Last updated: 2026-10-10

2021 Porsche Macan Reliability Report
The 2021 Porsche Macan has mixed reliability, well below other 2021 SUVs, and carries a do-not-drive suspension recall.
Recalls
1
Complaints
8
Complaint Rate
3.6per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$1265
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,300–$3,650
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Rates below both the 2020 and 2022, with a do-not-drive suspension recall and reports of sunroof glass bursting while driving.
Top Issues to Watch
- STRUCTURE (2)
- AIR BAGS (1)
- STEERING (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 received a 2021 update update for the First generation (95B; 2014).
- Changes: Updated design features; Subtle changes including new technologies.
- Year 7 in this generation (2015–2026).
- 1st generation Macan (US).
What this means for buyers
Refresh years bring updates but can also introduce new issues. Check early recall data before buying.
2015: First generation (95B; 2014) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2016: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2019: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2021: This Model Year (Refresh)
2021 received a 2021 update update for the First generation (95B; 2014).
Should You Buy the 2021 Porsche Macan?
Reliability for this year is mixed, and it ranks well below average among 2021 SUVs. Within the Macan's scored model years, it is among the weaker of eight. Both neighboring years rate better. The 2020 drew more complaints and more recalls but still rates better, and the 2022 has only a few complaints and no recalls. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs at $1,265 across the model, against $859 for its class.
Owners filed 8 complaints, and 3 involve crashes. The clearest symptom is sunroof glass bursting outward while driving, with no warning and a bang like a gunshot. The noise can startle a driver into swerving. One dealer blamed a rock strike, and insurance paid. A separate owner reported the car got stuck and then caught fire, with no cause given. Only two complaints fit this pattern, so no wider trend shows. Federal recall records list one suspension recall, and it is a do-not-drive recall.
Check the VIN for that recall and get proof the work was done before you buy. Ask for any sunroof repair records. A 2022 or 2020 is worth comparing, since both rate better.
Compared to the 2022 Porsche Macan, which scored 6 points higher. See also the 2020 Porsche Macan for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Low recall count
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- −Below-average reliability score
- −Above-average repair costs for its class
- −Frequent unscheduled repairs
- −STRUCTURE: Sunroof glass bursts outward while driving, with no warning and a loud bang... (2 complaints)
Compare 2021 Porsche Macan With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
HIGH RISK- STRUCTURE (2)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2021 Porsche Macan carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
3.6
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 16.7
Safety Incidents
3
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Porsche Macan Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2021 Porsche Macan. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SUSPENSION
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Porsche Macan, Macan S, Macan GTS, and Macan Turbo vehicles. The screw connection on the shock absorbers of the front and rear axle might not be tightened properly.
Consequence
A failed screw connection may cause damage to the braking system, driving instability, and the potential loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy has been performed. Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will rework and tighten the screw connections, free of charge. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AMA8.
Buying a used 2021 Porsche Macan? Check its history first
Structure problems lead owner complaints about the 2021 Porsche Macan, and 1 recall was issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2021 Porsche Macan NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
Porsche MacanRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
1.5Maintenance rating: 1.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$1265
vs $859 avg for luxury compact SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
1.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
20%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
19–21 MPG
Running cost: $4,550–$4,900/yr
Fuel + repair
17–19 city / 21–24 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macan 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 19 | 23 | 21 | $3,300 |
| Macan S 3.0L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,450 |
| Macan GTS 2.9L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,650 |
| Macan Turbo 2.9L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 17 | 21 | 19 | $3,650 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Porsche Macan.
Stop on a steep hill with Auto Hold engaged and confirm the car holds without rolling backward.
Ask for service records showing any Auto Hold or brake software updates and any repeat visits for rollback.
Turn on the signals and leave a seatbelt unbuckled to confirm the warning chimes sound.
Inspect the sunroof glass for chips, cracks or signs of replacement, and ask for any glass repair records.
Drive up a hill with the windows down and listen for clicking near the right rear wheel.
Check the vehicle history report for fire damage or insurance claims involving the roof glass.
2021 Porsche Macan Common Problems by Component
8 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
STRUCTURE
2 complaintsSafety-relatedSunroof glass bursts outward while driving, with no warning and a loud bang like a gunshot. The noise can startle a driver into swerving. In that case the dealer blamed a rock strike, and the owner's insurance paid for the repair. A separate report says the car got stuck and then caught fire, destroying it. No cause is given. Only 2 complaints are on file here, and 1 involves fire, so no wider pattern shows yet. Both failures carry real crash or fire risk.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsThe chime speaker fails, which silences the turn signal click, seatbelt reminders and system fault warnings. One failure came before 11,000 miles. Another report describes the car rolling backward on a steep hill with Auto Hold engaged while the brakes failed to stop it. A dealer software update did not fix it, and the problem came back worse. That report also mentions a clicking noise from the right rear wheel on hills, which the dealer called normal. Rolling back on a hill is a clear crash risk.
AIR BAGS
1 complaintThere was a recall on the passenger sideair bag sensor for previous years but the issue is still occurring in my 2021 Porsche macan turbo. The error code reports a faulty air bag sensor. The recall should be extended to later year models. Thank you
STEERING (1 complaints)
STEERING
1 complaintSafety-relatedMy daughter accidentally tried to reverse in auxiliary mode- she had the radio on and did not realize the engine was not on The car went into reverse and she had no brakes or steering to stop the car Mercedes - BMW- Range Roger - Tesla - we have checked these cars and it isn’t possible to do this scenario in those cars Porsche said the car is fine and if she was 6’3” and weighed 250 it would be difficult but possible to apply enough pressure to the brakes - she weighs 100 pounds so it wasn’t physically possible My husband has a Five year old convertible Mercedes - he tried to recreate this scenario in his car. The first thing that happens is the emergency brake won’t let him reverse . When he released the brake with the engine off and the radio on it did reverse but the brakes worked normally I have friends with Tesla / BMW / and Range Rover all check their cars and they all have safety features preventing the car to go in reverse or it still has normal brakes My daughter had an accident and luckily nobody was hurt This seems dangerous
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaintSafety-relatedI wrote earlier today but now I found out the Porsche Cayenne and Porsche 911 all have safety feature lacking in the new macan - if u try to reverse with the engine off a message will come on that says to turn on the engine and engage the gear. The macan can reverse with no engine on and then you have no brakes and no power steering . There is a small window of one attempt according to Porsche to use the brakes but you would need to be a strong large man to accomplish the amount of effort required per the dealership - this was not reviewed at the time of purchase .. it seems this safety feature has been around for at least a decade and I am not sure why the macan hasn’t upgraded this important feature or let the customers know in advance We have $5,000 of damage to the car We have $5000 of damage to the house and we will be without a car for 4-8 weeks depending on if parts are here or in Germany
POWER TRAIN (1 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
1 complaintSafety-relatedOn November 12, 2025 the transmission, power train, and/or other components on my Porsche Macan S failed. My Macan was parked (gear selector in "Park") on a level surface, the ignition turned off and the key removed from the ignition when it was tapped from behind by another vehicle that was exiting a residential garage. The Macan proceeded to roll over two hundred feet from the impact, jumped two curbs, crossed a street with active traffic, and finally stopped when it hit a tree. There was extensive damage to my vehicle but fortunately there were no injuries because the Macan was unmanned at the time of impact. If there were pedestrians and/or other vehicles crossing the path of the Macan they would have been hit. There were no warning signs prior to the failure. This incident has been reported to Porsche Cars North America, Inc. ("PCNA"). I requested an inspection of my vehicle at an authorized Porsche repair dealership but was told: "PCNA has determined that our involvement would not be required in this matter therefore, we are unable to investigate it further". PCNA has disavowed any responsibility for the manufacturer's defect that endangers other drivers, pedestrians and me, given the risk of reoccurrence.
Best & Worst Porsche Macan Years
Best Porsche Macan Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scorePorsche Macan Years to Avoid
Porsche Macan Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 57/100 | Mixed |
| 2019 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 59/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 65/100 | Good |
Porsche Macan Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Porsche Macan reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Porsche Macan?
Does the 2021 Porsche Macan have sunroof problems?
Has the 2021 Porsche Macan been recalled?
How much does the 2021 Porsche Macan cost to repair?
Don’t buy a 2021 Porsche Macan without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2021 Porsche Macan
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2021 Porsche Macan does best on how many systems draw complaints (76/100) and worst on repair costs (30/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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