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2016 Porsche Panamera problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2016 Porsche Panamera has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 4safety recalls
- 3owner complaints
- 1crash report
- 0fire reports
- 13%fail the UK MOT
3 complaints, against an average of 7 for the other 10 Porsche Panamera model years.
Every Porsche Panamera model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2016 Porsche Panamera?
The components named most often in the 3 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
Has the 2016 Porsche Panamera been recalled?
4 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
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: Air Bags/Restraint Control Module Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2016-2017 911 and Boxster, 2016 Cayman and Panamera vehicles. The air bag Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have a defective power supply capacitor that can result in air bag deactivation or inadvertent deployment of the air bags.
Risk: Deactivated air bags increase the risk of injury. Inadvertent deployment of the air bags increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will install new software and replace the air bag ECU as necessary, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 13, 2019. Owners received a second notice and the recall began February 12, 2020. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKB4.
Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Gear Position Indication (PRNDL) 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
Electrical System 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.
Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of fire.
Fix: 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.
Is the 2016 Porsche Panamera 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 DVSAARC0 Recall campaign - Re-program 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 DVSAARA1 Replacing front right wheel carrier
Risk: There is a possibility that a wheel carrier that does not meet the required specifications was installed on the right front axle of the affected vehicles during repairs at the Porsche Centre due to a temporary production error.
Fix: To prevent any possible danger resulting from this the front right wheel carrier must be replaced.
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 there is a possibility of humidity ingress into the control unit for the auxiliary pump of the climate control system.On affected vehicles there is a possibility of humidity ingress into the control unit for the auxiliary pump of the climate control system. This can cause malfunctions which can lead to short circuits and a risk of smouldering fire. Activation of the AUTO-REST button can lead to fire damage even after the vehicle has been parked.
Risk: On affected vehicles there is a possibility of humidity ingress into the control unit for the auxiliary pump of the climate control system. This can cause malfunctions which can lead to short circuits and a risk of smouldering fire. Activation of the AUTO-REST button can lead to fire damage even after the vehicle has been parked.
Fix: Replace the additional pump with a variant with an optimized sealing concept.
UK DVSAImprove the engine control system in terms of nitrogen oxide emissions
Risk: Improve the engine control system in terms of nitrogen oxide emissions.
Fix: Engine control software will be updated.
UK DVSAEmission values may be higher on affected vehicles with high mileage
Risk: Emission values may be higher than expected.
Fix: Replace the suction hoses and re-programme vehicle control units.
UK DVSADue to faulty software the display logic of the brake wear indicator is not fulfilled sufficiently
Risk: The required display logic of the brake wear indicator is incorrect.
Fix: The instrument cluster must be re-programmed with updated software.
UK DVSAAir bag control unit may have been installed with a faulty capacitor
Risk: Possible fault within the air bag control unit.
Fix: Software upgrade to the control unit and replacement if faulty.
UK DVSAThe selector lever cable plastic sleeve does not have the required durability and may break
Risk: The transmission selector lever plastic sleeve does not have the required durability.
Fix: Replace the plastic sleeve on the selector cable.
UK DVSAPotential malfunction of the a/c blower control unit
Risk: Possible short circuits in the heater blower control unit.
Fix: Inspect and where necessary replace the control unit.
UK DVSAMissing assignment within the software of the instrument cluster
Risk: Brake pad wear warning light function is incorrect.
Fix: Update software of instrument cluster.
UK DVSAElectric power steering may sporadically be unavailable for a limited period of time
Risk: Electric power steering may be unavailable.
Fix: Re-programme power steering control unit with software upgrade.
UK DVSAConnecting links on the rear axle anti roll bar
Risk: The connecting links on the rear axle anti roll bar cannot be ensured over the life of the vehicle. This may lead to noise and an activated yellow warning light. This may impair the function which is characterised by greater understeer and increased roll behaviour.
Fix: Replacement of the links on the anti roll bar.
UK DVSAParticle filter bracket may detach
Risk: There is a possibility the clamp between the particle filter and the front exhaust pipe is not closed fully due to an unfavourable tolerance pairing.The particle filter could become detached from the exhaust pipe when travelling over bumps for example. This can then cause exhaust gas to leak out and rattling noises. If this happens the customer will notice an exhaust smell and the pre-mentioned noise.
Fix: Affected vehicles will be recalled so the clamp can be checked. Where necessary relevant components will be replaced.
EU Safety GateThe front-right wheel carriers may have a manufacturing defect.This can cause damage and break the wheel carrier, affecting the wheel control and driving stability, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
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 GateMoisture infiltration may lead to corrosion of the control unit for the additional air conditioning pump.This could damage the unit's wiring harness connection over time, possibly leading to short circuits that could cause a fire. Moreover, if the AUTO-REST heating button is activated in the center console after the vehicle has been parked, it could increase 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: Unknown
EU Safety GateA defective capacitor may cause voltage fluctuations in the power supply of the airbag control unit.As a result, the airbags and the seatbelt pre-tensioners may deploy unexpectedly or fail to deploy in the event of an accident, increasing the risk of injury to the occupants.
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 GateThere is a possibility of a short circuit in the air conditioning control system.This is leading to an increased risk of the vehicle catching 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: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe power steering software may be defective.This may cause a sporadic failure of the power steering, increasing the risk 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: Unknown
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 GateRestricted durability of the coupling rods may affect the functioning of the rear anti-roll stabiliser (PDCC).As a consequence, driving behaviour can be impaired.
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 Panamera 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 Panamera owners report?
3 of the 3 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.
The contact owned a 2016 Porsche Panamera. The contact stated that while driving at 2 MPH and while the contact attempted to make a right turn when the brake pedal was depressed, the brakes failed to engage inadvertently. The steering column also became inoperable. The vehicle would not stop and the steering column would not turn, which resulted in an accident. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and a police report was filed; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was declared a total loss by the Allstate Insurance Adjuster. The contact stated that he had previously…
The contact owns a 2016 Porsche Panamera. The contact received a phone call and was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V656000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer notified the contact of the recall and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred him to several dealers for assistance. 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.
I HAVE ALMOST COLLIDED IN SEVERAL INSTANCES DUE TO THE REAR BACKUP CAMERA. IT IS ALMOST USELESS AFTER PORSCHE AUTHORIZED DEALER REPAIR. IT IS NOW A DEFECTIVE BACK UP CAMERA. DEALER SAID WHEN THEY REPAIRED REAR OF MY VEHICLE THEY DID A SOFTWARE UPDATE AND THE REAR CAMERA UPDATE CAUSED THE VISIBILITY TO DRAMATICALLY DECREASE. THERE IS NO FIX OR RESOLUTION SO I HAVE A BACK UP CAMERA THAT IS LIMITED TO VIEWING MY LICENSE PLATE AND THE GROUND BENEATH IT. SO LIMITED AS TO BE ESSENTIALLY USELESS AND IS DANGEROUS TO OPERATE. NEAR MISSED REAR COLLISIONS DUE TO THE DEFECT. WHEN I BACK UP, I CANNOT SEE…
2016 Porsche Panamera: questions owners ask
Is the 2016 Porsche Panamera reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 3 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Porsche Panamera; the most common categories were exterior lighting (1, 33.3%), power train (1, 33.3%), service brakes (1, 33.3%). There are 4 safety recalls. 1 complaint mentions a crash.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Porsche Panamera?
Across 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are exterior lighting (33.3% of complaints), power train (33.3% of complaints), service brakes (33.3% of complaints), visibility/wiper (33.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2016 Porsche Panamera have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Porsche Panamera; the most recent (campaign 22V656000, 2022-08-30) concerns Exterior Lighting: Headlights. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own Panamera
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 PANAMERA, PANAMERA 4, PANAMERA 4 EDITION, PANAMERA 4S, PANAMERA 4S EXECUTIVE, PANAMERA EDITION, PANAMERA EXCLUSIVE SERIES, PANAMERA GTS, PANAMERA S, PANAMERA S E-HYBRID, PANAMERA TURBO, PANAMERA TURBO EXECUTIVE, PANAMERA TURBO S and PANAMERA TURBO S EXECUTIVE.