Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD

2021 Porsche MacanRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 12 owner complaints for the 2021 Porsche Macan. Most complaints involve service brakes (4) and power train (3). The EPA rates it 19–21 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
19–21mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Mar 2021
Owner complaints
12
Top: service brakes
Fuel cost / yr
$3,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Suspension: shock absorber

Park It: do not driveFree remedy

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.

SuspensionReported Mar 31, 2021NHTSA 21V224000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

12 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2021 – Sep 2026
  1. Service brakes4
  2. Power train3
  3. Air bags2
  4. Structure2
  5. Electrical system1
  6. Engine1
  7. Steering1
  8. Other / unknown3

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
4
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

Service brakes

4 reports4 crashes
“I was driving at a low speed, less than 30 mph, and was approaching a curve in the road. I attempted to slow down by pressing the brake pedal, but the vehicle did not decelerate. Instead, it seemed to accelerate. I panicked and repeatedly pressed the brake pedal several more times, but the vehicle remained out of control. The vehicle left the roadway, went down a steep slope, struck bushes and tree branches, and eventually came to a stop. All four airbags deployed, and I observed smoke that appeared to be associated with the airbag deployment. The front ,side,underside and lower portion of the vehicle sustained impact damage. At no time before the accident did I observe any warning lights or messages indicating a problem with the braking system or any other vehicle system. Based on my experience during the incident, I believe the vehicle experienced a brake malfunction, as the brakes did not respond when I attempted to slow or stop the vehicle.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 23, 2026Service brakesCrash reportedODI 11752523

Power train

3 reports2 crashes
“Vehicle developed a check engine light and camshaft sensor fault at approximately 48,000 miles. Engine began making abnormal ticking noise and later entered reduced power/limp mode condition. Vehicle was initially evaluated by an authorized Porsche dealership, where damage to the camshaft trigger/tone wheel and internal mechanical concerns within the valvetrain were identified through diagnostic evaluation and bore scope inspection. Supporting documentation from the authorized Porsche dealership, including bore scope video and diagnostic findings, has been retained. A Porsche-focused independent repair facility later identified a fractured rocker arm within the valvetrain assembly as the root cause of the failure. The failed rocker arm caused contact damage to the camshaft and related components. Repair facility advised that further movement of the failed component could have resulted in catastrophic engine failure. Failed component has been retained and documented with photographs. Vehicle required major valvetrain and camshaft repair. Concern involves internal engine component failure at relatively low mileage with potential loss of power and severe engine damage.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 12, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11737280

Air bags

2 reports
“The seat occupancy sensor fails and deactivates passenger air bag. A previous recall exists for 2015-2018 but the issue continues to occur in 2021 Macan models: [XXX] Requesting the recall include model years 2015-2021”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 30, 2026Air bagsODI 11768083
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 · 2.9L 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
192321$3,800426
Macan S
Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
182420$4,000441
Macan GTS
Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 2.9 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
172219$4,200459
Macan Turbo
Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 2.9 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
172119$4,200471
  • Macan
    Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    19 city · 23 hwy · $3,800/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Macan S
    Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    18 city · 24 hwy · $4,000/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Macan GTS
    Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 2.9 L, Turbo
    17 city · 22 hwy · $4,200/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • Macan Turbo
    Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 2.9 L, Turbo
    17 city · 21 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 2021 Porsche Macan as of Oct 27, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 27, 2026Vehicle 15769
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

2021 Macan questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Porsche Macan have?

1 safety recall 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 2021 Porsche Macan problems?

Owners filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (4), power train (3), air bags (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2021 Porsche Macan get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Porsche Macan at 19–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 27, 2026