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2016 Porsche Macan problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2016 Porsche Macan has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 5safety recalls
- 31owner complaints
- 1crash report
- 0fire reports
- 10%fail the UK MOT
31 complaints, against an average of 23 for the other 10 Porsche Macan model years.
Every Porsche Macan model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2016 Porsche Macan?
The components named most often in the 31 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2016 Porsche Macan owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 31 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2016 Porsche Macan been recalled?
5 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Seat Belts: Rear/Other: Anchorage Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Macan S, 2017-2020 Macan, 2017 Panamera Turbo, 2018 and 2020 Macan Turbo and Panamera 4, 2018 Macan Sport Edition, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, and 2019 Panamera 4 Sport Turismo vehicles. The screw that attaches the lower seat belt anchor to the seat frame on the outboard rear seats may not have been tightened properly.
Risk: An improperly tightened seat belt anchor can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace and tighten the lower rear outboard seat belt anchor screws, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2023. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is APA9.
Air Bags: Sensor: Occupant Classification: Front Passenger Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Macan, Macan Turbo Kits, Macan GTS, 2015-2018 Macan S, and Macan Turbo vehicles. The front passenger seat occupancy sensor mat may degrade and fail to detect a passenger in the front seat.
Risk: The air bag will not deploy during a crash if a front passenger is undetected, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sensor mat and seat cushion, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMA2.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Fuel Pump Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Macan S and Macan Turbo vehicles, and 2017 Macan, Macan Turbo with the Performance Package, and Macan GTS vehicles. The fuel pump flange on the affected vehicles may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the flanges, replacing any that are cracked. Flanges that aren't cracked will have a protective film applied. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on July 19, 2017. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AH06.
Air Bags: Sensor: Occupant Classification Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Macan S and Macan Turbo and 2017 Macan GTS vehicles. The passenger occupant detection sensor mat may fail in the front passenger seat, deactivating the front passenger air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag does not deploy as intended, the front passenger has an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sensor mat and seat cushion, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2017. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AH02.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Macan S vehicles manufactured March 27, 2014, to October 27, 2015, and 2015-2016 Macan Turbo vehicles manufactured March 5, 2014, to October 27, 2015. The affected vehicles have a low pressure fuel line in the engine compartment that may leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will install an improved low pressure fuel line, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Porsche mailed an interim notification to owners on November 9, 2015 and will mail a second notice when parts are available. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AF06.
Is the 2016 Porsche Macan recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAARC3 Recall campaign - Re-programming DME control unit
Risk: The software version of the engine control unit does not correspond to the software version that should be on the vehicle.
Fix: Review the software version of the engine control unit and if necessary update it to the correct software version.
UK DVSAOn the affected vehicles it is possible that the screw connection of the seat belt mount to the rear left and/or right seat was not…On the affected vehicles it is possible that the screw connection of the seat belt mount to the rear left and/or right seat was not carried out in accordance with the specifications.
Risk: On the affected vehicles it is possible that the screw connection of the seat belt mount to the rear left and/or right seat was not carried out in accordance with the specifications.
Fix: The screw connection of the seat belt mount to the rear left and/or right seat must be replaced.
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles certain software parameters used in Type Approval were not used in production.On affected vehicles certain software parameters used in Type Approval were not used in production. There are no indications the deviations affect safety and declared fuel consumption and CO2 emissions values.
Risk: On affected vehicles certain software parameters used in Type Approval were not used in production. There are no indications the deviations affect safety and declared fuel consumption and CO2 emissions values.
Fix: Update software.
UK DVSAThe passenger seat occupancy detection system does not currently meet the required standard
Risk: The passenger seat occupancy detection system does not currently meet the required standard.
Fix: The passenger seat occupancy detection sensor mats must be replaced.
UK DVSABottom side of fuel pump servi ce cover may get into contact with connection pipe of the fuel pump
Risk: The fuel pump connection pipe may come into contact with the fuel pump service cover and become damaged
Fix: Re-work the bottom of the service cover
UK DVSAFront passenger airbags may be deactivated
Risk: The seat occupancy detector system may not be to the correct standard and the passenger's airbags may be deactivated
Fix: On affected vehicle replace the sensor mat.
UK DVSAFuel may leak
Risk: Fuel may leak from the low pressure fuel line connector. A very small number of reports where the occupants noticed a smell of fuel have prompted the recall. There is a theoretical/perceived risk of fire.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the low pressure fuel line.
EU Safety GateThe rear seat belt end brackets may be incorrectly attached, which can cause the seat belts to malfunction in case of an accident,…The rear seat belt end brackets may be incorrectly attached, which can cause the seat belts to malfunction in case of an accident, increasing the risk of injury.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateAdverse tolerances combined with external force may cause the lower section of the maintenance bonnet to come into contact with the fuel…Adverse tolerances combined with external force may cause the lower section of the maintenance bonnet to come into contact with the fuel inlet connector on the fuel delivery unit flange. As a result, damage to the fuel inlet connector may occur and lead to fuel leakage, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 28/03/2020
EU Safety GateThe conductive material of the occupancy sensor mats on the passenger seat may tear.This may lead to the deactivation of the front airbag on the passenger side, as a result of incorrect seat occupancy detection, increasing the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 16/04/2021
EU Safety GateIt is possible that the vehicles do not meet the series standards applicable at the time of delivery as regards certain safety systems and…It is possible that the vehicles do not meet the series standards applicable at the time of delivery as regards certain safety systems and assemblies (e.g. seating, front axle control arm bolts, brake components). As a consequence, the cars might be unsafe.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDefective coupling rods of the front stabiliser can affect driving stability.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2016 Porsche Macan fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2016, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2016 Porsche Macan owners report?
12 of the 31 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
Y shaped plastic Coolant line cracks and leaks do to manufactures poor choice of materials! Resulting in engine overheating, and sever loss of coolant! Spraying entire engine compartment under hood white dried up coolant over spay spots with empty coolant reservoir and no heat. You would think that line would be made from an aluminum as it beads to with stand high heat temperatures from being against and engine.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Porsche Macan S with approximately 130,000 miles on the odometer. The contact later obtained a Carfax report on the vehicle and discovered that the last odometer reading was at 190,000. The vehicle was a private dealer sale. The seller was contacted regarding the discrepancy. No further information was available.
The steering felt loose as if the car can loose control
Porsche dashboard leather shrunk and staples pulled out. I was told that if the vehicle was in an accident the airbag might not deploy correctly. The Porsche dealer said it needs replacing. This is a VERY COMMON issue and Porsche is not recalling to fix. Please investigate and make Porsche correct this serious issue. Thank You
Vehicle speeds up and breaks uncontrollably. When stopped it displays several codes on the dashboard 1) power steering fail, increased effort, driving permitted, 2) GRA/ACC fault driving permitted 3) faulty windshield wipers No fault codes are found with a code reader.
The contact owns a 2016 Porsche Macan S. The contact stated that the passenger's side seat failed to detect while the seat was occupied. The air bag off warning light was illuminated, and the passenger's side seat belt failed to chime while the seat belt was not buckled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
My Porsche Service Center advised that the front passenger airbag sensor of my 2016 Porsche Macan Turbo is not functioning properly. The identified fault was: Airbag (variant 002) B12251B "Seat occupancy sensor on passenger side (BOSE) - resistance too high" I have been advised that NHTSA has issued two recalls on this problem. My Porsche Service Center has advised that the originally installed passenger side occupancy sensor was replaced pursuant to one of the recalls. Despite the same problem affecting the presently installed passenger side occupancy sensor, my Porsche Service Center has…
Front brake hoses rub between the steering knuckle and the suspension fork resulting in hose rupture and brake failure. Wear on the hose is visible on both sides.
My 2016 Porsche Macan Turbo steering column failed w/o warning at 7 years & 39,000 miles. November 2022. Porsche Dealer told me car is not safe to drive with steering column able to move up & down. So, I had to pay to have it towed to the dealer. PCNA denied Goodwill coverage of this manufacturing defect! The Service Manager offered to cover 50% & I accepted this offer. So, I had to pay out of pocket $1,643.50. It is not normal for steering columns to fail. The Porsche shop foreman said he has never seen this. Steering columns should last the life of the car.
I need to replace or dismiss this so i can list my car on turo.
I WAS INFORMED AT MY LAST SERVICE THAT I NEED TO HAVE MY PASSENGER AIRBAG SEAT SENSOR REPLACED AND ALSO MY TIMING CHAIN COVER IS LEAKING OIL. I NOTICED ON NHTSA WEBSITE THAT BOTH OF THESE ISSUES ARE DOCUMENTED. THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL FOR SIMILAR 2016 MACAN'S BUT MY VIN ISN'T LISTED. PART 573 SAFETY RECALL REPORT 17V-133. THERE IS ALSO A MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION (#D2000.1)RELATING TO THE OIL LEAK. NHTSA ID # 10182254. THESE ARE VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS AND UNCLEAR WHY THEY SHOULDN'T BE COVERED BY PORSCHE WHEN THEY ARE DOCUMENTED PROBLEMS.
TRAVELING ON ROADWAY, WARNING ON DASH "ELECTRONIC STEERING FAILURE", UNABLE TO STEER VEHICLE, RAN OFF ROADWAY, TOTALED CAR. PORSCHE SAYS THERE IS NOT A PROBLEM.
2016 Porsche Macan: questions owners ask
Is the 2016 Porsche Macan reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 31 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Porsche Macan; the most common categories were air bags (15, 48.4%), engine (4, 12.9%), steering (4, 12.9%). There are 5 safety recalls. 1 complaint mentions a crash, 1 injury was reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Porsche Macan?
Across 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are air bags (48.4% of complaints), engine (12.9% of complaints), steering (12.9% of complaints), electrical system (6.5% of complaints), forward collision avoidance (6.5% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2016 Porsche Macan have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 Porsche Macan; the most recent (campaign 23V443000, 2023-06-26) concerns Seat Belts: Rear/Other: Anchorage. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the airbag light on in my 2016 Porsche Macan?
6 of the 31 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Porsche Macan (19.4%) describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. 2 related recalls exist: campaign 21V131000 (air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passenger). The fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sensor mat and seat cushion, free of charge. One owner wrote: "A safety recall nhtsa id 21v-131 was issued for our vehicle in october 2021 involving airbag sensors for the front passenger. several attempts to have the dealer address this recall have been unsuccessful as they do not have the parts to remedy the issue." (NHTSA complaint 11447024, January 2022). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own Macan
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2016 only; combines NHTSA's entries for MACAN S, MACAN S DIESEL and MACAN TURBO.