Last updated: 2026-04-20

2021 Porsche Macan
RELIABILITY SCORE: 59/100 (MIXED)

2021 Porsche Macan Reliability Report

The 2021 Porsche Macan scores 59/100 ("Mixed"). With 1 recall and 8 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.

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

Complaint Severity72/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact68/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity76/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Caution

Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.

Top Issues to Watch

  • STRUCTURE (2)
  • AIR BAGS (1)
  • STEERING (1)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Refresh Year

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?

A 59/100 score puts the 2021 Porsche Macan in the "Mixed" tier. Buyers should approach with eyes open. 2021 received a 2021 update update for the First generation (95B; 2014).

Complaint volume sits above average at 8 owner complaints alongside 1 recalls. Issues in unknown or other (2) tend to be the costly ones.

Treat an extended warranty as non-negotiable and put unknown or other (2) at the top of the inspection checklist.

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: Owners of the 2021 Porsche Macan report two distinct structural issues (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)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

1

recall on record

Park It

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 sold

Segment avg: 17.5

LowAvgHigh
Low

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.

21V2240002021-03-31Park It

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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2021 Porsche Macan? Check its history first

Every 2021 Porsche Macan has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • 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

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (N/A)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (N/A)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Porsche MacanRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

1.5Maintenance rating: 1.5 out of 5

Based 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

Macan
$1265
Category Avg
$859
All Vehicles
$652

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
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Macan 2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S7)192321$3,300
Macan S 3.0L 6-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S7)182420$3,450
Macan GTS 2.9L 6-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S7)172219$3,650
Macan Turbo 2.9L 6-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S7)172119$3,650

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Porsche Macan.

  • Test chime speaker for functionality to ensure audible alerts work

  • Verify auto hold feature on steep hills for proper brake engagement

  • Check sunroof glass for integrity and signs of stress or damage

  • Inspect for any airbag sensor error codes and verify recall status

  • Confirm power train and transmission stability during parking and impact scenarios

2021 Porsche Macan Common Problems by Component

8 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

2
2
1
1
1
1
STRUCTURE (2)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)AIR BAGS (1)STEERING (1)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)POWER TRAIN (1)

STRUCTURE

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Porsche Macan report two distinct structural issues. One complaint describes a vehicle fire that resulted in total demolition, though specific details about the cause are not provided. Another complaint involves the sunroof unexpectedly exploding outward while driving, creating a loud noise and potential for injury from falling glass. The owner of the affected vehicle notes that the glass failure occurred without warning and suggests a potential flaw related to the sunroof's glass integrity. These issues highlight potential safety risks, including fire hazards and the risk of driver distraction or injury from glass breakage.

2 complaints total1 fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Porsche Macan report issues related to vehicle control and audio alert system failures. One owner describes a malfunction with the auto hold feature on steep hills, where the vehicle unexpectedly reversed and the brakes were unresponsive, occurring shortly after purchase and persisting despite a software update. Another owner highlights a failure of the chime speaker at under 11,000 miles, affecting critical safety alerts such as turn signals, seatbelt warnings, and collision alerts. Both issues present significant safety concerns, with the auto hold problem potentially leading to loss of vehicle control and the chime speaker failure resulting in uncommunicated safety alerts. These complaints suggest potential costly repairs and safety implications that used car buyers should consider.

2 complaints total

AIR BAGS

1 complaint
2025-01-11

There 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-related
2021-10-10Crash reported

My 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-related
2021-10-10Crash reported

I 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-related
2025-11-12Crash reported

On 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.

When Do 2021 Porsche Macan Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

0–11,000 milesChime speaker failure

Best & Worst Porsche Macan Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Porsche Macan Years to Buy

The best Porsche Macan year is 2024 with a reliability score of 66/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2023 (66/100) and 2025 (65/100).

Porsche Macan Years to Avoid

The worst Porsche Macan year is 2018 with a score of 57/100, primarily due to air bags (7) issues.

Porsche Macan Reliability Score Trend

Porsche Macan reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 63/100.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Porsche Macan reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201857/100Mixed
201964/100Good
202062/100Good
202159/100Mixed
202265/100Good
202366/100Good
202466/100Good
202565/100Good

Porsche Macan Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202565/100-1Good03
202466/1000Good07
202366/100+1Good06
202265/100+6Good03
2021(selected)59/100-3Mixed18
202062/100-2Good417
201964/100+7Good210
201857/100Mixed1329

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 Porsche Macan reliable?
The 2021 Porsche Macan has a "Mixed" reliability rating (59/100) and may present some ownership challenges. With 1 recall and 8 complaints, buyers should research known issues carefully.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Porsche Macan?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 Porsche Macan include: STRUCTURE (2 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints), AIR BAGS (1 complaints), STEERING (1 complaints), FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2021 Porsche Macan have?
The 2021 Porsche Macan has 1 recall on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2021 Porsche Macan expensive to maintain?
The 2021 Porsche Macan has estimated annual repair costs of $1265/year, which is $406 more than the luxury compact SUVs average of $859. Its reliability score of 59/100 and 8 owner complaints suggest that unexpected repairs are more likely. Budgeting for maintenance reserves is advisable.

Don’t buy a 2021 Porsche Macan without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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