Research · Large Cars

2021 Porsche PanameraRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 2 owner complaints for the 2021 Porsche Panamera. Most complaints involve power train (1). The EPA rates it 19–20 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
19–20mpg
EPA · 7 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Jan 2023
Owner complaints
2
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$4,000est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

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

Electrical system

Remedy pending

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Panamera, Panamera 4, Panamera GTS and Panamera Turbo vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of specific model names and model years. Humidity may enter the external coolant pump for the climate control system and cause an electrical short circuit.

Electrical systemReported Jan 27, 2023NHTSA 23V033000

Seat belts: rear

Free remedy

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 911 Carrera Coupe, 911 Carrera S Coupe, 911 Carrera 4 Coupe, 911 Carrera 4S Coupe, 911 Turbo Coupe, 911 Turbo S Coupe, Panamera, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, Panamera 4S, Panamera GTS, Panamera Turbo S, Taycan, Taycan 4S, Taycan Turbo, and Taycan Turbo S vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Seat beltsReported Aug 4, 2021NHTSA 21V608000

Suspension: front

Free remedy

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2021 Taycan, Panamera, Panamera Turbo S, Panamera GTS, Panamera 4, Panamera 4 Sport Turismo, Panamera 4 Executive, Panamera 4S Executive, Panamera 4S, Panamera 4S E-Hybrid, and Panamera 4 E-Hybrid vehicles. The front lower trailing arms were not forged correctly and may break.

SuspensionReported May 17, 2021NHTSA 21V362000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

2 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2022 – Mar 2023
  1. Power train1
  2. Other / unknown1

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 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201134
201213
201312
201412
20156
20163
20171
201812
20205
20212
20221
20232
20242
20261
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

Power train

1 report
“To whom it may concern; I am writing you with deep disappointment as I am experiencing dissatisfaction with the quality of car that I leased on December, 06, 2021. Panamera was always my dream car, however, today it is a life threat to me and my family. The car is experiencing failure during drive, it self shifts itself to neutral while driving as well failed AC system. Yesterday, 3/19/23, on freeway, I almost got into car accident because of that shift. The car suddenly stopped, and almost got hit by other 3 cars behind me. The problem started since December 2022 with a frequency of once or twice a month. I made an appointment with Rusnak Pasadena dealership shop to run diagnostics. They found nothing… based on 15-20 min drive. The problem started increasing in frequency to 2-3 times a week. It is extremely unsafe now. During time I was leasing car, I never missed any payments, was compliant with due dates, being a proper customer to Porsche dealer (which counts back for many years now). Again, I love the car, it is my dream car, however it is a threat now to my life and my family life. I beg your attention to this matter, as it is frustrating and…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 20, 2023Power trainODI 11512917
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

7 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Large Cars
Engines
2.9L 6-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (AM-S8)
Drive
Rear-Wheel 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 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
Auto (AM-S8), 6 cyl, 2.9 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
182420$4,000441
Panamera 4
Auto (AM-S8), 6 cyl, 2.9 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
182420$4,000441
Panamera 4 ST
Auto (AM-S8), 6 cyl, 2.9 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
182320$4,000441
Panamera 4S
Auto (AM-S8), 6 cyl, 2.9 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
182420$4,000445
Panamera 4 Executive
Auto (AM-S8), 6 cyl, 2.9 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
172319$4,200465
Panamera 4S Executive
Auto (AM-S8), 6 cyl, 2.9 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
172319$4,200469
Panamera 4S ST
Auto (AM-S8), 6 cyl, 2.9 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
172319$4,200469
  • Panamera
    Auto (AM-S8), 6 cyl, 2.9 L, Turbo
    18 city · 24 hwy · $4,000/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Panamera 4
    Auto (AM-S8), 6 cyl, 2.9 L, Turbo
    18 city · 24 hwy · $4,000/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Panamera 4 ST
    Auto (AM-S8), 6 cyl, 2.9 L, Turbo
    18 city · 23 hwy · $4,000/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Panamera 4S
    Auto (AM-S8), 6 cyl, 2.9 L, Turbo
    18 city · 24 hwy · $4,000/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Panamera 4 Executive
    Auto (AM-S8), 6 cyl, 2.9 L, Turbo
    17 city · 23 hwy · $4,200/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • Panamera 4S Executive
    Auto (AM-S8), 6 cyl, 2.9 L, Turbo
    17 city · 23 hwy · $4,200/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • Panamera 4S ST
    Auto (AM-S8), 6 cyl, 2.9 L, Turbo
    17 city · 23 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

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Porsche Panamera as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 15765
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 Panamera questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Porsche Panamera have?

3 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 2021 Porsche Panamera problems?

Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2021 Porsche Panamera get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Porsche Panamera at 19–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (7 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026