehicles. The bushing that attaches the gear selector lever to the gearbox may degrade over time, causing the bushing to detach. This condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.
The risk: If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. Owners are instructed to use the parking brake until their vehicle is repaired. The recall began August 9, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKB1.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc.Manufacturer number AKB1View on NHTSA.gov
19V322000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Apr 24, 2019
33,206 units potentially affected
The defect: Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2010-2016 Panamera 4S and Panamera S, 2011-2016 Panamera, Panamera 4 and Panamera Turbo, 2012-2016 Panamera Turbo S and Panamera S E-Hybrid, 2013-2016 Panamera GTS, 2013 Panamera Platinum Edition and Panamera 4 Platinum Edition, 2014-2016 Panamera 4S Executive, Panamera Turbo Executive and Panamera Turbo S Executive, 2015 Panamera Diesel and 2016 Panamera 4 Edition, Panamera Edition and Panamera Turbo S Exclusive Series vehicles. Water may enter the A/C blower control unit, causing an electrical short circuit.
The risk: An electrical short increases the risk of fire.
The remedy: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the blower control unit, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 10, 2020. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKA7. Note: Porsche recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc.Manufacturer number AKA7View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 13
EngineFuel system
Filed Sep 12, 2024

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 ID
11614224
Incident
Sep 12, 2024
Engine
Filed Aug 26, 2024

I was driving my car and as I was coming to a stop the engine sputtered then started to stall. The check engine light then came on.

NHTSA ID
11610930
Incident
Aug 24, 2024
Exterior lighting
Filed Nov 17, 2022

The contact owns a 2012 Porsche Panamera. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V656000 (Exterior Lighting) 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11494019
Incident
Sep 14, 2022
Electrical
Filed May 8, 2021
Fire reported

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 ID
11415683
Incident
May 5, 2021
Mileage
89,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 4, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 PORSCHE PANAMERA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED WITH THE TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SHOULDER, SHIFTED INTO PARK HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT BACK INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PORSCHE DANBURY (23 SUGAR HOLLOW RD., DANBURY, CT 06810, (203) 744-5200) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD WATER DAMAGE IN THE TRUNK WHICH MIGHT HAVE CAUSED ISSUE WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V446000 (POWER TRAIN) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 73,000.

NHTSA ID
11386383
Incident
Nov 24, 2020
Mileage
73,000 mi
Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Feb 22, 2020

CAMSHAFT CAUSES DELAY IN ACCELERATION AND LOSS OF POWER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON WHILE DRIVING AND STATIONARY

NHTSA ID
11310712
Incident
Jul 6, 2019
Electrical
Filed Sep 18, 2019

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 ID
11256421
Incident
Jun 21, 2019
Filed Jul 11, 2019

I RECEIVED A URGENT SAFETY RECALL FOR POSSIBLE WATER INTRUSION INTO THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT. THE RECALL NOTE THEY I SHOULD ONLY PARK MY VECHLE DO TO POSSIBLE FIRE DANGER. CAR WAS TAKEN TO CARLSEN PORSCHE IN REDWOOD CITY CALIFORNIA (7/10/2019) THEY LOOKED AT THE CAR AND SAID I WAS INDEED PART OF THE RECALL AND THEY WOULD REPLACE THE PART. AFTER A DAY THEY SAID THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PART THAT THEY TOLD ME THEY HAD WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR IN. CLEARLY THEY WERE HOPING TO NOT HAVE TO REPLACE IT OR JUST WAS POOR MANAGEMENT AND OVERBOOKED MORE CARS THAN PARTS AVAILABLE. THE COMPLAINT IS THAT THEY DID SAID, THEY HAD NO IDEA WHEN THEY WOULD HAVE THE PART AS PORSCHE WAS NOT PROVIDING THEM WITH ANY INFORMATION AND TOLD ME TO GO HOME. THEY WOULD LET ME KNOW WHEN THEY EVER GET IT. THERE WAS A CLEAR LACK OF CARE ABOUT THE RECALL AND TREATED IT LIKE JUST A PAIN AND YES, THE CAR MAY CATCH ON FIRE BUT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. I AM NOT SURE IF THEIR PLAN IS TO HOPE THOSE OF US EFFECTED WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TAKE MORE TIME OFF IF THE PART COMES IN AND THEY WILL NEVER HAVE TO REPLACE IT. OR THEY ARE JUST TRYING TO WAIT PEOPLE OUT AND THEY WILL JUST GIVE UP. I WOULD APPRECIATE THAT THIS IS ADDRESSED AS I AM SURE I WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE TREATED LIKE THIS

NHTSA ID
11231161
Incident
Jul 10, 2019
Mileage
121,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TSTR 2642

Porsche Tester Software Update Information Software Version: 44.300.000

SPTL 2607a

VAS 621001A Matrix Headlamp Aimer – Automatic Shipment / Maha Installation

SPTL 2607

VAS 621001A Matrix Headlamp Aimer – Automatic Shipment / Maha Installation

18/26

POWER TRAIN

Warranty Information: Warranty Extension for Transmission Electronics Control Unit (18/26)

13/26

ENGINE

Allocation of Approved Engine Oils MY 2027 (13/26)

TSTR 2641

PiUS Update Information Software Version: 3.2

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Porsche Panamera by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026120—
2025220—
2024220—
2023200—
2022100—
2021230—
2020510—
2019010—
2018126165.1
2017141—
2016340—
2015530—
2014143060.8
2013123047.8
2012Viewing135047.3
2011335043.4
2010510—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.