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2018 Porsche Macan problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2018 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.
- 6safety recalls
- 36owner complaints
- 0crash reports
- 1fire report
- 6%fail the UK MOT
36 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 2018 Porsche Macan?
The components named most often in the 36 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2018 Porsche Macan owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 36 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2018 Porsche Macan been recalled?
6 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.
Exterior Lighting: Headlights 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."
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.
Fix: 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.
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 2015-2018 Macan vehicles. The fuel pump service cover may contact the flow nozzle on the filter flange of the fuel pump, potentially causing cracks and a fuel leak.
Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Porsche will rework or replace and apply a protective film to the fuel pump flange. in addition, the fuel pump flange will be inspected and replaced if cracks are present. The recall began April 10, 2020. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ALA2.
Equipment Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne Plug-in Hybrid, Cayenne GTS, Cayenne Plug-in Hybrid Platinum Edition, Macan Turbo and Macan GTS vehicles, 2017-2018 Cayenne S, Macan, Cayenne Platinum Edition and Macan S vehicles and 2018 Cayenne vehicles equipped with the optional ski bag. The ski bag fastening strap may have been sewn with incorrect thread, possibly resulting in the strap seams tearing and the ski bag being unsecured in the event of a crash.
Risk: If the ski bag detaches during a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ski bags, free of charge. The recall began January 10, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AJ12.
Electrical System Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2018 Porsche Macan S and Macan vehicles. These vehicles have a control unit that may fail and prevent safety-related functions such as driver display alerts and possibly impair drivability and post-crash functions.
Risk: Failure of the control unit may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected control unit, free of charge. The recall began July 27, 2018. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AJ05.
Is the 2018 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
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 GateThe retaining straps on the vehicle's ski bag may be defective.The ski bag may not stay in position when subjected to a high load.
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 2018 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 2018, 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 2018 Porsche Macan owners report?
12 of the 36 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.
Component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Fuel System / Fuel Pump Flange Area. Yes, the vehicle and the affected components are parked, completely out of service, and available for physical inspection upon request. - How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle is experiencing an active, severe external fuel leak, creating an immediate and extreme safety hazard due to the severe risk of fire or explosion. As a single parent, this is my sole vehicle used to transport my son, and this sudden catastrophic failure directly…
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…
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.
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…
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
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
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…
Upon routine 80k service, discovered that steering wheel column loose due to faulty bushings. Individual bushings could be replaced but manufacturer insists that entire steering column needs replacement. Manufacturer should provide replacement bushings for technician to replace instead of entire column. This is simply an 8mm plastic piece!
OIl leak from "Brocken aluminum bolts" that do not hold up and are failing to hold up from basic car use. A safety recall on this manufacturing parts issue should have been mandatory back in 2015. When this issue started and Macan 2015-2022 all have this issue and are now been replaced with steel bolts. It is costing consumers $2000-$8000 in repairs do the safety issues of bad manufacturing of bolts used . [XXX] Sounds similar to the fiasco with the 958.1 gen Cayenne V8s using aluminum bolts for the Variocam adjusters in the engine which eventually resulted in a NHTSA mandated recall due to…
The airbag light came on in the vehicle. We took it into the dealership, they said we need a passenger airbag sensor mat and seat cushion for the passenger seat airbag system. This item was recalled in 2018 Porche Macon NHTSA Campain ID 21V131000/Recall AMA2. Porche said since our VIN was not included in the recall we have to pay to fix it. They said the only way to get our VIN added was to contact NHTSA. The quote to fix an item that has been recalled was over $1,800. It doesn't seem fair to have to pay for something that has been recalled for this car and is known to be defective. The…
The contact owns a 2018 Porsche Macan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger’s side seat belt alert was inoperable. The contact stated that while a passenger was seated in the front passenger’s side seat without the seat belt buckled, the seat belt alert failed to activate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the feature was not installed in the vehicle when the vehicle was manufactured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was…
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…
2018 Porsche Macan: questions owners ask
Is the 2018 Porsche Macan reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 36 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Porsche Macan; the most common categories were air bags (10, 27.8%), fuel/propulsion system (6, 16.7%), steering (6, 16.7%). There are 6 safety recalls. 1 mentions a fire.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Porsche Macan?
Across 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are air bags (27.8% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (16.7% of complaints), steering (16.7% of complaints), electrical system (13.9% of complaints), fuel system (8.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2018 Porsche Macan have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2018 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 does my 2018 Porsche Macan smell of fuel or gas?
6 of the 36 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Porsche Macan (16.7%) describe a fuel or gasoline smell, or a fuel leak. A related recall exists: campaign 20V077000 (fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump). The fix: Porsche will rework or replace and apply a protective film to the fuel pump flange. One owner wrote: "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…" (NHTSA complaint 11757599, August 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the airbag light on in my 2018 Porsche Macan?
6 of the 36 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Porsche Macan (16.7%) describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. A related recall exists: 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: "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…" (NHTSA complaint 11721323, March 2026). 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 2018 only; combines NHTSA's entries for MACAN and MACAN S.