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2018 Porsche Panamera problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2018 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.
- 8safety recalls
- 12owner complaints
- 1crash report
- 0fire reports
- 13%fail the UK MOT
12 complaints, against an average of 6 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 2018 Porsche Panamera?
The components named most often in the 12 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
Has the 2018 Porsche Panamera been recalled?
8 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.
Electrical System Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Panamera, Panamera 4, Panamera GTS and Panamera Turbo vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of specific model names and model years. Humidity may enter the external coolant pump for the climate control system and cause an electrical short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short circuit increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the external coolant pump and inspect and replace the plug-in connection, if necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed March 6, 2023. Owners will receive a second notice once remedy becomes available, anticipated July 2023. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is APA1.
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017 Panamera 4, Panamera Turbo, Panamera Turbo Executive, 2017-2018 Panamera, Panamera 4S Executive, Panamera 4S, 2018 Panamera Turbo S Hybrid, Panamera 4 Hybrid Sport Turismo, Panamera 4 Sport Turismo, Panamera Turbo S Hybrid Sport Turismo, Panamera 4 Hybrid, Panamera 4 Executive, 2019 Cayenne Hybrid, 2019-2020 Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, 2020 Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne Turbo Coupe, and Cayenne S Coupe vehicles. The instrument cluster may not provide a visual warning when the brake pads are worn out. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light vehicle brake systems."
Risk: If the driver is not alerted when brake pads are worn out, the vehicle may not respond as expected when braking, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall is began December 13, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKB8. Note: This recall supersedes recall 19V115 and includes vehicles that were previously remedied under that campaign.
Electrical System Porsche Cars North America, Inc is recalling certain 2018 Panamera, Panamera 4, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Executive, Panamera 4 E- Hybrid Sport Turismo, Panamera 4S, Panamera Turbo, Panamera Turbo Executive, Panamera 4 Sport Turismo, Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo, vehicles. Incorrect soldering of a control unit may result in the intermittent failure of various systems, possible affecting vehicle driveability.
Risk: Impaired vehicle driveability can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Porsche Cars North America will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began May 17, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKA5.
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2018 Panamera 4 Executive, Panamera 4S Sport Turismo, Panamera 4 Hybrid, Panamera 4 Hybrid Executive, Panamera 4 Hybrid Sport Turismo, Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo, Panamera Turbo S Hybrid Executive, Panamera Turbo S Hybrid, Panamera 4 Sport Turismo and Panamera Turbo S Hybrid Sport Turismo vehicles, 2017-2018 Panamera, Panamera 4, Panamera Turbo Executive, Panamera 4S, Panamera Turbo and Panamera 4S Executive vehicles and 2019 Cayenne S and Cayenne vehicles. The instrument cluster may not provide a visual warning when the brake pads are worn out. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light vehicle brake systems."
Risk: If the driver is not alerted when brake pads are worn out, the driver may lose control of the vehicle while attempting to brake, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began April 19, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKA1/AKA0.
Steering: Electric Power Assist System Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Porsche Panamera, Panamera 4, Panamera 4S, Panamera Turbo, Panamera 4S Executive, Panamera Turbo Executive, 2018 Panamera 4 Executive, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Executive, Panamera S E-Hybrid Executive, Panamera 4 Sport Turismo, Panamera 4S Sport Turismo, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo, Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo, and Panamera Turbo S Sport Turismo vehicles. A software failure may result in an intermittent loss of electric power steering assist.
Risk: An intermittent loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the power steering control unit, free of charge. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AJ13.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S Hybrid Executive, Panamera 4 Hybrid, Panamera Turbo S Hybrid, Panamera 4 Hybrid Executive, Panamera 4 Hybrid Sport Turismo, and Panamera Turbo S Hybrid Sport Turismo vehicles. The brake lines installed on the front axle may corrode over time. Corrosion inside the line may affect the front braking performance.
Risk: Braking ability that is reduced due to a corroded brake line can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake line, and any damaged brake components, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AJ11.
Suspension: Rear Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Panamera 4S, Panamera Turbo and Panamera Turbo Executive and 2018 Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Executive, Panamera 4S Sport Turismo, Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo, Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo, and Panamera 4S Executive vehicles. The connecting links may detach from the rear-axle anti-roll bar potentially damaging the surrounding suspension parts and affecting the vehicle's handling.
Risk: An unexpected change to the vehicle's handling can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connecting links for the anti-roll bar, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AJ06.
Is the 2018 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 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 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 DVSAElectrical power steering wire could become trapped between the cross beam and underfloor cover
Risk: The electric power steering harness could become trapped and damaged.
Fix: Check and replace the electric power steering harness if necessary.
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 DVSAAccelerator pedal may be installed incorrectly
Risk: On affected vehicles there is the possibility the electric plug connection of the accelerator pedal module is not secured correctly due to an assembly error. The assembly error could potentially lead to a loosening of the contact of the electric plug connection of the accelerator pedal and as a result throttle response may no longer be available. If this happens while driving the vehicle will decelerate to a walking pace and it can only be moved with the engine power available at idle speed.
Fix: To prevent this from occuring correct locking of the electric plug connection of the accelerator pedal has to be checked and confirmed by a Porsche dealership.
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 GateThe lower axle tie rod may break.As a result, the vehicle handling may be impaired and there may be a potential loss of control, 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 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 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 2018 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 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 Panamera owners report?
12 of the 12 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 ride height sensor on the right front suspension is mounted to the upper control arm via a plastic bolt and bracket. This plastic mounting component failed under normal driving conditions. The failure caused the ride height sensor to malfunction, which directly affects the vehicle's air suspension system and its ability to maintain proper ride height and handling characteristics. When driving, I received multiple chassis height warning messages stating that the chassis was too high or too low or malfunctioning. The ride height sensor is a critical component of the Porsche Active Suspension…
The main water pump on my 2018 Porsche Panamera 4S failed prematurely. This is not a simple external coolant leak; the internal seal failed, allowing pressurized engine coolant to migrate into the vehicle's vacuum system. The coolant traveled through the vacuum lines and contaminated the vacuum solenoids and change-over valves. This failure mode presents a significant safety hazard because the vacuum system controls critical engine components, including turbocharger wastegates and exhaust flaps. Contamination of these components can lead to sudden loss of power, "limp mode" activation while…
The contact owns a 2018 Porsche Panamera. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the message "Engine Overheating - Park Vehicle" in red letters was displayed on the instrument cluster. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that there was a burning odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, but was not diagnosed; however, the contact was advised by the dealer that the failure could be related to the coolant pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was…
This vehicle has an engine which has rocker arms that are known to fail. The manufacturer has not issued a recall to fix this issue which can result in a catastrophic engine failure. They have acknowledged the rocker arms in pre 2018 models to be defective and insufficiently reinforced to handle the strain of the valve train.
The contact owned a 2018 Porsche Panamera. The contact stated that when he was parking the vehicle, as he had shifted from reverse (R) to drive (D) to straighten the vehicle in the parking spot, the vehicle had inadvertently accelerated at an unknown speed. The contact stated that the vehicle ran through an intersection and crashed into five parked vehicles. The contact stated that he had depressed the brake pedal and was not able to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that his vehicle was stopped by the last vehicle he had crashed into. The contact stated that the police had arrived and…
On my 4th visit to the Porsche dealership and the problem is still not resolved. There are MANY references to the same problem online. The problem: error message on the dash stating REVERSE NOT AVAILABLE and car goes into 3RD gear only and stays there. Only final solution is new transmission which Porsche resists doing It has happened 6 times now. attaching a photo and I have many more of these from 2024
Transmission fault causes car to be stuck in gear and will not shift. This issue appears to be happening quite frequently with these ecars, regardless of mileage. It's dangerous, especially if it occurs on the highway .
Porsche dashboard leather shrunk and pealing out. Vehicle will not deploy the airbags if in accident. It needs to be replaced. It is a common issue. It is a safety hazard.
The contact owns a 2018 Porsche Panamera. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V033000 (Electrical System) 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 made aware of the issue and advised the contact to park the vehicle outside the garage until parts became available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Technology change from 3g to 5g. This discontinues the safety notifications including crash /location alerts. Porsche offered a free replacement, and after dealers had difficulty in installing, Porsche offers a minimum compensation, instead of fixing problem. this will affect all Porsche from 2018 and prior that were set up for 3g network connection . Thank you
The auto in question was, and is, under the new car warranty - While driving forward, one of the automobile's display screens displayed an error message stating "Transmission error - Reverse gear not available"; this in itself is not a major issue as the car was in a forward gear. The major safety issue is that the car would not shift gears once this error message cam up. The error has occurred multiple times and, thankfully, did not happen at a critical time - i.e. merging onto a highway. The first time this happened was on August 6, 2020. Porsche was notified of the issue and I was told…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 PORSCHE PANAMERA. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT 10 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. AFTER THREE ATTEMPTS, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER (PORSCHE WEST BROWARD, 4641 SW 148TH AVE, DAVIE, FL 33331, (954) 719-0199). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,186.
2018 Porsche Panamera: questions owners ask
Is the 2018 Porsche Panamera reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 12 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Porsche Panamera; the most common categories were engine (4, 33.3%), power train (4, 33.3%), electrical system (3, 25%). There are 8 safety recalls. 1 complaint mentions a crash, 1 injury was reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Porsche Panamera?
Across 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (33.3% of complaints), power train (33.3% of complaints), electrical system (25% of complaints), air bags (8.3% of complaints), engine and engine cooling (8.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2018 Porsche Panamera have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2018 Porsche Panamera; 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.
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 2018 only; combines NHTSA's entries for PANAMERA, PANAMERA 4, PANAMERA 4 E-HYBRID, PANAMERA 4 E-HYBRID EXECUTIVE, PANAMERA 4 E-HYBRID SPORT TURISMO, PANAMERA 4 EXECUTIVE, PANAMERA 4 SPORT TURISMO, PANAMERA 4S, PANAMERA 4S EXECUTIVE, PANAMERA 4S SPORT TURISMO, PANAMERA TURBO, PANAMERA TURBO EXECUTIVE, PANAMERA TURBO S E-HYBRID, PANAMERA TURBO S E-HYBRID EXECUTIVE, PANAMERA TURBO S E-HYBRID SPORT TURISMO and PANAMERA TURBO SPORT TURISMO.