Research · Large Cars

2010 Porsche Panamera SRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints for the 2010 Porsche Panamera S. Most complaints involve engine (4) and fuel/propulsion system (1). The EPA rates it 19 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
19mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Aug 2022
Owner complaints
5
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$4,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

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

Exterior lighting: headlights

Free remedy

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2020 Porsche Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, and Cayman S, 2001-2004 Boxster, Boxster S, 2004 Boxster 50 JAHRE SPYDER 550 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all affected models and model years. The caps that cover the low-beam headlight horizontal adjustment screws are missing, which can allow the headlights to be improperly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Exterior lightingReported Aug 30, 2022NHTSA 22V656000

Power train: gear position indication (prndl)

Free remedy

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, 2004-2010 Cayenne, 2006 Cayenne Turbo S, 2010-2016 Panamera S, Panamera 4 S, Panamera Turbo, 2011-2016 Panamera, Panamera 4, 2012-2013 Panamera Turbo S, 2013-2016 Panamera 4 GTS, 2014-2016 Panamera 4 S Executive, Panamera Turbo Executive, Panamera Turbo S G1 II, Panamera Turbo S Executive, 2013 Panamera 4 Platinum Edition, Panamera Platinum Edition, 2016 Panamera 4 Edition, Panamera Edition, Panamera Turbo S Executive Luxury Sports vehicles. The bushing that attaches the gear selector lever to the gearbox may degrade over time, causing the bushing to detach. This condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.

Power trainReported Jun 12, 2019NHTSA 19V446000

Electrical system

Free remedy

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2010-2016 Panamera 4S and Panamera S, 2011-2016 Panamera, Panamera 4 and Panamera Turbo, 2012-2016 Panamera Turbo S and Panamera S E-Hybrid, 2013-2016 Panamera GTS, 2013 Panamera Platinum Edition and Panamera 4 Platinum Edition, 2014-2016 Panamera 4S Executive, Panamera Turbo Executive and Panamera Turbo S Executive, 2015 Panamera Diesel and 2016 Panamera 4 Edition, Panamera Edition and Panamera Turbo S Exclusive Series vehicles. Water may enter the A/C blower control unit, causing an electrical short circuit.

Electrical systemReported Apr 24, 2019NHTSA 19V322000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

5 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2016 – Jun 2023
  1. Engine4
  2. Fuel/propulsion system1
  3. Steering1
  4. Power train1

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 Panamera S model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20105
20111
20131
20155
20163
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

4 reports
“The contact owns a 2010 Porsche Panamera S. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, an unknown warning message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine had failed, however, the mechanic informed the contact that they could not repair the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the engine made abnormal knocking sounds. The contact stated while making a turn, the engine seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who informed the contact that they could not repair the vehicle free of charge because the warranty had expired. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V368000 (Engine) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 20, 2023EngineODI 11527924

Fuel/propulsion system

1 report
“HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, HIGH PRESSURE SENSOR, AND IN TANK FUEL PUMP ALL HAD A FAILURE. ALL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TO THE TUNE OF $2500. READ THERE IS A RECALL ON MOST OF THESE PUMPS BUT NOT THIS YEAR MODEL, WHICH USES THE EXACT SAME PUMP THAT IS BEING RECALLED. THERE HAVE BEEN HUNDREDS IF NOT IN THE THOUSANDS OF THESE HAVING TO BE REPLACED DUE TO FAILURE WHICH CAN CAUSE A SAFETY HAZARD AS THE CAR WILL CUT OFF UNEXPECTEDLY. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL BY PORSCHE NORTH AMERICA THAT COVERS ALL VEHICLES WITH THESE FUEL PUMPS.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 2, 2017Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11012449

Steering

1 report
“ON FRIDAY FEBRUARY 24, 2017 A SMALL FAMILY OF 4 WAS TRAVELLING ALONG INTERSTATE 5 (SOUTH) IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AT 8:03PM CRUISING AT 65 MPH IN THE FAR LEFT PASSING LANE WHEN THE DRIVER FELT A HEAVY VIBRATION AND BEGAN TO LOSE COMPLETE POWER OF THE VEHICLE INCLUDING ALL STEERING, ENGINE, AND BRAKES. THE DASHBOARD DISPLAYED: "REDUCED ENGINE POWER", "CHECK ENGINE OIL PRESSURE" , 'PSM FAILURE', 'START/STOP DEACTIVATION' FOLLOWED BY 'CHECK ENGINE"-WHICH BEGAN BLINKING LEADING TO COMPLETE SHUTDOWN OF ENGINE WHILE TRAVELING AT 45-50 MPH. WITHOUT ANY CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IN THE SAME OCCURRENCE A LOUD SUCTION NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FOLLOWED BY A LOUD DEAFENING NOISE. UPON REVIEW OF THE MANUFACTURE AND CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS THE CAR WAS DIAGNOSED AND IT WAS DETERMINED THE CRANK SHAFT BOLT PULLEY WAS SHAKEN OFF THE CAR CAUSING A COMPLETE CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE RESULTING IN A COMPLETE ENGINE REBUILD. THE PROBLEM LIES IN THE ALUMINUM CAMSHAFT ADJUSTER BOLTS WHICH HAVE A TENDENCY TO SHEER OFF, WHICH PREVENT THE CAMSHAFTS FROM RUNNING. IF THIS OCCURS IN THE CAMSHAFT THAT OPERATES THE VACUUM PUMP, THE POWER BRAKING WILL ALSO FAIL, WHICH WILL…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 22, 2017Steering, Power train, EngineODI 10967672
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Large Cars
Engines
4.8L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 7-spd
Drive
Rear-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 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Panamera S
Auto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 4.8 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
162419$4,200468
  • Panamera S
    Auto 7-spd, 8 cyl, 4.8 L
    16 city · 24 hwy · $4,200/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2010 Porsche Panamera S as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026
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

2010 Panamera S questions

How many recalls does the 2010 Porsche Panamera S have?

4 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 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 2010 Porsche Panamera S problems?

Owners filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (4), fuel/propulsion system (1), steering (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2010 Porsche Panamera S get?

The EPA rates the 2010 Porsche Panamera S at 19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026