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Regarded, at least by the manufacturer, as “the sports car of compact SUVs,” the Porsche Macan was launched in Europe in April 2014. This first-generation Macan went on sale as a 2015 model year car that same year. The 2018 model boasts a facelift with lots of innovations. But there’s nothing innovative about a sporty SUV that has steering and airbag issues.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2021
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2018 Porsche Macan
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Steering | |
| Air Bags | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Engine | |
| Seats | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Exterior Lighting |
Most Common Problems with the 2018 Porsche Macan
Ironically, one of the new options for those buying the new 2018 Porsche Macan is a GT sports steering wheel, the same as the one that you’ll find in the Porsche 911. There’s a mode switch that is integrated into the steering wheel, including a sport response button, that is part of the optional Sport Chrono Package. But nearly half of the complaints made by 2018 Macan owners to the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) are about steering.
Nevertheless, steering is just 1 of 6 components and systems mentioned in the 12 complaints consumers filed with the NHTSA between March 18, 2019, and November 19, 2022. The others are airbags, exterior lighting, the fuel/propulsion system, seats, and service brakes.
According to members of the Macan Forum, engine control faults are also an issue.
There are also 4 recalls for the 2018 Porsche Macan. Each of these is related to a different component or system in the Macan, the airbags, electrical system, equipment, and fuel system, gasoline. While the fuel issue, a possible fuel leak, increases the risk of a fire, the other problems all increase the risk of injury and/or the risk of a crash.
Additionally, there is an open NHTSA Office of Defects (ODI) investigation into the airbags installed in the 2018 Porsche Macan.
Airbag Complaints
Most airbag complaints relate to the airbag recall, NHTSA Campaign Number 21V131000, published on March 3, 2021. This states that an airbag won’t deploy during a crash unless the system detects a front passenger. The problem is that the front passenger seat “occupancy sensor mat may degrade and fail to detect a passenger in the front seat.” Porsche dealers are to replace the sensor mat and cushion without charge, but according to complaints, by January 2022, the parts were still not available.
In the absence of a solution, the problem appears insurmountable.
A typical complaint states “it is unreasonable for Porsche to expect me to continually not have a passenger in my front seat when this vehicle is my main means of transportation.”
A complaint from an owner in Georgia says something similar. “I cannot use my car for fear of legal action if I put anybody onto the front passenger seat. This recall has been on since April this year— that’s almost 5 months. I’ve contacted the Porsche dealership so many times and they still haven’t received the parts from the manufacturer.”
An owner in Washington reports that when he took his Macan in for a service after getting an airbag warning light, “The dealer disconnected the seat sensor, thus removing the airbag safety protection system for front seat passengers as the instrument panel shows no occupant in (the) front passenger seat.” This was on November 26, 2021. In his complaint dated March 14, 2022, he says “My concern is, in the event of an accident, that the front seat passengers injuries could be fatal.”
He, and other owners, have every reason to be concerned.
Airbag Investigation
Porsche is just one of many manufacturers that installed Takata airbags, tens of millions of which have subsequently been recalled. There are all sorts of problems including long term exposure to high heat and humidity that can cause the airbags to explode. This eventuality and ruptured Takata airbags have injured and killed people. There are also airbags that incorporate non-azide driver inflators (NADI) that can underinflate or explode when they are deployed.
The ODI opened an investigation on September 17, 2021, to keep tabs on this potentially fatal issue.
The NHTSA has a list of DO NOT DRIVE vehicles. This is updated regularly. You can check the status of your airbags of by using your vehicle identification number (VIN).
Steering Problems
The steering problems described in NHTSA complaints vary. For instance, an early complaint from an owner in Texas states that when turning at slow speeds, there is a sound of rubber rubbing. He says that the ”dealer was finally going to pull the steering wheel,” but he traded the Porsche in instead. Frustrated and cynical, he says, “I’m sure they never found or fixed the problems.”
A totally different problem faced an owner from Illinois whose 2018 Macan had only 800 miles on the clock. “The front stabilizer bar broke in half” while the car was moving. The dealership claimed to have never seen this problem before. They decided the stabilizer bar was defective and repaired it under warranty.
An owner from California describes a “steering column knock and vibration” that happens every time the Porsche turns left or right while going up or down a hill. It also happens at less than 10 mph when going over a speed bump. The complaint states that the problem has occurred since Day 1, and has become louder over time.
“I can feel the issue under the driver’s seat from the rubbing/vibration or whatever is causing the noise. I can also feel a vibration in the steering wheel.” However, the “dealer has refused to fix it claiming ‘unable to replicate the condition’ 4 times now over the course of 2 years.’ Yet, the owner was able to recreate the condition on February 17, 2020 with “the service advisory.” Although documented in the repair order, by March 26, 2002, the problem had still not been fixed.
This particular Macan owner also has fuel pump leak issues, a problem that initiated a recall. The complaint states that the dealer has attempted repairs, but the problem recurs. This, too, is an ongoing issue.
Steering Failure
In a complaint dated November 2022, another owner from California explains how the steering of a 2018 Porsche Macan “completely failed while driving. The steering column detached from the steering rack and steering the vehicle was no longer possible. There was no warning and it’s only by luck that nobody was killed. The defect was confirmed and repaired by the dealer. There is a single bolt that attaches the column to the rack, which if not torqued properly can fall out and lead to this complete failure of steering. I reported (this) incident to the manufacturer, but they have not responded to my case at all.”
The complaint maintains that, “This is a much larger issue than originally thought and has a very high chance of death or injury especially for a high-performance vehicle.”
Engine Control Faults
When a new owner of a 2018 Porsche Macan got an engine control fault error early in 2019, he opened a thread in the Macan Forum. He called it, 3rd time in service, 30 days each time – Lemon Law?
When it happened the first time, he took the Macan in for a service. A couple of weeks later he was told “it was repaired.” But just over a month later he got the same fault. “They could not get the system to perform its own self test, so it was returned to me ‘repaired’. Not even 5 days later it popped up again. This time the engine was very sluggish and there was no throttle response. I filled up and drove 20-30 miles, watching the distance to empty calculation ticking down as I was driving. After that distance it had gone down to 3/4 of a tank. It was really lagging and not accelerating, so I had it towed in. It’s been 2 weeks again, and again they cannot get my car to perform its self test after doing the repair.”
With a factory warranty about to end, he was racing out to other members for a solution.
Another member said it “sounds very similar to what I experienced.” He describes suddenly losing throttle power multiple times. The third time, it lost power for about 5-10 seconds. “Luckily I was not rear ended by the car behind me. The dealer indicated the whole center console wiring fault was the main cause and had been known for some time.”
The dealer replaced the wiring and updated the software as well. This solved the problem.
But why do some dealerships have solutions and not others?
What to do if your 2018 Porsche Macan is a lemon? Your Lemon Rights
If you have a problem that your dealer can’t solve, does this mean you have a lemon? It might be, though not every problem is indicative of lemon status.
If you think your 2018 Porsche Macan could be a lemon, Lemberg Law will be happy to assess your problems free of charge. We have helped many vehicle owners settle cases against manufacturers. Sometimes they agree to buy vehicles back, other times they trade them in, or they replace them.
All you need to do is call the Lemberg Law Helpline or fill out a contact form. It’s not going to cost you anything because the law says Porsche must pay the legal bills for lemon law cases.
Complaint Data
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Nov 21, 2022 |
| State | FL |
| Description | The contact owns a 2018 porsche macan s. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for an oil change, he was informed that the oil had leaked and splashed over the engine compartment. There was also oil on the oil pan underneath the engine. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the engine cover gasket, timing cover gaskets, timing bolts, and other unknown parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a known failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the vin was not under recall. A case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Nov 19, 2022 |
| State | FL |
| Description | I'm filing this complaint because I signed a contract for the purchase of my second vehicle (a porsche macan 2018) using my own financing on august 23rd 2022 with a auto dealership (“ocean mazdaâ€) and the auto dealership waited 3 months to submit the final required bank “dealer funding†document necessary for funding in order to force me to secure dealer financing. In august of 2022 I purchased 2 vehicles with ocean mazda of doral, florida. I purchased a maserati on august 4th 2022 and a porsche macan on august 23rd 2022. During the time of purchasing the vehicle ocean mazda representatives continuously asked if I was interested in securing dealer financing instead of using my own financing for both vehicles. On august 4th 2022 I signed a contract for the purchase of a 2019 maserati using my own financing with ocean mazda successfully submitting the required dealer fund bank document in order to secure funding; while continuously questioning if I was interested in deal funding throughout the process. On august 23rd 2022 I signed a contract for the purchase of a 2018 porsche. Ocean mazda did not submit the dealer funding document and waited 3 months in to secure dealership financing for the purchase of the vehicle. The dealership called to say that the financing fell through, and dealership financing was the only other option too sign a dealership financing agreement or return the vehicle back to ocean mazda; if not, then the vehicle would be report stolen. I'm filing this complaint because I signed a contract for the purchase of a vehicle using my own financing and the auto dealership waited 3 months to submit the final required bank “dealer funding†document necessary for funding in order to force me to secure dealer financing. |
| Category | Steering |
| Date | Nov 18, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | The steering of the vehicle completely failed while driving. The steering column detached from the steering rack and steering the vehicle was no longer possible. There was no warning and its only by luck that nobody was killed. The defect was confirmed and repaired by the dealer. There is a single bolt that attaches the column to the rack, which if not torqued properly can fall out and lead to this complete failure of steering. I reported to incident to the manufacturer, but they have not responded to my case at all. Please also see: nhtsa campaign number: 21v493000 for exact same issue with different model/year. This is a much larger issue that originally thought and has a very high chance of death or injury especially for a high performance vehicle. |
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Mar 14, 2022 |
| State | WA |
| Description | On november 26, 2021 I brought the vehicle in for service due to an airbag warning light. The dealer informed me that the front seat passenger occupancy sensor mat was faulty and must be replaced. The dealer disconnected the seat sensor, thus removing the air bag safety protection system for front seat passenger as the instrument panel shows no occupant in front passenger seat. I have repeated called the dealer only to be told the part was on back-order, but that was four months ago. I have also reached out to porsche and they where not helpful. My concern is, in the vent of an accident, that the front seat passengers injuries could be fatal. |
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Jan 04, 2022 |
| State | FL |
| Description | The contact's wife owns a 2018 porsche macan. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 21v131000 (air bags). The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the parts were unavailable despite having received a letter stating otherwise. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. Consumer has stated since march 24th,2022 nothing has been done. |
| Category | Service Brakes, Steering |
| Date | Dec 20, 2021 |
| State | FL |
| Description | I purchased this vehicle from the collection dealer coral gables, florida. I brought the car in to have them check the brake pedal travel. It seems to me that the brake pedal response to applying the brakes is spongy or too much travel. It feels like the lines have air in them. The service advisor says it is normal for this macan s to feel that way. I still don't think is right. Also, it has been a few times when I am parking the car seems like it wants to accelerate all by itself and I have to apply the brakes not to go over the parking spot stopper or if inside my garage, not to go thru the wall and end up inside my living room. |
| Category | Air Bags, Seats, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Sep 25, 2021 |
| State | GA |
| Description | I cannot use my car for fearing of legal actions if I put anybody onto the front passenger seat. This recall has been on since april this year— that's almost 5 months. I've contacted the porshe dealership so many times and they still haven't received the parts from the manufacturer. |
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | May 21, 2021 |
| State | FL |
| Description | Front passenger seat occupancy sensor mat recall has not been remedy by my porsche dealership within a reasonable amount of time. I have made several attempts, calls, emails, and subsequently reached out to porsche customer services and porsche usa --- all advising someone will reach out and it will be rectified. Subsequently, all I received was a letter with regards to the recall april 30, 2021 however they have been aware long prior about the situation. Even when it went in for service, they detected and service department forgot to mention/address to the representative I work with at the dealership. It is unreasonable for porsche to expect me to continually not have a passenger in my front seat when this vehicle is my main means of transportation. |
| Category | Steering |
| Date | Nov 04, 2020 |
| State | IL |
| Description | The front stabilizer bar broke in half. Car has only 800 miles on it. Dealership has never seen this before and claims defective stabilizer bar. Being fixed under warranty. Car was in motion when this occurred. This was on a city street. |
| Category | Fuel/propulsion System, Steering |
| Date | Mar 26, 2020 |
| State | CA |
| Description | At ~27,000 miles vehicle check engine light came on. Notification on dashboard stated 'driving permitted'. Vehicle was sluggish to start over the next 2 days. Took vehicle to dealer and they identified a fuel pump leak. They replaced the fuel pump and I picked up the vehicle a few days later. Problem occurred again. Took vehicle back to dealer. They kept the car for over 40 days (I still do not have it) and it is being filed under lemon law. The dealer had to replace and test drive the fuel pumps multiple times since the second one also leaked and the replacements leaked as well per the repair order. Porsche is claiming this issue is 'fixed' now but I do not trust it since per the recall it is a design issue and before the recalls are even taking place which is april 2020. The proposed recall fix on consumer report does not seem to address my situation since the failures occurred at the dealer even on multiple replacement parts. The risk is not only a sluggish start due to low fuel pressure but there is a fire hazard from these leaks. Secondly there is a steering column knock and vibration coming from the steering column and/or frame and/or front axle every-time I turn the vehicle right or left while going up or down a hill or over a speed bump |
| Category | Exterior Lighting |
| Date | Aug 23, 2019 |
| State | IN |
| Description | 2018 porsche macan. Consumer writes in regards to dim lighting setting being a safety hazard. *ld the consumer stated the headlights appeared to be pointing in a downward position. *j's |
| Category | Steering |
| Date | Jun 13, 2019 |
| State | TX |
| Description | When turning at slow speeds rubbing rubber sound occurs. Dealer was finally going to pull the steering wheel. I traded it and I'm sure they never found or fixed the problem. |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Mar 18, 2019 |
| State | FL |
| Description | I purchased this porsche macan basic model from a porsche dealership in destin in oct 2018 with 4,000 miles, certified pre owned. The brake pedal has too much pedal travel. I have to push the brake pedal down to far before I feel the brakes engage. I don't feel safe driving this car. It has become a safety issue. On mar 29, 2019 I'm going to take it into the dealership for the 3rd time for the same problem. I've went online and did a google search for this problem and there's several forums with this same base model macan with the same pedal travel issue. Although this car is not the 440 hp turbo model macan, it has 250 hp and it needs to have better brakes than it has. That is why I'm writing this to bring this to your attention incase no one has done this yet. I'm not saying that the brakes don't work, I'm saying there's too much pedal travel before they engage and it's scary when I push on the brakes and they travel too far before they engage. |
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About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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