Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD

2018 Porsche MacanRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 35 owner complaints for the 2018 Porsche Macan. Most complaints involve air bags (10) and fuel/propulsion system (6). The EPA rates it 19–22 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
19–22mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
5campaigns
Latest Jun 2023
Owner complaints
35
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$3,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

5 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Seat belts: rear

Free remedy

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.

Seat beltsReported Jun 26, 2023NHTSA 23V443000

Air bags: front passenger

Free remedy

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.

Air bagsReported Mar 3, 2021NHTSA 21V131000

Fuel system

Free remedy

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.

Fuel system, gasolineReported Feb 12, 2020NHTSA 20V077000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

35 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2019 – Sep 2026
  1. Air bags10
  2. Fuel/propulsion system6
  3. Steering6
  4. Electrical system5
  5. Fuel system, gasoline3
  6. Seat belts3
  7. Exterior lighting2
  8. Service brakes2
  9. Structure1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Macan model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201763
201835
201921
202027
202112
20226
20236
202410
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Air bags

10 reports
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 1, 2026Air bagsODI 11721323

Fuel/propulsion system

6 reports1 fire
“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 endangers our safety. Furthermore, I serve on active duty in the military; reliable transportation is an absolute operational requirement where a mechanical breakdown is not an excused absence. This failure not only threatens our lives from the threat of combustion, but it also severely jeopardizes my military career by stranding me without transport. The car is entirely unsafe to drive or operate on public roads. - Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not yet inspected or reproduced by a professional service center.…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 29, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11767863

Steering

6 reports
“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!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 28, 2025SteeringODI 11683624
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo · 3.0L 6-cyl turbo · 3.6L 6-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (AM-S7)
Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Macan
Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
202522$3,600399
Macan GTS
Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
172319$4,200461
Macan Turbo
Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
172319$4,200467
Macan Turbo Kit
Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
172319$4,200460
  • Macan
    Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    20 city · 25 hwy · $3,600/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Macan GTS
    Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    17 city · 23 hwy · $4,200/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • Macan Turbo
    Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, Turbo
    17 city · 23 hwy · $4,200/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • Macan Turbo Kit
    Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, Turbo
    17 city · 23 hwy · $4,200/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 Porsche Macan as of Oct 27, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 27, 2026Vehicle 12737
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2018 Macan questions

How many recalls does the 2018 Porsche Macan have?

5 safety recalls as of Oct 27, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2018 Porsche Macan problems?

Owners filed 35 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (10), fuel/propulsion system (6), steering (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2018 Porsche Macan get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Porsche Macan at 19–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 27, 2026